And he told them a parable, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? 40 No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.
Jesus teaches a lesson that is both simple and profound: we cannot lead others well if we are blind to our own faults. In this passage, He begins with a striking image: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” (v. 39). Blindness here does not mean literal inability to see. Instead, it symbolizes moral and spiritual blindness—a lack of awareness of our own failings and limitations. If someone cannot perceive their own weaknesses, their guidance will be flawed, and those who follow may stumble alongside them.
He continues by showing the ideal path for a disciple: learning from the teacher. “No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher” (v. 40). A disciple is a follower who models his/her life on the teacher’s example. True discipleship is not measured by criticism of others or by superficial acts of righteousness. Rather, it is measured by how closely one reflects the wisdom, integrity, and goodness of the teacher. Jesus, in this passage, sets Himself as the ultimate standard, and every disciple is called to gradually conform to His way of life.
Jesus then addresses the common human tendency to notice others’ faults while overlooking our own. “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” (v. 41). The “splinter” represents a minor fault, while the “wooden beam” symbolizes a serious flaw in one’s own life. He points out the absurdity of attempting to correct others while ignoring greater issues within ourselves. The emphasis is not that we never help others, but that we must first achieve clarity and integrity in our own lives. Only then can we act with humility and discernment.
Jesus calls out hypocrisy plainly: “You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye” (v. 42). Hypocrisy occurs when there is a disconnect between one’s outward actions and inward reality. Helping others is not wrong, but attempting it without self-awareness is ineffective and often damaging. Removing the “wooden beam” means taking responsibility for our own faults, seeking God’s guidance, and growing in holiness. Only after this personal work can our guidance and correction of others be fruitful and compassionate.
This teaching has practical consequences for our daily lives. It calls for honesty, reflection, and humility. In family relationships, at work, or within communities, the temptation to judge others quickly is constant. Yet Jesus shows that spiritual growth begins inwardly. As we recognize our own limitations and weaknesses, we can offer help to others from a place of wisdom and understanding rather than pride. Spiritual maturity is measured by self-awareness and the ability to act in love without presumption.
The passage also emphasizes accountability within the community. When disciples support one another, they do so from a foundation of shared integrity and mutual correction. Helping someone remove a “splinter” from their life is effective only when one has first worked to remove the “beam” from one’s own life. This process protects the community from misguided judgment and cultivates relationships built on trust, humility, and genuine care.
Prayer is central in this process. God gives the insight and courage to recognize our flaws and transform our hearts. Without His grace, self-awareness may lead to despair or false humility. With prayer, however, we can confront our weaknesses honestly, seek His help in correcting them, and gain the vision needed to guide others gently and effectively.
Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to see ourselves clearly. Help us to remove the obstacles and faults in our own hearts so that we may act with humility, patience, and love toward others. May we follow Your Son, learning from His example, and guide others not from pride, but from a heart purified and strengthened by Your grace. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Sources and References:
- The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition (2011), Lk. 6:39-42.
- A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture, ed. Bernard Orchard et al. (1953).
- The Navarre Bible: Luke, Faculty of the University of Navarre (2008).
- The Paulist Biblical Commentary, ed. José Enrique Aguilar Chiu et al. (2018).
- The New Jerome Biblical Commentary, ed. Raymond E. Brown et al. (1990).
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