JOHN 7:20–24
“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment”
(John 7:24).
The Jewish leaders had passed a rash judgment concerning Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath. So rash was their judgment that they immediately wanted to bring about the full penalty of the law for His “breaking” the Sabbath. Jesus rebukes them for their superficial and unsound judgment, and this rebuke is extended to all who call themselves religious but who make rash judgments instead of soberly evaluating all the evidence in light of God’s Word. Such behavior, unfortunately, is all too common in our homes, communities, and churches. We look at the “appearance” of things, make a quick judgment, and demand a harsh penalty; we base our judgment on our shallow understanding of the circumstances. Such behavior can tear apart relationships, embitter families, and shatter the unity of churches.
In what way was the judgment of the Pharisees rash and shallow? Jesus reveals the inconsistencies of their own judgments by giving an example. There were many religious activities that were allowed on the Sabbath. One such activity was circumcision. Because the Mosaic law required the parents of a newborn to circumcise the child eight days after his birth, that circumcision rite had to proceed even if the eighth day fell on the Sabbath.
Circumcision was a type of ceremonial cleansing of one part of the body, and if this cleansing was allowed on the Sabbath, how could the actual cleansing of the entire body and soul be forbidden? This was Jesus’ point. All the Jews saw was a man walking around with his mat. They failed to see the glorious miracle that had taken place and it’s significance regarding the mercy of God in cleansing His people and healing them of their sins. They failed to look deeper, to consider their own heritage, and to take into account the teaching of Jesus as it related to their own traditions. Because of this failure, Jesus rebuked them: “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” Jesus does not say, “Do not judge at all.” But when you do judge, soberly weigh all the evidence according to what is true and right, not according to your own immediate perception of the circumstance. Compare the facts to God’s Word, and then make a righteous judgment.
CORAM DEO
2 Samuel 21–22
Luke 22:1–30
Read Matt. 7:1–5. Is Jesus teaching that you can never make a judgment concerning someone’s behavior? What is He teaching in this passage? How does this teaching relate to the lesson you learned today? Memorize John 7:24 today so that it will come to mind the next time you are tempted to make a rash judgment.
For further study: Lev. 12:1–4 • 1 Sam. 16:1–13 • Prov. 24:23–25 • Rom. 2:1–4
wednesday
april