“Do not judge” – this must be one of the most loved and most quoted Bible verses! Whereas in the past it would have been John 3:16, now everyone loves saying “do not judge”. But what was Jesus actually getting at when he said “do not judge”?
As with all Scripture, we need to read in context. Later in the same chapter He says “watch out for false prophets” so He can’t be saying that we must accept everything anyone says. Jesus wants His disciples to be discerning. Later in the same gospel, He tells us to speak to people about their sin (Matthew 18:15).
So what does Jesus mean when He says “do not judge”? Well again the context is helpful, He has just been teaching lots of moral lessons about anger, adultery, money that could have left people thinking, “I wish so and so heard that.” Jesus is saying, apply it to yourself before you apply it to others! This would fit with what He goes on to say in the next verses about the plank in the eye and the speck of dust.
Jesus is saying, before you speak to anyone about their sin, examine yourself first. You can’t be trying to fish out a speck from someone else’s eye when there is a branch hanging out your own! Whenever we read God’s Word, or listen to a sermon we should first ask what is God saying to me through this, where do I need to change. Jesus ends his teaching by telling us this is the way to build your life, by putting His word into practice.
When we find Jesus’ teaching hard, we need to ask for His help (Matthew 7:7). It’s worth asking, are you allowing Jesus to change you? Are you building your life on the rock? Are you on the narrow path or the broad road to destruction? How we listen to Jesus makes all the difference now and forever.
Light and Momentary Troubles 
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