Jesus often used parables to compare one thing to another. In Luke 6:39-42, He put physical blindness next to spiritual blindness to draw some comparisons to the limitations we can have in teaching those in our sphere of influence.
He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?”
What Determines a Teacher’s Limitations
Notice how Luke 6:30 begins “He ALSO told them this parable” suggesting that we look at what He communicated prior to this parable. Jesus began His discourse in verse 20 with what we call the Be-Attitudes. In addition to listing how we’re blessed, He warned of what brings woes. Then in verses 27-36 He continued with an exhortation to love our enemies and do good. We’re to be merciful, not judging or condemning. Rather, it’s forgiving and helping others that brings the real blessing, or return (v. 36-38). Then, right before the parable about the blind leading the blind, He said, “For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
If we grow our assets in ways Jesus had just described, then to the extent we lack or withhold these attributes, we limit the true blessing in ministry.
Jesus goes on to “also” make it known that our limitations, which He’s comparing to spiritual blindness, affect others, not just ourselves. — “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?”
Just like physical blindness, some may be totally blind, but others might be able to see shapes. Nonetheless, partial blindness can still cause us to mistake one image for another, to miss some of the important details, etc. Consequently, regardless of the degree of spiritual blindness, teachers can still potentially lead students into a pit along with themselves, rather than to a place of blessings.
Examples of Where Teachers’ Limits Can Take Them and Their Students
Let’s try to get specific about blindness, or blindspots, teachers can have that could lead both them and their students into a place they ought not to go … into a miry pit.
- If teachers are Bible illiterate, not seeing God’s truth, then they will likely lead their students into the pit of error.
- If teachers get rigid, dogmatic, and condemning, masking over God’s grace, then they will undoubtedly lead students into the pit of legalism.
- If teachers waver on biblical morality, blocking out the light of God’s holiness, then they will likely lead their students into the pit of compromise.
- If teachers tend to be reactive and antagonistic when confronted, forgetting what God’s heart of love looks like, then they will probably lead students into the pit of meaningless and fruitless debate.
Bible teachers, think through where your might be spiritual blind and ask God to open your eyes to see clearly so you can have a positive impact on students’ lives. The next post will continue on in Luke 6 to look at teachers’ influence.