What does Jesus mean by "why judge ye not what is right" in this passage?

Here Jesus is asking why the people do not use their own minds and consciences in spiritual things, the same way they do in everyday life. They can read signs in the sky and predict the weather, but they ignore the clear signs that God’s promised Savior has come and that a time of decision is at hand. “Judge what is right” means to think honestly before God, to weigh what they see and hear from Jesus, and to recognize that turning to him is the right and reasonable response.

Who is the "adversary" Jesus talks about on the way to the magistrate?

On the surface, the adversary is a person who has a legal claim, such as a creditor taking someone to court for an unpaid debt. Jesus uses this common situation as a picture. In the deeper sense, our sins have made God our adversary, because we have broken his law. He has every right and power on his side. So the story urges us to deal with our guilt now, while we are still on the way, instead of waiting to face God’s judgment unprepared.

What is the point of settling with an adversary while you are "in the way"?

Jesus says to give diligence to be delivered from your adversary while you are still on the road to the magistrate. In everyday life, that is simple wisdom: it is better to settle a clear debt before it reaches court, where the full penalty will be enforced. Spiritually, this means we should make peace with God now, during this life, while there is still opportunity. Waiting until we stand before him as Judge will mean facing the full weight of our unpaid debt of sin.

How does this warning about prison relate to God’s judgment?

Jesus uses the threat of prison as a picture of what happens if we carry our dispute with God all the way to judgment. God has a just claim against us because of sin. If we refuse to repent and insist on standing on our own record, the judgment will go against us. Being “cast into prison” points to being shut out from God’s favor and under his punishment. The passage urges us to seek reconciliation with God now, through repentance and trust in the one who can settle our debt.

What was happening when Jesus spoke these words to the crowd?

Jesus had just pointed out that the people were good at reading the weather but blind to the spiritual season they were living in. Promises in Scripture were being fulfilled in front of them, yet they did not see that God’s kingdom was near. He then turned to this picture of an adversary and a magistrate to press the point. They were living in a time of opportunity, while they were still “on the way.” It was a serious call to respond to God’s message before that window closed.

What does this passage teach about God’s character and justice?

This passage shows both God’s patience and his strict justice. On one hand, there is a time “on the way” when God invites people to settle their case with him, to move from being his enemies to being at peace with him. On the other hand, if that offer is refused, his judgment is firm and thorough, like a judge who orders full payment down to the last small coin. God is not careless about sin, but he is also giving time and a clear path for people to be reconciled.

How can I apply Jesus’ teaching about the adversary and magistrate to my life?

You can take this teaching as a personal warning and invitation. Instead of ignoring your sin or arguing with God, face it honestly now. Admit where you are wrong, turn from it, and seek mercy while you still have breath. Do not put off dealing with God until later, as if there will always be more time. Also, in everyday relationships, this passage encourages you to make peace early rather than letting conflicts harden and reach a breaking point.

Luke.12.57

Luke 12:57

Q: What does "thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite" mean?

The “mite” was a very small coin, the least part of a debt. Jesus’ picture is of someone thrown into prison until he pays back every last fraction. In the story, it shows how strict human courts can be once a case is decided. In the deeper warning, it shows how serious God’s judgment is. Those who meet him still in their sins will face the full debt. Since we can never pay God back by our own suffering, this points us to seek mercy now through the one whose suffering truly pays the debt.

KJV Jesus

Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

Reconciling with an Adversary

Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.