The Stand Alone Judge

Matthew 9:1-8

A group of people brought a paralytic man to Christ probably because the believed Jesus could heal him.  At the sight of their faith Jesus said to the paralytic "Take heart son, your sins are forgiven", this statement sent the Teachers of The Torah into a mad frenzy.  They said to each other "This man blasphemies!" but Jesus knew they where thinking evil in their hearts and asked them "What is easier to say ''Your sins are forgiven'' or "Get up and walk?"  And just to prove to The Scribes that Jesus had authority to forgive sins, Jesus healed the man.

What struck the Scribes was that Jesus told them man he was forgiven.  The only person in their eyes with the authority to forgive sins is God.  Only God was able to pardon because He alone is the Judge of all humanity.  There is not another judge who with the authority, ability, and wisdom to pardon sin or pronounce a sentence  (Exodus 33:6-7).  And Jesus made it very clear in that statement that He is that judge, He is the one who with the authority to forgive as well as sentence.  Jesus was essentially saying that He was God.

So this brings back to us, sometimes we are quick to pronounce a sentence on someone.  We look at their life, situation, or maybe even their circumstance and we judge them.  With limited information and poor detail we make a quick determination about someone and neglect to extend grace and mercy.  We are not qualified to judge.  We do not have the infinite wisdom, ability to punish, or the authority (James 4:11-12).  Judging is God's department.  We do not know the heart of men but God does (1 Samuel 16:7), He alone is able to decipher someone's intent, the meaning of their actions, and make a sound judgement.  We are lacking in this area.

Now this does not mean we cannot hold each other accountable because we do (Luke 17:30, Galatians 6:1).  But it is not or place to judge one another, it is our place to restore each other and help them in their fight against sin (Galatians 6:1-2).  We do not sit in the seat of judgement against our fellow Christians, instead we are standing with them in need of God's Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness.  Stay focused you can do this.

"In His JOY!"