For the past week, I have been studying Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in the book of Matthew. I have been in a period of examining my faith and trying to dive deeper into what it really means to be like Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount is such a practical guideline to grasp imitating Christ. It is full of ethics and morality, love and compassion, and the fear of God.
When I reached Chapter 7, I became curious about the contextual meaning of the word “judge” in 7:1. The Greek word for “judge” is “krino” and in this instance, it means to “form or express an opinion to a person or thing unfavorably.”
Now, the purpose of this particular passage was directed to the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders as well as those in the crowds who subscribed to the Pharisaical way. In Biblical times, the Pharisaical way was burdensome, prejudiced, and oppressive to most with its legalistic rules and because of this, some Jews felt trapped, enslaved, and fearful that no move could be made without permission. Contextually speaking, Jesus was calling them hypocrites for enforcing unnecessary rules on the people while they themselves walked freely (Matthew 7:3–5, ESV). Therefore, Jesus was telling them and those who follow them that their lack of grace, compassion, and perpetual judgment will be served back to them but by God Himself (Matthew 7:2, ESV).
The Greek definition of “judge” offers us an understanding of expressing to the person, not condemning, shaming, and guilt tripping them. Unfortunately, in our post-modern society, linguistic and contextual understanding is deemed unreasonable and intolerable. Consequently, it has become quite the task to clarify to people that we do not judge the person, but the behavior coming forth.
I hear stories from people and from social media who work with individuals that have shown how difficult it is becoming to communicate or discipline or provide feedback because they begin to say they are being discriminated against. Certain behaviors are becoming so unbearable that it is beginning to infect the workplace and people do not speak out because of the claims of discrimination. However, what needs to be understood is that it is not them personally, it is the behavior. Judging a book by its cover happens because of the cover people show. Likewise, it is the fruit that is being produced that gets examined. The repetitive nature of immoral behavior can poison the person physically, emotionally, and spiritually and have detrimental effects to those around them because of the fruit they inevitably produce. Sadly, people have interwoven their identity and behavior so tightly, that any reach to the person to suggest an examination of themselves is seen as discrimination and condemnation.
We must understand that Christ came to save the sick (Luke 5:31–32, ESV) and the sickness is the heart (Jeremiah 17:9) which drives a person’s behavior. We do not judge you to judge you, but to inform you of the need for Christ.
You need Christ. I need Christ. We all need Christ.
Our world is so infected with sin that we have become so offended by the mere suggestion of being healthy. Of there being another, better way. A way not just for here and now, but for eternity. A way where our identity is not found in the muck and deceptions of the world, but in Christ and His peace and purity.
Unbelievers, we love you and so does God. Like Him, we do not want any to perish (John 3:16, ESV). We are not trying to oppress you with millions of legalistic rules and regulations. We are not trying to burden you, for Christs’ burden is light and His yoke is easy (Matthew 11:30, ESV). We are trying to show you, to express to you that you can be set free and gain eternal life. Trust me, your definition of judgment is not what it seems. Your definition of judgment derives from a Pharisaical way, the fleshly way. The Biblical definition of judgment is not from the flesh or man, but from the Spirit. The fruit is judged, not you. We are not judging your heart, for only God can know that (1st Samuel 16:7, Jeremiah 17:10, ESV). But if you say you are a good person, then turn around and curse your brother, you have committed murder in your heart (Matthew 5:21–22, ESV) so expect to be called out for it, for a healthy tree bears good fruit (Matthew 7:17–18, ESV).
Likewise, believers, stop condemning! It is not our place to damn and condemn. If we are going to correct each other, make sure you are right with God yourselves. Do not point out the specs in others while continuing to be blinded by your own log (Matthew 7:3–7, ESV). Paul says to Timothy in 1:5, “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” In other words, the intentions, discipleship, mentoring, and evangelizing we do must come from a heart that is guiltless, upright, filled with integrity, and stands on virtue. Our lifestyles need to match up better. The problem is not with the sentiments in God’s Word. The problem is with us, failing to exemplify Christ in our behavior.
Believers and unbelievers, examine yourselves on both sides of the coin.
