Universal Utterings
for March 20, 2026
A Godcast
UniversalUtterings.Com
03-20-2026 John 7 v1424 Stop Judging By Appearances
The Gospel of John Chapter 7 Verse 14 thru 24
14 When the feast was already half over, Jesus went up into the temple area and began to teach. 15 The Jews were amazed and said, “How does he know scripture without having studied?” 16 Jesus answered them and said, “My teaching is not my own but is from the one who sent me. 17 Whoever chooses to do his will shall know whether my teaching is from God or whether I speak on my own. 18 Whoever speaks on his own seeks his own glory, but whoever seeks the glory of the one who sent him is truthful, and there is no wrong in him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?” 20 The crowd answered, “You are possessed! Who is trying to kill you?” 21 Jesus answered and said to them, “I performed one work and all of you are amazed 22 because of it. Moses gave you circumcision—not that it came from Moses but rather from the patriarchs—and you circumcise a man on the sabbath. 23 If a man can receive circumcision on a sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because I made a whole person well on a sabbath? 24 Stop judging by appearances, but judge justly.”
In John 7:14-24, we witness a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry during the Feast of Tabernacles. At this gathering, Jesus boldly teaches in the temple, revealing profound truths about His identity and purpose. Here, we see the contrast between outward appearances and the deeper realities of spiritual truth.
As Jesus speaks, the religious leaders begin to judge Him based on external factors—His lack of formal education and His humble origins. They fail to recognize the divine wisdom and authority at work within Him. Jesus challenges them, reminding them that true judgment must extend beyond what is seen on the surface. He states, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment”. This admonition serves as a call to look deeper, urging us to discern the heart of a matter rather than relying solely on superficial assessments.
Throughout Scripture, this theme recurs: God examines the heart, while humans often fixate on outward appearances. In our lives, we must strive to adopt this divine perspective, recognizing that true worth and truth are often hidden beneath layers of cultural norms and societal expectations.
In a world quick to judge based on looks, status, or reputation, we are reminded to cultivate an inner discernment that reflects Christ’s love and understanding. We should ask ourselves: Are we evaluating others based on their outward circumstances, or are we seeking to understand their hearts and intentions?
Ultimately, Jesus exemplifies the importance of viewing the inner man, calling us to embrace humility and grace in our interactions. As we navigate our relationships and judgments, let us remember to look beyond the surface and see people through the lens of compassion and truth. Amen.
Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.
At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.
I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. Novena Day Eight for Repose of the Soul of Paula Templeton. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.
I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20
03-20-2026 John 7 v1424
**Stop Judging By Appearances**
In the midst of a bustling feast, so grand,
In Jerusalem’s heart, where the faithful stand,
Jesus arose, in the temple to teach,
With a voice that was mighty, yet humble in reach.
The scholars were puzzled, their minds in a spin,
“How can this man know what he’s never been in?”
They marveled at wisdom that flowed like a stream,
A light in the darkness, a beautiful dream.
He spoke of a message, not his own to claim,
But the truth from above, his Father’s Holy Name,
“Judge not by appearances, look deeper, be wise,
For true understanding is found in Divine complies.”
With authority echoing clear through the halls,
He challenged their notions, he dismantled their walls,
“Is there not in your law a call to be just?
To love, and to lead, in compassion we trust?”
So listen, dear hearts, to the lesson he gave,
To see with pure vision, the blind and the brave;
For not all who have power will speak what is right,
In the end, let your spirit be guided by light.
No superficial judgment, no harsh, shallow glance,
For in genuine seeking, our souls find a dance.
In humility’s wisdom, may we walk and discern,
Reflecting the love of Christ, in our hearts ever burn. Amen.
© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins
March 20, 2026 @ 04:38 AM EST
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