David Bahn – Reflections

No one would knowingly follow a blind guide through unfamiliar and dangerous territory. But bluster and bravado can disguise even the most inept and misguided self-appointed expert. These are among the most dangerous persons in the world.

Matthew 15:10-20

And he called the people to him and said to them,  “Hear and understand: ¹¹ it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” ¹²Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” ¹³He answered,  “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. ¹⁴Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” ¹⁵But Peter said to him, “Explain the parable to us.” ¹⁶And he said,  “Are you also still without understanding? ¹⁷Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? ¹⁸But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. ¹⁹For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. ²⁰ These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”

Jesus calls the Pharisees blind guides. They would never agree to that moniker. They were quite convinced that they had things properly understood. They were quite confident in their estimation of religion and life. They were even looked up to by many in their day. They saw quite well as far as they were concerned. But they did not see the most important thing of all: God had come to earth in the person of Jesus. But they were blind to this one ultimate truth.

The gravest danger and the most difficult challenge is dealing with someone who cannot see his own shortcomings. When someone is incapable of recognizing his own sin not only has he deceived himself (1 John 1:8), but he is likely to harm others in ways he cannot comprehend.

So how can we be certain that we are not blind guides? Although it is a life-long process it starts with praying Psalm 139 sincerely. It starts with an admission that we can all too easily deceive ourselves. When we humble ourselves before God and seek his wisdom and truth we continue on the path of truth. As we give ear to God’s word and let him shape our minds and hearts we become stronger in the truth.

Psalm 139:23-24

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!