A Series on the parables of Jesus – Part 2
The speck and the
log
(Click
on the link below to read the verses.)
Matthew 7:1-5
[During the
first century, it was common for a rabbi to use parables when teaching their
disciples. The parables of Jesus were stories that he told to illustrate
spiritual truth using some element from everyday life. Jesus used seeds, fish,
trees, bread - things people could easily relate to – for a “teachable
moment”.]
The first car that I ever owned was a brown 1971 Ford Pinto. It was a no-frills car with a stick shift, crank windows, push button AM radio and no air conditioning. But it was affordable, and it was mine!
Little did I realize at the time, that it would later be considered by
some, “the most dangerous car ever created”. Apparently, there was a series of
design defects that could cause the car to burst into flames in low-speed
collisions.
Thankfully car manufacturers are making vehicles much safer today. One safety
feature that really helps is the side mirror that lights up when another car
enters your blind spot. It’s very useful because… everybody has a blind spot.
The parable of “the speck and the log” is about the blind spots that we all
have. But before Jesus tells the parable, he gives a commandment with a
consequence.
“Do not judge, or
you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you
judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be
measured to you. NIV
He then clarifies what he’s saying by using hyperbole. In doing this, Jesus
draws an absurd picture to drive home his point.
3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s
eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can
you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck
in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? NLT
His solution to this is to first recognize our own blind spots before
trying to help a friend with their blind spots. Easier said than done. However,
previous to this parable, Jesus had taught his disciples how to pray which included
forgiveness instead of judgement.
12 and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us. NLT Matthew 6
As mentioned above, cars today are much safer. Unfortunately, manufacturers
haven’t figured out how to remove the blind spot of human nature. I guess
there’s only so much they can do. But in Christ, all things are possible.
32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. NIV Ephesians 4:32
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