In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us, "Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit" (Matthew 15:14). From this Bible verse, we might wonder what does it mean when the Lord says the blind leading the blind and to leave the blind guides?
In our everyday lives, this can be a hard concept to understand, which is why it is crucial for us to understand it. Not only do we need to know what it means in the Bible, but we also have to know what it means in life.
What Does "The Blind Leading the Blind" Mean?
The blind leading the blind, as described in Matthew 15:14, is exactly what it sounds like. A blind person cannot lead another blind person, or they will both end up somewhere they don't want to be — in this case, a pit.
When we look closer at this teaching, we can understand that it means a person cannot help someone else or teach another person about something if they also don't know the answer.
As an example, if a person doesn't know the message of salvation of Jesus coming to the earth to die for our sins and was resurrected, then they cannot help someone else know the gospel.
In this way, if a person tries to teach salvation outside of salvation as recorded in the Bible, they are a blind guide leading the blind.
As we can see, a person cannot lead someone else if they don't know where they are going. In the matter of our daily lives, this is applicable in many ways. We cannot teach others about the deep spiritual truths of the Bible unless we know them ourselves.
In the same way, if we are trying to help someone in sin yet still struggle with sin and participate in sin, we cannot say that we are leading them faithfully. Rather, we are leading them as a blind man leads another blind man.
We don't need to be like one who leads the other person without regard. Through Jesus, we have been given eyes that see, ears that hear, and mouths that proclaim the gospel.
Jesus is the light of life, and we no longer have to roam around like those who live in the darkness. Therefore, we are not similar to the blind because we know Him as our Savior and Lord. We can still stumble and fall in many ways, yet the Lord always helps us get back up again.
Through the blind leading the blind, the ultimate end will only be found in disaster. There can be no peace, unity, or freedom found in being led by the blind. While we often talk about being the blind guide who is leading the blind, we don't often talk about being the blind person being led by the blind.
This happens all too commonly and is something that shouldn't be overlooked. Many prosperity gospel leaders lead the blind because they, too, in fact, are blind. If we follow the teachings of false belief systems, they will only lead us into the dark pit, as Jesus describes in Matthew 15:14.
In this pit, there is no truth, light, or saving grace. There are only lies, hurt, and darkness. As believers, we need to be aware of this reality and help point people to the truth.
We should not allow ourselves to be led by the blind, nor should we lead others if we have found ourselves to be blind guides in various matters related to the Bible.
We don't want to be found guilty of being false teachers or spreading misinformation about the Lord. Instead, we need to lead others in the light as those who know the Lord and have eyes that can see.
At the moment of salvation, our eyes are opened up to the truth of Jesus, and with this new vision, we need to do all we can to help others. We cannot sit idle and allow the blind to speak lies into the hearts and minds of the lost.
We need to speak for the Lord and help all those who are blind to have sight. They need to know the Lord and have their eyes opened to the truth of knowing Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
Until a person knows Jesus as their Savior and Lord, they will always be blind. It is not until we know Christ that we can truly see.
How Can We Apply Matthew 15:14 Today?
In your own life, examine yourself. See if you are falling in any way of being blind to the truths of Scripture or if you are being misled by others. There are many false teachers, even among mainline Christianity.
In a way, they are hiding in plain sight and causing many to have a false view of God, the Bible, and Christianity. One of the most well-known false teachers of the present day and age is Joel Osteen. He is a blind guide leading the blind into the dark pits of eternal separation from God.
Instead of preaching the gospel, he is preaching the prosperity gospel and leading millions astray. Don't allow yourself to be tricked by his schemes, and instead, follow what the Bible says.
Look into the work of those who are walking in the light and see, such as Charles Stanley, David Platt, Timothy Keller, and Francis Chan. While two of these pastors passed this year, there is still much we can learn from each of these followers of Christ.
Educate yourself and learn all you can in order for you not to be a blind guide nor to be tricked by the blind. The greatest resource we have to learn more about the truth is the Bible. It contains everything we need, and it will never deceive us.
In addition to the Bible, we can talk to other believers, listen to podcasts, and read books by those who faithfully serve the Lord. In this way, we will be following the path of light and avoid being led by the blind.
It can be difficult at times to tell the difference between false teachers and true teachers, yet the most important thing you should look at is their view of Jesus and salvation. If they have a faulty view of Jesus and salvation, it is best to stay away from these false teachers.
The devil wants to try to deceive us and make us believe false teachers, but we are not unaware of his schemes. By putting on the full armor of God, we will be better at seeing Satan's schemes in the form of blind guides and be able to turn away from them (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Why Does This Matter?
We can also turn to prayer and ask God to help us not be blind guides and not allow blind guides to come our way. Ask God to help you teach others the truth as well as ask Him to help you surround yourself with people who teach you the truth.
There are many blind guides out in the world, who will lead you astray, yet through Jesus' help and a thorough knowledge of the scriptures, you will be able to be a guide of truth and avoid falling into the trap of blind guides.
For further reading:
What Is the Significance of Jesus Healing the Blind Man?
Why Did Jesus Heal the Man Born Blind?
Does God Expect Us to Have Blind Faith?
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