Rev Michael Anokye: LENT – 9TH MARCH 2024
JUDGE NOT, THAT YOU BE NOT JUDGED
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, I pray that I will not focus on the faults or shortcomings of others. Instead, let me see them through the perspective of God’s grace. Please help me to avoid rejecting or condemning people because they do not fit my idea of holiness or meet my expectations. Lord, please free me from the trappings of religiosity and allow me to focus on teaching people about the truth of Jesus Christ rather than man-made laws and restrictions. Lord, I ask that you give me a pure heart, renew a right spirit within me, free me of pride and self-righteousness, fill me with humility, and fill me with love. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Reading: Luke 18:9-14
Jesus once told a parable to those confident in their own righteousness and looked down on others. He said, ‘Two men went to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ On the other hand, the tax collector stood at a distance, would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you; the tax collector went home justified before God rather than the Pharisee. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Read it HERE
Reflection:
Luke shared a parable with people who believed they were righteous and looked down on others. I remember seeing a beggar who went from church-to-church begging for money and disturbing people’s worship. I also recall singing out of tune during a hymn and disrupting the harmony of the well-rehearsed worship group. My Sunday school teacher told me to keep quiet. Reflecting on this, I realize how easily we can see when others are judgmental toward us, but we may not realize when we are judgmental toward others.
Jesus recommends that we do not claim an act of self-righteousness. Instead, we should open our hearts and reach out to all members of our family, church, and neighbours to show them love and help them in any way possible.
Let us abandon judgment and embrace God’s love for all.
Let us pray:
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? First, remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye ” (Matthew 7:1–5). Read the whole chapter HERE
Dear Father, please free me from a critical and judgmental spirit. I am not immune to temptation, adversity, sorrow, or making mistakes. I am saved by your grace, not my own good works. Please forgive me for being quick to judge in my speech and thoughts. I repent for every time my words or actions have hurt someone. Amen.
Action:
What does it mean to judge, not lest you be judged?
How can we judge with righteous judgment (John 7:24)?
Do you think Christians are very judgmental?
Below is a helpful video explaining the Gospel of Matthew in a clear, visual presentation.