Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. 38 Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” 39 And he told them a parable, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? 40 No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”
Jesus teaches about judgment, forgiveness, and self-awareness in this passage. He warned his followers that God will judge them as they judge others. Refraining from judgment and condemnation is a moral directive that aligns with God’s pattern of mercy and forgiveness. Acts of kindness, performed without expectation of return, will yield spiritual rewards surpassing the initial generosity. God's generosity far exceeds human expectations, bestowing superabundant and overflowing blessings. They must demonstrate their love of neighbor (Lk. 10:27) through acts of forgiveness and generosity and show acts of kindness even to their enemies (Lk. 6:30).
Leaders who lack true spiritual insight can only lead themselves and others to destruction. Disciples will emulate their teachers so it is important for teachers to provide sound guidance and disciples should choose their teachers wisely. Those who have not had their spiritual eyes opened by Jesus’ teachings are blind and cannot lead others to salvation. Once they fully understand Jesus’ teaching, they can guide others, but they must first discipline themselves and learn the ways of God.
Jesus challenges individuals to self-reflection and correction before criticizing others. They should not be hypocritical by pointing out the minor faults in others while ignoring significant faults in themselves. They should have a spirit of humility and self-awareness in offering critical judgment.
Heavenly Father, help us to judge not, that we may not be judged, and to forgive others, that we too may receive your forgiveness. May our hearts reflect your boundless generosity and our actions reflect your mercy and compassion. Teach us to see clearly, removing any hypocrisy from our lives, so that we may guide others with wisdom and love. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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Sources:
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
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