Say What? Here Comes the Judge

Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life: 

1. Would you consider yourself a judgmental person?

2. Share a time when you judged someone prematurely. What did you learn from that experience?

3. Read Luke 18:9-14. How do you relate to the two men in this story? We heard how we all judge people, oftentimes without even being aware of it. Are you tempted to say, “At least I’m not like that Pharisee?”

4. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:1-2)

How would you summarise the meaning of "Do not judge, or you too will be judged"? What might be some misconceptions about this verse, and how would you address them?

5. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:3-5) 

What is the plank or log in your own eye that gets in the way of loving others the way Jesus asks us to? How can we overcome the tendency to judge others while neglecting our own faults?

6. “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” (Matthew 7:6) 

How do you interpret the symbolism of dogs and pigs in this verse? How might this verse inform our approach to sharing our faith or discussing spiritual matters with others? What steps will you take to help you be a better judge?