Meaning of Luke 6:37

This verse from Luke 6:37, spoken by Jesus as part of his Sermon on the Plain (a parallel to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew), delivers a profound and counter-intuitive instruction on interpersonal conduct and divine judgment. Jesus is not advocating for a passive or apathetic stance towards wrongdoing, but rather urging a fundamental shift in how his followers approach others, emphasizing mercy, forgiveness, and a recognition of their own fallibility. The core principle is that the way we treat others, particularly in matters of judgment and condemnation, will directly mirror the way we are treated by God. This reciprocal relationship between human action and divine response is central to Jesus' ethical teachings, calling for a standard of grace and understanding that reflects God's own character.

Context and Background

Luke 6 presents Jesus' teachings in a setting where he has just chosen his twelve apostles and is speaking to a large crowd of his disciples and others gathered on a plain. This discourse is often referred to as the "Sermon on the Plain." The verses immediately preceding Luke 6:37 focus on Jesus' pronouncements of blessings and woes, highlighting the paradoxical nature of his kingdom where the poor are blessed and the rich are warned. Following these beatitudes and woes, Jesus launches into a series of ethical imperatives that shape the behavior of his followers within this new kingdom. Luke 6:37-42, which includes this verse, specifically addresses the dangers of harsh judgment and the importance of self-examination and forgiveness.

Key Themes and Messages

The central themes of Luke 6:37 are non-judgmentalism, forgiveness, and reciprocity.

• Non-Judgmentalism: Jesus commands his followers not to judge. This doesn't mean abandoning discernment or the ability to recognize sin. Instead, it prohibits a condemning, self-righteous, and hypocritical attitude toward others, especially when harboring one's own faults. The emphasis is on refraining from passing final, damning verdicts on others.
• Forgiveness: The command to "forgive, and you will be forgiven" is pivotal. It elevates forgiveness from a mere suggestion to a divine imperative, directly linked to receiving God's own forgiveness. This highlights the transformative power of extending mercy.
• Reciprocity: The structure of the verse ("you will be judged," "you will not be condemned," "you will be forgiven") establishes a clear principle of reciprocity. The way we engage with others in judgment and forgiveness will be the measure by which God engages with us.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse calls for a radical reorientation of the believer's heart. It challenges the innate human tendency to find fault in others while overlooking our own failings.

• Humility: Recognizing our own sinfulness and need for God's grace fosters humility, which is the foundation for extending grace to others.
• Mercy: Jesus calls us to be merciful as our Father in heaven is merciful (Luke 6:36). This verse operationalizes that call by demonstrating how mercy is expressed through non-judgment and forgiveness.
• Discipleship: Living out these principles is a mark of true discipleship. It reflects the character of Christ and the nature of God's kingdom, which is built on love and redemption, not condemnation.

The application is direct: when we are tempted to judge or condemn someone, we should pause and consider our own standing before God. When we are hurt or wronged, we are called to forgive, knowing that this act aligns us with God's redemptive work and ensures our own access to His forgiveness.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This teaching is deeply embedded within the biblical narrative of God's covenantal relationship with humanity.

• Old Testament: The Old Testament law, while outlining righteous standards, also contains provisions for justice and mercy. Prophets often condemned judgmentalism and called for righteousness that included compassion.
• Jesus' Ministry: Jesus consistently demonstrated this principle by associating with "sinners" and offering forgiveness, thereby challenging the rigid, judgmental attitudes of some religious leaders of his day. His parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-35) powerfully illustrates the consequence of withholding forgiveness.
• Atonement: The ultimate act of God's forgiveness is through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Our ability to forgive others is a reflection of our participation in this redemptive act and our reception of God's unmerited favor.

Analogies

Several analogies can illuminate the meaning of Luke 6:37:

• Mirrors: Our actions towards others are like mirrors. If we hold up a mirror of harsh judgment, we will see judgment reflected back. If we hold up a mirror of forgiveness and mercy, we can expect the same in return.
• Seeds and Harvest: The principle of reciprocity is akin to sowing seeds. If we sow seeds of bitterness and condemnation, we will reap a harvest of strife and judgment. If we sow seeds of kindness and forgiveness, we will reap peace and reconciliation.
• Scales of Justice: Imagine scales. If we weigh others down with heavy judgments, our own scales will be weighted down similarly. When we lighten the burden of others through forgiveness, our own burdens are lifted.

Relation to Other Verses

Luke 6:37 resonates with numerous other biblical passages:

• Matthew 7:1-2: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be condemned, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." This is the most direct parallel, conveying the same message with slightly different wording.
• Romans 14:10-13: "You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat... So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop judging one another." This passage emphasizes that ultimately, all accountability is to God, urging believers to refrain from judging one another.
• Colossians 3:13: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This verse directly links our forgiveness of others to the forgiveness we have received from Christ.
• James 2:13: "...judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." James echoes Jesus' teaching by highlighting that a lack of mercy will result in a judgment devoid of mercy, while mercy itself holds a superior position.