In the parable of the blind leading the blind, also found in Matthew 7:3-5, 16-18, Jesus speaks to those who have gathered saying, “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher” (6:39-40). Jesus is explaining that a person will become like the one he follows. If a blind person is leading the way and falls into a ditch, those who are following will fall also; of course, Jesus was not referring to physical blindness, but spiritual. If a person follows those who are ignorant of the truth, he will also be led astray. In order to avoid tragedy, Jesus is challenging people to follow Him because He is the truth and will lead them in the right way (John 14:6). Jesus brings another truth into this parable concerning those who are leading others, “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye” (6:41-42). Those who lead others may have a tendency to judge others for their faults while at the same time ignoring their own. Rather than pointing out the failures in others, first take care of your own problems so that you’ll then be able to help others in a spirit of humility (Galatians 6:1). Ultimately, a person’s actions reveal who they truly are and Jesus desires those who follow Him to demonstrate a lifestyle of obedience to the ways of God. Why? “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (6:43-45). The true nature of a person is not demonstrated in his words, but in his actions. The person whose heart is righteous before God will reflect that truth in the way he lives his life.
Almost continuing this same thought, Luke ends his documentation of the Sermon on the Mount with a glaring question posed by Jesus, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” (6:46) Those who hear but do not obey are similar to a man who builds his house without a foundation and is eventually destroyed (6:49); however, the man who hears and obeys the truth is likened to someone who first lays the foundation and then builds the house. Jesus was not interested in creating followers who just simply spoke the truth, but those who also lived it.
Dear God, help my actions to speak louder than my words.
