Reflecting on John 7:14-24“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (John 7:24)
As I see it, the Law is not just a line we shouldn’t cross.
Rather the Law is a lane to be followed, a pointer towards love.
The Sabbath was meant to be a gift of love, for all people.
It pointed towards wholeness, the removal of burdens and barriers to shalom.
Circumcision was also meant to be a symbol of God rescue and renewal.
They were not lines that crossed each other, but lanes going in the same direction.
Jesus was more focused on their direction, not just on their correction.
He was not motivated negatively by commands not to be crossed.
He was motivated positively by commands that encouraged ways to love.
God will not judge our lives by outward appearance, but by the Law of Love.
Jesus was being judged because He followed the Law differently.
He followed the spirit of the Law, not just the letter.
Jesus judges correctly, looking beyond the external rules to inner motivation.
Is this how we discern good from bad, by the measure of love?
Are we simply book or rule-followers, or are we Jesus and love-followers?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You do not judge me by mere appearances, but by the direction of my heart. Help me to discern and judge good and bad in the same way, following the way of love!