Drawn to the Gospel

I once read a list of funny oxymorons: found missing, small crowd, clearly misunderstood, seriously funny, and so on. If Jesus could title this section of His Sermon on the Mount, He might call it “judgy Christians”. His illustration is meant to draw grins and smiles: a person trying to perform delicate eye surgery on his friend while ignoring the giant plank in his own eye (Mat 7:3-5). It’s absurd, but how true of us! How often do we critique, gossip, or silently judge, all while blind to the same sins in our own hearts?

Jesus is not saying that we should just ignore other people’s faults or never exercise wise discernment. Rather, He calls us to begin with humility. He wants His followers to own and repent of their sins before trying to “help” others with theirs. Why? Because the biggest plank of all is hypocrisy.

Only with humility, can we approach others not as ferocious critics but as faithful companions, where the goal is to bear their burdens and restore them with gentleness.

Humility also prepares us for the reality that not everyone will welcome correction or even the gospel itself. We still need to be discerning, while remaining ready to offer mercy and compassion.

When we pursue Christ-like humility, our community becomes a place of honesty, grace, and healing rather than comparison and competition.

Reflection:

• What is my default posture: quick to confess my own sin, or quick to criticize others?
• How can I act with humility in the way I respond to the faults of others?

BONUS: Quiz Worx has a great puppet show on this topic for kids (and adults!): Do Not Judge – Kids’ Talk Video (Sermon On The Mount Series Talk 4)

This devotion is sent weekly to staff during school terms. It has been lightly edited for a general audience.