JESUS DIDN’T COME TO JUDGE — But Are You Judging Him?

You’ve probably heard it said that Jesus didn’t come to judge us. But have you ever considered that we might be the ones judging Him?”

In Matthew 9:9-13, Jesus calls a tax collector named Matthew. Now, tax collectors worked for the Romans, back then.  They weren’t just disliked — they were hated by everyone, and considered traitors and thieves.  But Jesus doesn’t hesitate. He says, “Follow me.” And Matthew does. 

Then Jesus goes to dinner at Matthew’s house — and guess who shows up? More tax collectors, more sinners. And while Jesus is sharing a meal, the Pharisees, the religious people, are standing at a distance … judging Him, saying, “Why does your teacher eat with sinners?” They couldn’t understand why a supposed man of God would be so… open. So merciful. So uncomfortably gracious.

Here’s the irony: Jesus came not to judge — but they were judging Him.

And we do the same, don’t we?

Every time we ignore a teaching of Jesus … Every time we choose what parts of His instructions to follow and what parts to dismiss … Every time we delay responding to His call or snubbing his invitation … we’re not just ignoring Jesus, we’re passing judgment on Him.  We’re making a judgment call on His wisdom, His authority, and even His love.

That’s not discipleship. That’s control. That’s us evaluating Jesus like he was a consultant instead of surrendering to Him as the Lord of our life.

Yet, Jesus still walks up to people like Matthew today. People like you and me. And He doesn’t give up saying, “Follow me.”  The question is: Will we respond with trust? Or will we keep standing at a distance, weighing His words, measuring His methods — judging the Judge?

Watch this video, and share it with a friend who may be inspired to reconsider who Jesus is in their lives. God bless us all.