Scripture:
12 And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.” 13 Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him.
24 (Jesus answered them), “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
40 … some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.”
But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee?
42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?”
43 So there was a division among the people over him.
Observation:
Jesus is among the people teaching. His teaching and actions are creating division among the people.
There is a whole lot of talking going on … “some said” … “people said” … “others said”.
John calls it “much muttering”.
Opinions are everywhere and run a broad spectrum.
But there was only one speaking truth … Jesus said “Judge with right judgement”.
Application:
I can’t stand division among people. I seek and strive for unity. (I’ve been told I should have been a diplomat).
But is this always a good thing?
What is my priority? “Unity” or “right judgement”
Jesus makes the answer very clear … “Judge with right judgement”
The variety of opinions here about Jesus all seemed to be coming from a good place or even a place of concern for the people … “he’s a good man” … “he’s leading people astray” … “the Scriptures say”.
But these opinions were actually coming from a terrible place: “fear”
How much of my actions or interaction with people are driven by “fear” versus “right judgement”.
Fear is the worst motivation behind any thinking.
Because of fear, “no one spoke openly about Him (Jesus)”.
If I am “judging with right judgement”, then I never have to fear speaking openly about Jesus.
I can continue pray for unity. (Following Jesus lead of His high priestly prayer in the garden.)
But I also must understand there will be division among people.
We live in a flawed, broken, sinful world.
Because of that, I must make sure my first “right judgement” is of myself.
I am a flawed, broken, sinful person.
But thank God, Jesus has overcome the world … and me!
Prayer:
God, check my “opinions”.
When I have “much muttering” stop me.
Give me “right judgement”
In Jesus name
Amen