September 8, 2024, Pentecost 16B: "Judge of the World"

It is very, very easy to judge others. In casting judgment, we can feel safe. We can keep the spotlight off ourselves and our shortcomings. However, being a judge often leaves us feeling empty and disconnected. How does Jesus overcome the prejudices of his time? How does Jesus’s brother, James, encourage the Christian community to let go of their false judgments? And how can we find genuine shalom in doing so? Pastor David preaches “Judge of the World” based on James 2:1-17 and Mark 7:24-37.