Become New with John Ortberg 9. How to Respond When Your Family Becomes Judgmental
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Jan 30, 2026 A messy biblical family drama unfolds with betrayal, hypocrisy, sexual scandal, and a shocking reversal. A man is forced to face his own judgmental heart and finds the start of humility and reconciliation. The story shows how flawed people are woven into a surprising family line and points to a mission of mercy rather than condemnation.
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Judah And Tamar’s Messy Family Story
- John Ortberg retells the messy Genesis 38 story of Judah, Tamar, and the deaths of Ur and Onan to set up the moral tension.
- The story shows family betrayal, sexual deception, and a woman taking bold action to secure her place in God's line.
Recognition Breaks Self-Righteousness
- Tamar forces Judah to 'recognize' his own hypocrisy by returning his seal, cord, and staff as proof of paternity.
- Judah's admission, "She is more righteous than I," breaks his self-righteous drive to condemn and opens the way to mercy.
God Works Through Messy People
- John Ortberg highlights God as the main character working through messy people to build a community.
- The inclusion of Tamar in Jesus' genealogy shows grace reaches across social, ethnic, and moral boundaries.