GN Commentary: December 14, 2009 - Jesus Misquoted

Jesus didn't teach that there are no standards of right and wrong. Jesus did teach that before you judge someone else you must first judge yourself. 

Related Resources

What Is the Gospel that Jesus Christ Taught?
If we are to understand the point of Jesus' teachings, message and mission, we need to be sure we understand the gospel—the good news—that He taught.

Did Jesus Christ Abolish the Law?
Many believe that Jesus Christ came to do away with the law. But what did He say?

Jesus Christ: The Real Story
Who was Jesus? This booklet will help you understand the real story of Jesus Christ.

Video Transcript

Do you know what is the most misquoted statement made by Jesus? 

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said:  "Judge not, that you may not be judged."  How many times have you heard someone say, "Jesus said not to judge anyone so who am I to say any action is wrong?"

Jesus followed this statement about judging by saying that before you try to get the speck out of someone's eye you must first get the plank out of your eye. 

He teaches that people have "specks" and "planks" in their eyes or wrong ways of viewing life.  You can appreciate the hyperbole.  Imagine someone with a two by four sticking out of his eye, knocking people down and causing mayhem, while trying to help someone else get a speck out of his eye.
           
Jesus didn't teach that there are no standards of right and wrong.  All of us have "specks" and "planks" we need to judge and remove.  Jesus did teach that before you judge someone else you must first judge yourself. 

For GN Magazine, I'm Gary Petty.