This week, we are listening to the expert, Jesus, as he reveals the heart of the Law found in Matthew 7:1-6. Although this text is often treated as three disconnected parts of the Sermon on the Mount – “Do not Judge (vv. 1-2),” Do not look at the speck of sawdust in someone else’s eye (vv. 3-5),” “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs (v. 6).” I am more and more convinced that these verses are about how to help another person, how we treat another person.

Most scholars think that Jesus’ statement about not judging is about not condemning people. That Jesus is saying, “Don’t write people off. Don’t condemn people with your judgment.”

We understand this, but the reality is that most of us use judgmental condemnation and don’t even realize it. We use condemning judgment because it is quick, safe, and feels good. We are quick to condemn someone as hopeless, lazy, or crazy. It is safe because we can stay back ready to judge any word, appearance, or action we don’t agree with. It is gives us the false sense that we are doing better than the person we are judging. Sometimes we can’t manage our own anxiety and discomfort with an issue. Condemning judgment makes us feel better.

The more time I spend with the Sermon on the Mount, the more convinced I am that Jesus is setting the foundation for his followers to be people, who view others as broken yet beloved creations of God with complex stories, real wounds, and the potential for glorious futures.