Judging Others: Listen Before You Label

Introduction

Mary Stands Out in the Lineage of Jesus

Matthew 1:14–16 — “…Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.”

Mary stands out uniquely in Jesus’ genealogy.

Mary and Misjudgment

Women Mentioned in Jesus’ Lineage

All other women mentioned were associated with sexual scandal or social stigma:

• Tamar slept with her father-in-law.
• Rahab was a prostitute.
• Ruth was a Moabite (a people group born from incest).
• Bathsheba committed adultery with David.

Yet Mary is different.

The Reality About Mary

Mary Was Favored

Luke 1:28–30 — “Greetings, O favored one… you have found favor with God.”

This mirrors the language used of Noah:

Genesis 6:5–8 — “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.”

The same biblical language is used. Mary stands out as different.

Mary Was Humble and Brave

Elizabeth and Zechariah responded with doubt. Mary responded with surrender.

“I am your servant. Let it be according to your word.”

Mary knew obedience would bring ridicule, shame, and trouble. Even after Joseph married her, they endured gossip and judgment.

John 8 includes accusations implying Jesus was illegitimate.

Misjudgment follows God’s people throughout Scripture.

Misjudged People in Scripture

• David — judged as too small and unqualified (1 Samuel 16–17)
• Joseph — judged as arrogant (Genesis 37)
• Paul — mistrusted after conversion (Acts 9)
• Job — judged by friends as sinful, rebuked by God (Job 42:7)

How Judgment Usually Works

Assess

It starts with actual facts. Example: a young woman is pregnant.

Assume

Personal conclusions are drawn based on probability, not proof.

Assign

Social consequences are applied based on assumptions.

Truth: Judgment is not just about getting the facts right, but about getting our attitudes right.

Joseph’s Response: Truth and Grace

Joseph chose to divorce Mary quietly.

• He was obedient to Jewish law.
• He showed compassion toward Mary.

Truth without grace condemns. Grace without truth compromises.

Wrong Judgment: Condemning and Hypocritical

Matthew 7:1–5 — “Judge not, that you be not judged…”

Even if you are right about someone’s sin, you are not perfect.

Romans 2:1–3 — Those who judge others have no excuse and must examine themselves.

This kind of judgment is rooted in pride, comparison, and assumption.

When Scripture Says Not to Judge

• When we do not have all the facts (John 7:51).
• When we are motivated by pride or gossip (Luke 18:9).
• When we condemn rather than correct (James 4:11–12).

Right Judgment: Discerning and Loving

John 7:24 — “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with righteous judgment.”

Examples of Righteous Judgment

• When Scripture clearly defines sin or truth (Galatians 2:11–14).
• When unrepentant sin harms the church (1 Corinthians 5).
• When protecting others from false teachers (Matthew 7:15–20).

Key Truth: Righteous judgment seeks restoration, not condemnation.

Restorative Judgment

Galatians 6:1 — “If someone is caught in sin, restore that person gently.”

Righteous judgment comes from humility, guided by Scripture, aimed at restoration.

Who Are We Called to Judge?

1 Corinthians 5:12–13

Scripture teaches that judgment is primarily for believers within the church.

For non-believers, we are called to love them, pray for them, and tell them the truth of God’s Word, not to hold them to God’s standards.