He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 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? 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.
Jesus has been speaking to his disciples about loving like God loves and showing mercy to their enemies. He takes it a bit further and tells them in this passage that the judgment they have in their hearts for others causes them to be spiritually blind. Such was the case of the religious leaders of his day. These, who were supposed to lead, were blinded by religious pride. These forgot that their primary obligation was to love and not condemn.
Have you ever thought of hypocrisy as a symptom of spiritual blindness? Ever wonder why the religious leaders could not seem to really see Jesus for who he was? Perhaps each condemnation of another added an obstruction to their spiritual eyes. Maybe hypocritical actions obscure our inner vision? Would that they chose mercy over judgment. Would that they would have repented and received healing for the eyes of their heart.
I repent of judgmentalism Lord. Heal my blindness. Cause me to embrace mercy.
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