During a particular feast, some Jews went looking for Jesus and had many complaints about Him. Jesus explained that the teaching He shared had come from above and that whoever was willing to do God’s will would know whether the doctrine was from God, or if Jesus spoke on His own authority. With motive to kill him, they pretended to not be adversarial, but Jesus addressed their inconsistencies in applying the Law of Moses (John 7:10-23). Finally, he said, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24). This passage is often cited to support the idea that we have a right to judge people and that we should do so using the principles of God’s word. However, this is not (at all) what is happening in this passage! These unbelieving Jews had inaccurately assessed Jesus’ motives and had been very inconsistent in their application of Moses’ Law, especially concerning Jesus’ work. Therefore, when Jesus says to “not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment,” He means that we must accurately assess situations and not unnecessarily impugn other people’s motives. Let us prayerfully concern ourselves with accurate assessments of our interactions with others, while also seeking to apply the proper principles from God’s word, in a consistent manner.

20 The people answered and said, “You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?”

21 Jesus answered and said to them, “I did one work, and you all marvel. 

22 Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 

23 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath?

24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

~ John 7:20-24

Holy God, I understand that sometimes, with my limited wisdom, I may wrongly assess situations, even when I know the truth of Your word. Lord, I desire to fully comprehend the truth of Your word and make consistent and accurate applications of it! Please help me to reason Scripture properly and make reliable observations of other people’s actions and motives. Only you can see what lies within the hearts of individuals. I know that you want me to be perceptive, as you have cautioned me about identifying false teachers by the fruit they bear (Matthew 7:15-20). So, I ask you to open my eyes to gain accurate views of my surroundings and to grant me the wisdom and courage to make the right decisions that align with your will. Amen.