Sermon for Trinity 4. The Scripture readings are Genesis 50:15-21; Romans 8:18-23; and Luke 6:36-42. Apologies for the sub-par audio quality this week. It is a known issue that will, hopefully, be resolved next week.

What is Jesus teaching us when He says, “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you will not be condemned”? It all hangs and hinges on what Jesus says both before and after. “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Notice, to be merciful and forgiving, there has to be a judgment – that sin is sin. But that judgment isn’t your judgment, it’s God’s judgment. You are simply confessing and saying the same thing as God says about sin.

It is clear from a variety of Scripture passages that Jesus isn’t condemning all judgments here. Basically, Jesus is teaching us the second great commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:19, Mt. 22:39). Every one of us has sinned, and we desperately desire that our sin would be covered up by mercy. So, if you desire mercy from someone when you sin against them, you should also extend that mercy to them when you are sinned against.

Christ came down to be placed on the log of the cross. And from that splintered timber, Jesus shed His holy and precious blood that covers your sin and the sin of others. Go, be merciful knowing that God’s mercy is sufficient for you.