Missionary or Murderer?
It was a clear example that we cannot judge a person by their appearance alone
Reference: v.23 All these evils come from inside and defile you. (TNIV Bible)
Explore: There was a site on the net that showed pictures of different men. Just by appearance alone, it asked viewers to decide whether the man was a criminal or not (random, but stay with me)!!
As the reader made their decision, the site would reveal who the person was and what they were known for. Some of the most lovely looking people ended up being the most hardened criminals, whereas the dodgy looking men were often doctors, missionaries and scientists.
It was a clear example that we cannot judge a person by their appearance alone.
Application: At the time Jesus walked on this earth, the religious leaders tried to accuse Him of everything that was wrong. They analysed what day He did certain things, the clothes He wore, and even the food He ate.
And yet, Jesus teaches us that it is not our outward appearance or what we consume that is of the greatest importance.
Jesus knew, as God knows, that it is what is in our hearts that is the most important. It is what’s in our hearts that flows out into our lives.
We easily fall into the same trap as the religious leaders of Jesus’ time and I’m the first to admit that I judge others way too quickly.
Hair, clothes, language and occupation are the first things on my judgement list. And yet, I must continue to be reminded by Christ that it is not the outward appearance that is important, but how people live, because that is a representation of what is in their hearts.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for sacredly judging others. May I gain Your insight into people’s hearts and receive others with grace and love. Amen.
Honestly, how do you judge other people?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.