Lessons from Levels of Judgment; meditations from Luke's Gospel

I'm looking at three passages in Luke. Each of them talk about being judged MORE than another.

Luke 10:13-14
13 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more bearable in the judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.

This passage warns us who have SEEN the works of the Lord that we will be held MORE responsible than those who have not seen. Notice that Tyre and Sidon will be held responsible, however their judgment will be "more bearable."

Luke 12:47-48
47 And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

This passage warns us who KNOW the will of the Lord that we will be held MORE responsible than those who do not know. Notice that even those who did not know still are beaten, however the beating will be "light."

Luke 20:46-47
46 "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 47 who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."

This passage warns us who PRETEND godliness that we will be held MORE responsible than those who are godly. Here, there is no judgment or beating, simply condemnation for the pretenders.



Let us learn from the bible. There is a lot of diversity of belief within evangelicalism regarding judgment for those who have not heard the gospel. Scripture paints a clearer picture than some wish to see.