City Life Starter

Written by Scott Fiddler

The Word

39 He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.

Luke 6:39–42 (ESV)

Reflection

Sometimes I’m a little slow. I read the passage above over and over trying to see the connection between verses 39-40 and 41-42. I was missing the connection because I was assuming Jesus was speaking primarily to those seeking discipleship instead of those seeking to disciple others. Once I viewed it from the perspective of the latter the connection between these four verses became clear.

Do you want to disciple or mentor others? If you are blind you will only lead others into a pit. (v. 39) You can’t teach anyone more than you know. (v. 40). How can you help someone you are discipling overcome a sin without dealing first with the same sin in your own life? (v. 41). All you are doing is revealing yourself as a hypocrite. Deal first with that particular sin in your own life. Then you will know how to help the person you are discipling or mentoring. (v. 42).

Application

Jesus’ teaching on this point may not sound revolutionary, but it is actually stunning how blind we can be to our sin. I was in a church years ago where I was part of a group of guys being discipled by the pastor. At some point I learned one of the married guys in the group engaged in an adulterous relationship. He wanted to be a preacher and had actually preached one Wednesday night in our church on marriage.

So, one of the other guys and I decided to confront him about his unfaithfulness to his wife. When we got to his home, we told him what we had heard. He admitted it and said he knew it was wrong, but it still seemed he was missing the gravity of having committed adultery. Finally, I said, “Do you realize you stood up in front of the church recently and preached about marriage at the same time you were engaging in adultery?” Finally, this look of shock came over his face. It was clear his hypocrisy had never occurred to him.

Jesus’ teaching in this passage doesn’t mean one has to be perfect to help, disciple, mentor, or lead others. Jesus is just saying, “Don’t be a hypocrite.” Be a model before being a mentor.

Prayer

Lord, by Your grace please show me things in my life to which I am blind but which need to change. Amen.