Luke 6:41-42 41And why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42How are you able to say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? Hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.
Jesus gives another illustration in the form of two rhetorical questions. The idea of seeing and blindness continues from the previous verses. The possible cause of the blindness of verse 39 is that the you, referring to disciples, has a big log in his eye causing him not to see clearly. The image is another bordering on humorous but serious. Many cartoons have attempted to show the absurdity of the image of a log poking out of a person’s head while there is a tiny speck in the other person’s eye. The speck and log can represent sins or faults that are seen and judged by others.
The problem is that the disciple is actually being hypocritical in judging others, implying a continuation of the theme of judging from verse 37. It is sometimes easier to notice the small faults in others and to pass judgment on them than to see our own problems and to be honest about them. We like to hide behind our superior knowledge or pious religiosity, thinking that people will think that we are holy and righteous. Jesus later criticizes the religious leaders for this type of behavior. His followers must not act in this way.
Verse 42 shows that illustration should not be interpreted to mean that there is never a place for correcting a wayward brother or sister. There is a need to help others grow in their commitment and behavior, but we must do so with love and compassion. The first step before ever helping another person is first to take care of our own sins, failures, and problems. Doing this also should build compassion and sympathy for others who struggle with these problems. We realize that the other person has the same challenges we do. Instead of being quick to pass judgment, we should be quick to extend mercy. Since God has forgiven us and given us strength to overcome our sins and failures, God can do the same for others. By judging others, we actually show that we are ignoring our own problems. Rather than judge people, we should extend mercy and love because we realize we are no better–and often worse–than others.
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