Jesus’ Plain Words on Judgment

This meditation is based on a passage for September 18, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: John 12:44-50

Reflection and Question: A foundation for my commitment to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality is the Biblical teaching that judgment belongs to God. As a human being, I am simply to obey the command to love. Now comes Jesus’ astounding comment in John: “I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.” Even God in Christ chooses not to judge but rather to save, to love. There are other places where Jesus does judge, including the end of this passage. But let’s dwell for a moment on Jesus’ plain words here. Since Jesus forsakes judging here, on what grounds do you judge another?

Prayer: Jesus, You tell us here, “On the last day the word I have spoken will serve as judge.” And You assure us, “What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me.” We place ourselves in Your loving hands, open to Your word. Amen.