Luke makes an interesting juxtaposition of Jesus’ words in the first two verses (Luke 6:37-38). Judgment and generosity seem to be polar opposites. In other words, as you forgive, you will be forgiven … as you give, it will be given to you.
It is not that we are to ignore the wrong things in the world … but judging the deed and judging the person are two separate things. Throughout Luke’s gospel, we find that Jesus expects us to live our lives as Christians, but we must not remove from others, their freedom to make decisions. Jesus clearly tells us that we are not to judge or condemn, so that we will not be judged or condemned. Either of those things places us in the position of being God. On the other hand, we are to be generous with our giving. Because “with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38b).
Beginning with verse 39, Jesus teaches by using metaphors … parables. Luke is speaking to the entire crowd with this passage. In essence, he tells them that as long as they are blind, they cannot teach anyone else.
Christians are called to step out of the darkness and into the light … to leave the old life behind. Luke uses this idea several times. In Acts 26:17-18, when Jesus appears to Paul, he says, “… I am sending you to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light.” After the resurrection, Luke tells us that “their (the disciples’) eyes were opened, and they recognized him.” (Luke 24:31).
Whether we are committed to the darkness, and thus blind to the light or are blinded by our own behaviors … be it hypocrisy, judgmentalism, self-deception, anger … we must first ensure that we are in a healthy relationship with God before we set about correcting others in their relationship.
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