John was compelled to write the unabridged words of Jesus, even if they appeared to be contradictory. We see yet another example in Jesus words to the crowd after forgiving the woman caught in adultery. “I judge no one,” he says. Yet earlier in John 5 we read, “The Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son…” (John 5:22) and that the Father “has given him (Jesus) authority to execute judgment also, because he is he Son of Man” (John 5:27). So does Jesus judge or doesn’t he?
The answer is partially seen in John 12:47 “And if anyone hears my words and does not believe, I do no judge him, for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.” When Jesus was on the earth he did not judge anyone. His sole purpose was to bring the offer of salvation of a changed life. But when the end of this world finally comes, he will then judge all (Romans 14: 10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Peter 4:5).
We do not need to be afraid if we have accepted his offer of forgiveness, the fruit of the Spirit and hope. His grace saves us from the wrath to come. We are wise to accept his gift now (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
