John 8
September 22, 2022
“You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one.” (v15)
At first glance, Jesus seems to be saying something our culture wants to believe about Jesus: that He doesn’t judge our sin. But the context of the chapter reveals just the opposite. In the very next verse, Jesus says, “If I do judge, my decisions are right” (v16). In other words, Jesus won’t judge by human standards (like the Pharisees), but He will judge. In fact, three times in this chapter He says, “If you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins” (v21-24). The point being: Jesus will either judge our sins, the penalty for which is death, or He will take our judgment for sins through His own death. But the idea that Jesus won’t judge our sin can only be concluded if we rip one verse out of its context.
Lord Jesus, Your judgment of me is perfect. You do not use “human standards” (v15) or grade my life on a curve. You are holy, just and pure. And I confess that I fall short of Your perfect standard. But I praise You, that in Your great mercy, You willingly took the consequences for my sin - so that You are both just in Your judgment of sin, and merciful toward me, a sinner. Guard my heart from believing the lie that You don’t judge sin, so that I don’t make a mockery of the cross, which illustrates just how evil sin is, that it required Your death.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
