Luke 6:37–49: “Don’t Judge Me!”

July 20, 2026

The Ten Signposts of the Bible
CAMDE—400—CALY
Creation. Abraham. Moses. David. Elijah. 400. Christ. Apostles. Letters. Yet-to-Come. 

You’ve probably heard people say, Don’t judge me! or, Why are you judging me?  Often, they support this by referring to the Bible: Doesn’t the Bible say we shouldn’t judge each other? And it’s true—Jesus said, “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:37-38a). But who was he speaking to, and what is the context? That is what we will consider in today’s passage.

We are reading a section of Luke’s Gospel where Jesus is teaching a large crowd on a mountainside. He began with a series of blessings and woes. Then he moves on to three key themes: judging others, producing “fruit”, and an illustration that highlights the importance of putting these truths into practice. 

Before we look closely at this passage, we need to recognize that there are two ways to judge others. The first is judgment based on the truth of God’s Word. For example, affirming that God’s design for marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman is not about personal feelings, prejudices, or cultural opinions. It is a conviction grounded in Scripture, our final authority for life and godly living. Even so, these truths should be shared with gentleness and humility—not to condemn, but in the hopes that others will listen and desire to live according to God’s standard. 

The kind of judgment Jesus addresses here flows from arrogance and self-righteousness. When we condemn others, we put ourselves in the judge’s seat —a place that belongs to God alone. So how should you react when someone says, “Jesus said you shouldn’t judge me”?  I’ll share a practical way to respond at the end of today’s devotional.  

As recipients of God’s grace, believers who have received forgiveness should forgive others. When we demonstrate grace, we also receive grace. Jesus said it is given in “good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, [and] put into your lap” (Luke 6:38).

In Jesus’ day, when someone bought grain, the wheat or barley was poured into a basket, then shaken and pressed down so it would settle. More grain was added until the full measure was reached, and then it was poured into the fold of a person’s robe. Jesus uses this familiar scene to illustrate his point: “For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). 

To practice true justice we must understand and practice biblical truth. The blind cannot lead the blind, or both will “fall into a pit” (Luke 6:39–40). At times our spiritual blindness comes from our own hypocrisy. Jesus said, 

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye” (Luke 6:41–42). 

The word “hypocrite” comes from Greek theatre and means “play actor.”  However, there is one thing we cannot fake: the “fruit” that is either present or absent in our lives. Jesus said, “Figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil”  (Luke 6:44–45a). In other words, whatever fills our hearts will eventually be revealed in our actions and words. Jesus emphasized this when he said, “For out of the abundance of the heart [the] mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45b). 

A good tree that bears good fruit must have deep, healthy roots. Sadly, some who appear to be believers will prove to be pretenders—spiritual “play actors”. Jesus now shifts the image from deep, healthy roots to a solid, unshakable foundation. 

Jesus asked, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” The repetition of “Lord, Lord” suggests closeness and intimacy. Yet some who claimed a relationship with Jesus did not produce what is good; their lives were marked by disobedience. They heard Jesus’ words but did not apply them. 

Jesus goes on to say that such people are “like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great” (Luke 6:49). In contrast, those who hear Jesus’ words and obey them are “like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built” (Luke 6:48). 

As we wrap up, let’s return to the beginning of today’s passage. When someone who is clearly living contrary to God’s standards says, “Jesus said you’re not supposed to judge me,” how can we answer in a way that is both truthful about what Jesus taught and genuinely loving toward that person?

When we talk with others about sin, we must be firmly grounded in Scripture. God’s Word calls us to discern truth by his standard, to examine the “fruit” in our own lives, and to build on the solid rock of obedience to Jesus. As we’ve seen, Jesus is not forbidding all judgment; rather he is warning us against arrogant, self-righteous judgment that tries to take God’s place. So we must prayerfully ask: Is this person’s behavior clearly contrary to God’s Word, or is it simply different from my personal preferences? 

Here are some practical questions to help us honestly examine our own hearts:

• Am I able to speak humbly and gently, without sounding self-righteous?
• Will this conversation flow from genuine love and a caring relationship with this person?
• Do I truly desire to see this person forgiven and restored, or am I hoping to embarrass them to showcase my spiritual insight?
• Am I speaking with them privately and personally, or am I venting on social media to draw attention to myself? 

After examining our motives, the conversation could go something like this: 

Please know how much I love you, and that I am not claiming to be perfect. But I do believe God’s Word and what it says about right and wrong. I can’t pretend that something God calls sin is not sin. I’m not speaking to you because I think I’m better than you. I care about you and I want God’s best for you. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions on this. Let’s walk through it together. 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read and reflect on Luke 6:37–49. Use today’s passage to evaluate your “fruit” and the depth of your own spiritual foundation.

Talking to God: Ask God to help you be honest and discerning with yourself.

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