The Speck and the Log in the Eye

  Luke 6:39-42 He also told them a parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.  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?  How can you 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? You 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.

  Masakit tawagin ka na isang hipokrito o peke. Kapag ang isang tao binansagan na isang hypokrito, ibig sabihin iba ang sinasasabi nya sa gawain nya. It is like saying "your actions speaks too loud i cannot hear anymore what you are saying'.

  The Pharisees pride themselves of being the most devoted, obedient and religious people of the Jewish nation in their time. But Jesus sees through them. They demand people to follow their rules and be like them, but they themselves were not following them. They have murderous intent, love of money, love of power and control, etc.. Yet they demand people to become like them - obedient, devoted, etc. there is therefore this disconnect with what they believe and how they actually behave.

In the parable Jesus describes their behaviour in two ways:

  Hypocrisy in their impressions/opinions of other people - "Why do you see.." (v41)

Hypocrisy in their expressions/verbal statements about other people - "How can you say.." (v42)

  All of us have the tendency to make our own impressions and expressions about other people, or a judge of their character. Unavoidable sometimes but it is what makes us rational and beings of choice. BUT let us make sure that in looking at sins and faults of other people, we are not ourselves in bondage and practicing them (the log in our own eye).

  Because in the end the results or influence or our 'reputasyon' will not be based on what we say or what we have achieve, but will be on the consistency of our faith & practice. A disciple reflects his master, much as a parent reflects his parents. If we are followers of Christ, we need to aspire to be like him - may paguugnay sa paniniwala, pagsasalita at gawaing matuwid.