Read Luke 6

Highlights:

Jesus and the Sabbath; twelve chosen; Sermon on the Mount; healing and miracles; John the Baptist's questions; Jesus anointed.

Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? . . . Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye (Luke 6:41-42).

Jesus did not say that the mote did not exist, nor did He say that we were not to take action concerning it. But, He does say, first attend to the beam in your own eye; then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.

The judge must pass sentence upon criminals. It is his responsibility to God and to society. The minister of God must reprove, rebuke, exhort (2 Tim. 4:1-2). God has said, the wicked . . . shalt surely die. But, if we fail to warn the wicked of his sin, God has also said: that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but He will hold us responsible. But His blood will I require at thine hand (Ezek. 3:18).

It is our responsibility to recognize the mote for what it is; but we must first consider the beam and examine our attitude toward the sinner, as well as the sin. Do we possess the attitude of David, who said: Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not Thy Law (Ps.119:136). This is in contrast to those who can easily overlook their own faults and failures and at the same time critically discuss another's conduct, imply evil motives to their deeds, repeat slander, possibly exaggerating it, and take sinful pleasure in condemning others. This unchristian judgment reveals self-righteousness.

It can even become a devilish desire to slander and destroy another. It is this beam of self-righteousness and failure to express God's mercy and love that Jesus spoke of when He said: Cast out first the beam out of thine own eye.

Surely those who are quick to mouth uncharitable comments toward others have joined with Satan, the accuser of our brethren . . . before our God day and night (Rev. 12:10). It is our responsibility to restore others. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted (Gal. 6:1).

We all need to remember: Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. . . . Search me, O God, and know my heart (Ps. 19:12-13; 139:23-24).

Thought for Today:

The extent of our love for Christ is revealed by our spirit of compassion or condemnation toward one another.

Cross References:

For Luke 7:22: See Is. 61:1. Luke 7:27: See Mal. 3:1.

Word Studies:

6:11 communed, discussed; 7:14 bier, open coffin on which a corpse was carried to burial.

Prayer Suggestion: Cry and pour out your soul in prayer in time of affliction (Is. 26:16).

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:16