Luke 2:1 – 9:62
Overview
The Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts are actually written as companions by the same author, Luke. They represent the life and ministry of Jesus and go all the way through the current day of the author (60 AD). The Gospel of Luke shows that God not only invited Jews to receive their long awaited Messiah, but the Gentiles (Non-Jews) as well. God’s blessing is being made available to all.
Scripture Luke 6:37
37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Observation
Jesus is giving the sermon on the Mount of Olives. The beatitudes (blessing) and woes are listed in the previous verses. He now begins to talk about loving our enemies and then speaks about Judging and forgiving others. Jesus says we should not judge others. We should not slander or criticize or make any presumptions or the same will happen to us. These actions will cause the same judgment to be brought upon ourselves. If we pronounce guilt on others, we too will be pronounced guilty. Moreover, we are to grant pardon for an offense made against us.
Application
We are not in a position to Judge others because we too are guilty. Our Lord is the Judge against our guilt. We are all condemned to death because of our sin BUT Jesus’ blood washes our sins away so we are no longer condemned. Lastly we are to forgive just as Jesus forgives our sin. I can’t help but notice that Jesus connects judgment, condemnation and forgiveness together. If you think about it, they are all part of the same process. We are all sinners who fail God and therefore are guilty and condemned to death. God’s wonderful grace pardons our guilt through His death on the cross and shedding of blood. Even though we deserve death, His overwhelming love and work on the cross provides the perfect example of forgiveness. As we consider forgiveness, we should remember that we are to forgive just as Jesus has forgiven us.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for the example of forgiveness you displayed on the cross. Your unconditional love brings me into your forgiving arms even though I don’t deserve them.
