Scripture:
Matthew 7:3-5
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? Or how can you say to your brother, Let me take the speck out of your eye, when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
Observation:
Jesus is still teaching on the mountaintop and he is teaching the people the things they need to know. His teaching is also among the things people struggle with and obviously will continue to struggle with. These teachings in the 6th and 7th chapter of Matthew have changed the way we see God and see the world.
Application:
My first take away this morning is that this a brother I am judging. This is not a nonbeliever, this is a believer I am dissecting and judging. So many times I even say we have the ability to judge the believer, but not the nonbeliever and in this passage the Lord is clear. We have problems just like everyone else, and for the most part, our problem is so much bigger than theirs.
1. Why do I see the speck in my brother’s eye? Am I looking for things to find? Am I looking at my brother and trying to figure out what they are doing wrong rather than encouraging them in the Lord and building them up with words and prayer? Do I look at my physical family and try to find their faults or simply love them for who they are and help them grow in Jesus? When I see what God has done in my heart and life, I spend less time critiquing my brother and do more sharing and leading to show them the God that loves us and wants us to know him. It goes from judging to Jesus.
2. There is a log in my eye. I have the issues that I need to be addressed and I need to spend my time pursuing Jesus Christ in my own life. I can not lead someone to a place that I am not. Logs are bigger than specks….Judging is not seeing Jesus and his people clearly.
3. Take the log out and then help your brother. My call is to seek Jesus for the sin that is holding my captive and find freedom and lead my brother to so as well. Not get my sin dealt with and THEN CALL HIM OUT, rather to find my self in repentance and the LEAD my brother to the same repentance that Jesus lead me to. It says to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. There will be times where we have to physically act on a brother’s maybe because they aren’t as mature in the Lord or simply they don’t see the sin. We must love our brothers and sister to lead them in this.
Prayer:
Father, help me apply this today with my brothers and sisters. Help me to see my sin and repent and then lead others to the same thing. You’re gracious and kind and pray that my life would declare that more than anything. You’re forgiving, you’re merciful, you’re gracious, you’re patient, may I be those things too.