Most Christians are well familiar with Jesus' injunction against condemnation: Judge not. We are less acquainted with the form of judgment he does tell us to make.

Literalists eager to discover loopholes in the Commands will easily be able to dismiss a blanket injunction against obscenity.

The unfortunate image conjured up by this passage in the minds of many is of a poor suffering beast of burden, a hundred pound slab of oak laced to his back, a plow tied behind, laboring in the hot sun from sunup to sundown. Not a very appealing life!

There are two ways to read Jesus' invitation, Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Most commentators, theologians, pastors, and teachers, through the years have interpreted this passage through a salvationary lens. It may be, however, that a more subtle reading strikes closer to home, and perhaps probes more meaningfully to the heart of Jesus' intent.

The familiar passage from Matthew 7 is usually associated with prayer, and the promise of answered prayer: Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.

No pithier visual imagery exists in Jesus' teaching than his clever use of the speck and log in the matter of fault-finding.

Many of the Commands are implied, but this is a direct, clear, forceful, and unyielding command--Judge not.

Throughout the Commands, we have repeatedly emphasized that this or that word from Jesus is THE essential, THE first, THE foundational command. "Wait a minute," some may object, "If this is the most important command...how can that be the most important?"

The cross has become the essential symbol of Christianity. It was not so, however, when Jesus spoke these words.