Saturday
He also told them a parable: 'Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?' (v. 39)
Background
Today’s passage comes from Luke’s Gospel, the longest of the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). It was written in approximately 61-62 AD. Luke also wrote the Acts of the Apostles and is responsible for a quarter of the New Testament by volume. Uniquely of the gospel writers, Luke was a Gentile (not Jewish). His gospel has been described as the 'gospel of stories'.
In today's text Jesus is talking about judging others, or rather about the blessings that come when we do not judge others. He tells the listeners a parable, which is a simple story to illustrate a point, which may be moral, ethical or religious.
In this context the parable of a blind person leading another blind person opens up questions about what kind of 'blindness' Jesus means. Does he mean physically blind, or is using an image to make the point that there are other types of 'blindness' that lead to a fall, such as failing to recognise the truth of Jesus' message?
We understand that disciples are required to be humble, to recognise their ignorance and confusion (blindness). Verses 46-49 reveal that when Jesus' followers are faithful to him, they will become like a house built on a foundation of rock – stable and strong. They must sustain their Jesus-like character even in the most trying of circumstances (when "the river bursts its bank").
The only other time that any of the gospels refer to 'the blind leading the blind' is Matthew 15:14 when Jesus is speaking about the Pharisees – people who observed Jewish law and the written and oral traditions of their culture. The Pharisees were known to be critical of Jesus and the advice is not to follow them because they are blind guides and will lead people astray.
To Ponder:
- What might cause people today to act in ways in which they are blind to judgement and justice?
- What types of moral or ethical 'blindness' do you think are prevalent in the world today?
Prayer
Holy God, please open our eyes and our hearts to see our own blindness and teach us to see the problems we need to face. Amen.