Do Not Judge?, Part 2 [Mt 7:1-2]

The definition of the verb for “judge” is – to discern, distinguish or form an opinion of someone or something, especially after thought or consideration. When someone says, “She’s a good person,” her or she is making a judgment of one’s character. Just as when someone says, “She’s a bad person.” But why is the first ‘judgment’ more ‘acceptable’ than the second? Is it because the second one is negative? Well, what if it were true? And even if it is considered to be true, how does one become qualified to make a judgment as to whether another is ‘good’ or ‘bad’? Well, I guess we shouldn’t judge. Is that possible? What would happen if there was no ‘judging’ in the world (home, work, schools, church, government, society)? Not to mention – looking for the ‘right’ mechanic or doctor or babysitter or tutor or therapist or spouse. So, what does Jesus mean when HE says in Mt 7:1 – Do not judge? What does the rest of that verse say…and the four verses that follow? And we can throw in vs12 and also ask – How does Jesus sum it all up? 

Context is so very important…in all of life. It is especially important when it comes to how we are to read and seek to understand the meaning behind the divinely-inspired words of Scripture. Every time we study God’s Word, we should constantly be asking ourselves – What does God mean? What is His Word telling me personally about The God that HE is and what HE (as ultimate authority) expects of and from me? In the beginning of Mt 7, Jesus is purposing to do two things: enlighten and admonish. To those who are open to Jesus on His terms, He is helping to embrace a constructively-correcting spirit that builds up. For the others, HE rebukes them for adopting a critically-condemning spirit that tears down. 

In chapters 5-7 of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus preaches His Sermon on the Mount. Some believe that this was one very long sermon; while others believe it may have been a collection of messages that Jesus gave publicly. In these three chapters, Jesus is speaking to the people-at-large. Yet, at times, He was clearly aiming at the religious leaders and their self-righteous pride in how they viewed themselves and how they viewed others. Theirs was a distorted perspective motivated and empowered by an ungodly intent to magnify their ‘self’ image. Although they learned how to deceive most by looking righteous on the outside, Jesus told them in Mt 23:27-28 that on the inside they were as dead as dead men’s bones.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. So, you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

The Pharisees saw themselves as qualified to act as judge (and jury) and they had the robes to prove it. They not only set the standard; they were the standard. They gladly accepted the praise of others, but never equality. At the root of every sin is pride, the desire to do the very opposite of what Jesus said was necessary in order to be His disciple – deny self [Lk 9:23]. How do you see yourself? How do you choose to see others? This is Jesus’ overall point in Mt 7:1-5, as He brings up this issue of judging.

First, it seems as if He is dealing with why we are not to judge. But a closer examination will reveal that in using the words “in order that” or “so that,” He actually is revealing “how” not to judge. 

¹ Do not judge in order [so] that you may not be judged. 

Right away, Jesus is getting the attention of His hearers. Ultimately, who will be judging all of us? This is a good question to consider. Verse 1 should grab our attention and prepare us to humbly receive what The God who created this world and who wrote this Scripture says next in vs2.  

² For in the way you judge (for in which judgment you judge) you will be judged; and by your standard of measure (in which measure you measure), it will be measured to you.

Again, Jesus is speaking publicly to all the people, but He is aiming at the religious leaders and their false hypocritical faith. They were not concerned about the spiritual state of the people they were supposed to be ministering to. They were only concerned about themselves and how they were seen and admired. Jesus accused them of being the offspring of the devil himself. Sin always distorts our vision and puts us in no position or spiritual condition to be able to help others deal with their own sin. Whenever we criticize with contempt, we reveal that we have not fully grasped nor are we in the grip of God’s grace. 

Next week, we will look at vss 3-5. For now, let’s allow these two verses to reveal to us how a critically-condemning spirit can lead one to look for and find fault with others while he sees himself as righteously qualified to do so. A constructively-correcting spirit will lead one to look for and see the potential in others while knowing how we all can fall short at times. One has the goal to build up, the other to tear down. One has the purpose to mend, the other to maim. One is controlled by The Spirit of God and led to sanctify (make holy), while the other is controlled by the flesh and led to vilify (abuse or defame). 

Here are some things to consider when it comes to making the ‘right[eous]’ judgments. When you feel you ‘need’ to share someone else’s “issues” with others, do you do so by showing contempt or concern? Is your motive to maim or to mend? Do you look for the good in others or the bad? Are you trying to build up your own appearance by tearing down the character of another? Are you representing Christ and speaking on His behalf – Is what you are communicating to someone about another person leading them closer to Christ or leading them further away? Lastly, do you believe that spiritually you are in a place to where you can allow God to use you to help someone who is spiritually needing help [Gal 6:1]. One last test – If you do feel you are in this “right” place, then are you first discussing this ‘issue’ with the person who has this particular issue…as Jesus says we are all to do [Mt 18:15]. More, next week.