by Alysha Brady

Created on: January 09, 2009

A keystone of Christian cannon is the message of forgiveness and all-inclusive love that Jesus Christ preached. These important messages are reflected throughout the New Testament, and especially in the four Gospels. Each Gospel writer brings a unique perspective to the life of Jesus, emphasizing certain aspects of his teachings more than others. For Luke, the subtext of Jesus' forgiveness message holds great resonance. Throughout the Gospel of Luke, we are reminded to reserve judgment of others. It's a straight-forward message that does not need to be dissected it clearly states what we, as individuals, should strive for (how easy it is to achieve is another issue). The mystery is the catalyst that propelled this message to the forefront of Luke's Gospel. Why is this message highlighted repeatedly while others may be lost in the pages, and why did Jesus find it a crucial point of leading a fulfilling and virtuous life?

One justification for reserved judgment is the hypocrisy argument. In Luke, there is the analogy of the log: "Or how can you say to your brother, Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye?" Before promoting yourself to a position of authority, undergo self-examination. After critically appraising yourself, you can identify your own flaws and fix them. Before you work on your own shortcomings, any effort you make to help others overcome theirs will be seen as ridiculous like the blind leading the blind, it will be a futile attempt to mask your shortcomings from the public rather than openly deal with them in the attempt of becoming a stronger individual and a better citizen.

Hypocrisy in the judgmental world of the Bible must have been rampant. Jesus identified this reality and preached a message that would take advantage of this imbalance. One passage "To him who strikes you on the cheek offer the other also" seems like ridiculous advice, but in reality it is setting up a trap for whoever jumped to judgment rather than adhering to the supreme message of reservation. In ancient Rome, any self-respecting man would strike someone only with their right hand using your left hand was considered perverse and a sign of a weak spirit. If a man were to strike another in disdain, he would have to strike him with the back of his hand to convey the message of disgust. Combining these two facts, someone could strike you only on your right cheek. So, if you "offer[ed] the other also,"

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>