Redemption Over Condemnation: Embracing Our Shared Humanity

Today’s gathering invited us to look honestly at the word “wicked”—not as a label for others, but as a mirror for ourselves. Drawing from the musical “Wicked” and its cultural resonance, we explored how quick we are to join the chorus when someone else stumbles, to celebrate the downfall of those we deem “wicked,” and to distance ourselves from the label. Yet, Scripture challenges this instinct. The word “wicked” appears hundreds of times in the Bible, most often describing not some distant villain, but the very real brokenness in human hearts—including our own.

We considered how society, and even the church, can be swept up in public narratives that divide the world into heroes and villains. The story of Oz, like so many stories in our world, shows how crowds can be wrong, how the majority can misjudge, and how those labeled “wicked” may in fact be beloved by God. The Bible is full of such reversals: prophets, peacemakers, and even Jesus himself were called wicked by their contemporaries. Yet, God’s heart is not for condemnation, but for redemption. As Ezekiel proclaims, God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but desires that all turn and live.

We reflected on the danger of self-righteousness—how easy it is to point at others and say, “At least I’m not like them.” Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector reminds us that it is the humble, not the self-assured, who go home justified. The line between good and wicked runs through every human heart. Our call is not to join the crowd in condemnation, but to mourn, to hope, and to work for the redemption of all—including ourselves.

The story of John Newton, author of “Amazing Grace,” illustrates this truth. Once a slave trader, he was transformed by grace—not instantly, but over time—reminding us that no one is beyond God’s reach. The table of Christ is not for the sinless, but for the sinful; not for the righteous, but for the wicked who know their need. The good news is not that the wicked are gone, but that the wicked can live—redeemed, forgiven, and beloved by God.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Instinct to Judge Others Masks Our Own Need for Grace It is a common human impulse to celebrate the downfall of those we label as “wicked,” believing it secures our own sense of righteousness. Yet, Scripture repeatedly warns against this, reminding us that wickedness is not just “out there,” but within each of us. True spiritual maturity begins when we turn the mirror inward and recognize our own need for mercy. Only then can we extend the compassion God desires for all people. [19:47]
• 2. God’s Heart Is for Redemption, Not Condemnation Ezekiel’s words ring clear: God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but longs for their repentance and life. While the world may cheer at the fall of others, God mourns and calls us to do the same. Our calling is to hope for restoration, not to join the chorus of condemnation, trusting that God’s grace is wide enough for all. [30:41]
• 3. The Crowd Is Often Wrong—Beware the Simplicity of Labels History and Scripture are filled with examples of people wrongly labeled as wicked or dangerous, only to be vindicated by God’s purposes. From prophets to peacemakers to Christ himself, the majority can misjudge, and the crowd can be mistaken. We must be cautious about whom we label as “wicked,” lest we find ourselves opposing the very ones God has chosen. [32:03]
• 4. The Line Between Good and Wicked Runs Through Every Heart It is tempting to divide the world into heroes and villains, but the reality is far more complex. Jesus’ teaching about the log in our own eye, and his parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, remind us that self-righteousness is itself a form of wickedness. Humility and honest self-examination are the path to justification and peace with God. [38:58]
• 5. Grace Is for the Wicked—The Table Is Open to All The story of John Newton, and the invitation to Christ’s table, reveal that no one is beyond redemption. The meal is not for those who have no sin, but for those who know their need and come in humility. God’s love is not reserved for the righteous, but is poured out for the wicked, inviting us all to receive mercy and to extend it to others. [49:10]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:43] - Introduction and Connection
• [03:23] - “No One Mourns the Wicked” and Pop Culture
• [18:40] - The Word “Wicked” in Scripture
• [21:37] - Biblical Language and Community Reactions
• [24:33] - Judging Others and the Danger of Labels
• [25:44] - Holding Up a Mirror: Stories and Self-Reflection
• [26:31] - God’s Heart: Redemption Over Condemnation
• [27:46] - The Crowd Mentality and Our Own Hearts
• [29:41] - Modern Examples of Public Shaming
• [32:03] - When the Crowd Gets It Wrong
• [36:17] - The Complexity of Good and Wicked
• [38:58] - Jesus’ Parable: Pharisee and Tax Collector
• [40:22] - Who Are the Wicked? God’s Perspective
• [42:10] - John Newton: From Wickedness to Grace
• [44:19] - Flipping the Script: God’s Response
• [48:00] - The Table Is for the Wicked
• [49:10] - Communion: Grace for All
• [56:29] - The Mystery of the Meal
• [58:14] - Offering: Doing the Next Right Thing
• [59:00] - Giving and Building God’s Kingdom
• [60:24] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
• [67:00] - Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Celebration
• [67:48] - Closing Song and Benediction

Bible Reading

Ezekiel 33:11 (ESV) — > Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?

Luke 18:9-14 (ESV) – The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector — > [Jesus] also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Romans 3:23 (ESV) — > For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Observation Questions

1. According to Ezekiel 33:11, what is God’s desire for the wicked? How does this contrast with how people often respond to those labeled “wicked”? ([30:41])
2. In the parable Jesus tells in Luke 18:9-14, what are the differences between the Pharisee’s and the tax collector’s prayers? What does Jesus say about which one is justified? ([38:58])
3. The sermon mentions that the word “wicked” appears hundreds of times in the Bible and is most often used to describe whom? ([21:37])
4. What examples from history or the Bible did the sermon give of people wrongly labeled as “wicked” by the crowd? ([32:03])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God “takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn and live”? What does this reveal about God’s character? ([30:41])
2. The sermon says, “The line between good and wicked runs through every one of our hearts.” What does this mean for how we view ourselves and others? ([36:17])
3. How does the story of John Newton, the author of “Amazing Grace,” challenge our ideas about who is beyond redemption? ([42:10])
4. In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, why is self-righteousness considered a form of wickedness? How does humility change our relationship with God? ([38:58])

Application Questions

1. The sermon points out our instinct to celebrate when someone else “gets what they deserve.” Can you think of a recent time when you joined in judging or celebrating someone else’s downfall? What was going on in your heart at that moment? ([19:47])
2. When have you been tempted to label someone as “wicked” or “beyond hope”? How might God be calling you to see that person differently? ([32:03])
3. The story of John Newton shows that change and redemption can take time. Is there someone in your life (including yourself) whom you have given up on too soon? What would it look like to hope for their redemption? ([42:10])
4. The sermon says, “The table of Christ is not for the sinless, but for the sinful; not for the righteous, but for the wicked who know their need.” How does this truth affect the way you approach communion or worship? ([49:10])
5. Jesus warns about focusing on the “speck” in someone else’s eye while ignoring the “log” in our own. What is one area of your life where you need to turn the mirror inward and seek God’s mercy? ([36:17])
6. The crowd in the musical “Wicked” and in real life often gets it wrong. How can you guard against being swept up in public narratives or groupthink, especially when it comes to judging others? ([32:03])
7. The sermon ends by asking, “If God mourns the wicked, shouldn’t we?” What is one practical way you can show compassion or hope for someone you might otherwise write off this week? ([45:05])