“Jesus Teaches: On Judging and Judgmentalism”
Luke 6:36-42
June 29, 2025
While Jesus was known as a compelling speaker and a plain speaker, He was regularly misunderstood. And He continues to be misunderstood. One of the most misunderstood statements is the one that is in our passage this morning, “Do not judge and you will not be judged…”
What does that mean? Many have understood it to mean that no one can be criticized or corrected for their choices; no one can be called to repentance or change. Others have suggested that Jesus was even abolishing all human courts (Tolstoy). So, what is Christ teaching?
The passage is in the heart of Jesus’ well known message, the Sermon on the Mount. In that sermon, He is teaching His disciples about the gospel and the implications of the gospel. Jesus was speaking against the commonly held beliefs and teachings of the Pharisees and giving a correct interpretation of the Old Testament and the Law as it related to spiritual life. The Pharisees hypocritically believed that legalistic observance of the Law was all that was needed to obtain God’s favor (and righteousness). Jesus corrected that false idea by teaching that God was interested in the heart rather than mere outward conformity.
And in this passage He addresses the common practice of exalting self and criticizing others. What is the role of criticism in our spiritual lives (or is there a role)? In three brief sections, Jesus teaches —
Be spiritually discerning — particularly about your own righteousness.
In this passage, Jesus compels his followers to examine themselves instead of others. Jesus’ calls to self-examination can be turned into three questions to ask ourselves (which is fitting as we come to communion)…
- Are You Merciful? (vv. 36-38)
- Are You Leading and Following Well? (vv. 39-40)
- Are You Righteousness or Self-Righteous? (vv. 41-42)
Download the rest of this sermon on Luke 6:36-42.
The audio will be posted on the GBC website by Tuesday.
Words of Grace 