The Blind Leading the Blind

“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.”

– Luke 6:39-40

A blind man cannot truly guide another blind man. He can only pretend to lead, but in the end, both will stumble into a ditch.

An apprentice cannot know more than his master. Only after he is fully trained and qualified can he reach the same level. This is a reminder to choose our teachers and those who we follow wisely, because we will go no further than they do. We must seek guidance from those who know more than we do, whose wisdom and example we can trust.

Jesus then asks why we focus so quickly on the flaws in someone else’s life while ignoring the glaring flaws in our own. How can we point out what others are doing wrong when we ourselves are guilty of even greater faults? Often, we are overly critical, splitting hairs, becoming hypocritical judges rather than humble helpers.

Before we deal with the blind spots in someone else’s life, we must first acknowledge and address our own. Jesus calls us not to pick on people, jump on their failures, or criticize their faults. We are not to condemn those who are already down.

Life is so much lighter when we go easy on others, when we give grace instead of judgment. Jesus teaches that when we give our life away, life is given back to us—with bonuses and blessings. Giving, not getting, is the way of His Kingdom.

Thoughtful Reflection

Let us choose humility. Let us love others. Let us examine our own hearts before correcting a friend. And above all, let us make sure we are following teachers and leaders who truly see—because if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch.