![]() ![]() Jesus did not forbid it but gave practical directions for it. In fact, four of the five verses of the text contain warnings to those who criticize or condemn others. This first part of these verses serves as the first of several warnings in the text on the serious nature of judging. (4) Christ’s teaching on judging others included a broad range of accusations: from criticism to charging one liable to trial and punishment.Īt first glance, it appears that Christ totally denounced and forbade criticism of others. (3) Liddell, Scott, and Jones define it to accuse or to bring to trial. (2) Thayer defines it as to separate and put asunder. Louw and Nida define it to judge one guilty and liable for punishment. (1) Other Bible scholars define it more thoroughly. The reputable Strong’s Concordance agrees with this definition. What did Jesus mean by the word, judge? According to The Amplified Bible, “to judge” meant to criticize or condemn. Jesus began his directions on judging others with the statement, The text in Matthew 7.1-5 describes Christ’s teaching on judging others. He even redefined some specific aspects of God’s law, i.e., the Law of Moses. In it, Christ defined specific aspects of thought and actions that would differentiate his followers from all others. This Sermon pronounced Christ’s first major declaration of his Kingdom and the characteristics of those who belong to it. Prior to it, Jesus performed several miracles, faced and overcame temptation from satan, introduced the presence of the Kingdom, called several disciples, and identified himself as the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah. He gathered his followers and the massive crowds that trailed him to a mountain near Capernaum at the northern part of the Sea of Galilee and taught them there.Īccording to “Smith’s Dictionary Timeline” Jesus gave this Sermon near the end of his first year of earthly ministry. The passage in Matthew 7.1-5 starts the last chapter in Christ’s famous Sermon On The Mount which begins in Matthew chapter 5. Matthew 7.1-5 reports a prominent description of his commands, although Luke also describes them along with some other commands in his gospel, Luke 6.32-42. In so doing, perhaps they hope to defend or legitimize their actions and statements, to deflect valid conclusions, or maybe even to silence critique.ĭid Jesus command his followers not to judge others? If so, where does the Bible state his command? Yes, Jesus did give directions to his followers regarding their judgments of others. Sometimes, and increasingly so in our day, those whom we judge respond, “Jesus said not to judge.” Leaders in the Christian community who bear the wrath of believers and unbelievers resort to it. Least often do we judge others based upon Biblical foundations. Most often we make judgments based upon our opinions, not facts. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |