Good Question: If God is So Loving Why Does He Seem So Angry And Judgmental
These are the notes that you can follow along with for today’s message. This series “Good Question” is all about exploring good questions about faith in Jesus.
Have you ever judged someone? Be honest!
How early is too early for Fall Decorations and Pumpkins?
What about Christmas decorations?
Have you walked through Walmart and judged anyone lately?
Have you ever had a judgmental person in your life?
Sometimes judgmental people in our lives inform our thoughts or perspective on God.
There’s no doubt Jesus had some tough things to say.
13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
5 No, I tell you, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:5
36 The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” John 3:36
So, is God angry? Is He Judgmental? Is he waiting for us to stumble so He can throw it in our face?
But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning He came again into the temple area, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began teaching them. 3 Now the scribes and the Pharisees *brought a woman caught in the act of adultery, and after placing her in the center of the courtyard, 4 they *said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5 Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?” 6 Now they were saying this to test Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. 7 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.” 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Now when they heard this, they began leaving, one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman where she was, in the center of the courtyard. 10 And straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on do not sin any longer.” John 8:1-11
God isn’t mad at you - He’s mad about you.
Don’t mistake man’s condemnation for God’s Judgment
33 And when they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. 34 [But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”] And they cast lots, dividing His garments among themselves. 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” 40 But the other responded, and rebuking him, said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our crimes; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” 43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Luke 23:33-34,39-43
The Judgement of God is always extended alongside His mercy.
