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Jesus famously said in the Jesus Manifesto “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7)

Hypocritical judgment is wrong. Jesus’ command not to judge others in Matthew 7:1 is preceded by comparisons to hypocrites (Matthew 6:2, 5, 16) and followed by a warning against hypocrisy (Matthew 7:3–5).

When we point out how others miss God’s goal (aka sin) and then commit the same sin, we condemn ourselves (Romans 2:1).

Therefore, every one of you who judges is without excuse. For when you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things. | Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Romans 2:1). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

We have to remember that Jesus has high standards. For example, Jesus doesn’t define adultery the same way the old covenant did. Jesus says it is a man’s lust for a woman.

Some Examples of Jesus the Messiah refusing to judge. 

  • John 8:3–11 (NASB) — The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. “Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?” They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court. Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She said, “No one, Master.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.”
  • Luke 12:13–14 (NASB) — Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?”
  • John 7:24 (NASB) — 24 “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”
  • John 8:15–16 (NASB) — “You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone. But even if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me.”