Log and Speck

If you are like me, you try and wrestle with tension in the text and what can feel like tension in the bible. You know the bible has a lot of critics, and I would be naïve to think this text isn’t subject to conversation, social media posts, and passive-aggressive jabs at Christians. JUDGE NOT – DON’T JUDGE ME! I feel judge, is often the one stop comment of “you meanie….” You bigot.” The bible says we aren’t supposed to judge, so why are you judging me. It’s really a call to “you leave me alone….”

But it’s a fair question to ask, is that what the bible is saying? Is that what Jesus is saying here? That Christians should never judge? Is there never time to render a verdict about a situation or circumstance? The answer to that is that Christians are right to render judgement in a variety of circumstances. TO begin, it is right because it is human nature to render judgment. It’s part of what it means to be human. Parents are called to make judgments about their children in conflict and decisions. Teachers assess students and make judgments on the best way to help or give guidance. Managers evaluate employees. Judges render verdicts in law courts. I could go on and on. Beyond that, scripture has given authority to shepherds to rightly shepherd the flock, which requires discernment, and wisdom and decisions based on deliberation of fact. Even further, God has commanded the church to render judgment, even on one another in instances of church discipline in 1 Cor 5 and Matthew 18. That is what the church does in discipline; it renders a judicial verdict on a person, warning them of a final judgment from God. And as Paul writes to the church to make a right judgement and to practice right judgement, that you ought to have enough discernment to judge rightly, after all 1 Co 6:2-3

1 Corinthians 6:2–3 ESV

2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!

And then, finally is the words of Jesus himself for Christians to judge, but to do so rightly. John 7:24

John 7:24 ESV

24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

So, it’s not a simple nor as trite to simply – the bible says not to judge. In fact, the opposite is true. We are commanded to judge. It’s human to judge, and can even be godly to render proper judgment. So long as that judgement is right, just, and good. And that’s what Jesus is showing us here in this text. Not that judgment is never right. But we ought to strive to be right in judgment. That a particular way of judgement is to be rendered, and it’s not a judgement of harshness, but of love. It’s not a love that seeks to condemn, but one that seeks mercy. So I think a simple way to say it is that Jesus is after the heart. In a word, Jesus is saying, Don’t be judgmental. But instead, be gracious.

Sermon Summary: Disciples judge with mercy, clarity, and humility under Christ’s lordship.

Luke 6:37–42 ESV

37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” 39 He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 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? 42 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.

This is God’s word. Let’s pray.

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I. Judge with Mercy, Not Condemnation (vv. 37–38)

You see this all over the text. You see it first within the context. Think of what Jesus has just said, If you love those who love you, what reward is that (v.32). Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, do good to those who revile you. ….v.(36). Be merciful as God is merciful! This is the starting point, a heart of mercy and compassion, as our heavenly father has extended to us. Then you will judge rightly. In the way we have received mercy, we ought to extend this mercy to other, and it’s a mercy that is demonstrated in all things….So we aren’t judging for sake of condemnation. Or for harshness’ sake, but with compassion, mercy, and love. Not out to get other, but hopefully to win others. Hopefully to correct others to the way of Christ!! And Jesus show us that in v. 37-39. He gives four commands, two negative, and then two positive. And then, he gives a motivation for those commands, and then rationale, and circles back to his previous argument. Notice this in Luke 6:37-39.

Luke 6:37–38 ESV

What Jesus is showing us here is that what He just said in Luke 6:31 - 31 as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them

You don’t want to be condemned. You don’t want to judge in a harsh way. But there is a judgement coming, God will judge. There is condemnation coming for those who don’t repent. But you don’t desire that, and that’s not how God has treated you. So instead, be merciful. In the same way you desire. FORGIVE! GIVE!! …. and it will be given to you. If you have a judgmental spirit, then we will receive that same type of judgment. A condemning spirit will be met with the same condemnation. God will apply the same standard we have given to others, toward us! And instead of being harsh, we are called to extend grace to others! The same grace we have received from Christ. Jesus is drawing between the attitude of the heart. One critical and condemning, and the other giving and forgiving!

Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.

Jesus gives us this picture of blessing and not cursing. This overflow of abundance. An imagery os grain or wheat. Similar to what you see in RUTH. When she is given the harvest of grain in Ruth 3:15.

That God not alone pours out a good measure….But it is pressed down, so as to fit more, compacted to maximize space… Shaken together, to be stirred, and sifted down in order to free more space!....and more is then given, running over – that is continued unto overflow of goodness and forgiveness! This is how God gives and how God forgives….And none of it deserved or earned, but freely given!! So you ought to do the same.

For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Man, here Jesus, boomerang back to the previous section, doesn’t he? Do unto others and you would have to them do you…and further, this echoes. You be merciful because your Father is merciful!

What Jesus is after is the hearts of men. He’s after the willful disposition and transformation that His grace brings and bears in the life of His sheep! That we don’t have a heart of condemnation of others. Or a mindset of judgment towards others. Not that we desire them to be condemn. We don’t. not that we desire them to perish, we don’t. We in fact, should not be out to get them, but instead tht the Lord would save them!

So, we forgive when we have been wronged. We give to them and love them. And the judgement we give is not one of judgment or condemnation, but might simply be the extension of the truth of God in love. To say, here is what the bible says, here is what Scripture teaches. Here is what truth demands. But that’s not my heart judging you….that is my soul loving you, that you might repent and trust Christ.

Let me just say, sometimes the church gets this right. And does this rightly. They lovingly proclaim truth, and stand for truth and point others to the truth in a just, loving way. Beloved, don’t stop in doing that. Cling to Christ and cling to His word. That’s not judging, that’s love. That’s speaking the truth in love.

But let me say also, the church fails in this as well. We sometimes fail in the application of love in speaking the truth. We fail, because our hearts are not always pure. We fail when we are more concerned about others’ sins than our own. We fail when we arrive at conclusions before fully knowing the situation. We fail when we attempt to judge motives. It happens when we withhold forgiveness. It happens when we keep our distance from those struggling with difficult sins, like drug addiction or sexual immorality. It happens when we shun others with messy problems in a fallen world, like poverty and genuine need. It happens when we judge the heart without loving them first.

The irony is that this is not how Jesus has treated us.

The Gospel is the stunning announcement that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Jesus didn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up or become lovable—He loved us in the middle of our mess. He stepped into our brokenness, bore our sin, took the judgment we deserved, and rose again to offer us new life. He was not afraid of our guilt, our shame, our addiction, or our pride. He saw it all—and loved us still. This is the grace of God: not that we earned His favor, but that it was freely given through Christ.

If you’re hearing this and you realize you’ve judged others harshly, or maybe you’ve felt judged by the church, let me invite you to look to Jesus. He is full of grace and truth. He knows your story—every part of it—and still, He offers you mercy. He invites you not to religion, but to a relationship with Himself. To trust Him, to turn from sin, and to receive the gift of eternal life that only He can give.

Beloved, the cross reminds us that we are all equal at the foot of it—equally broken, equally in need, and extended grace through Jesus. So come. Come not because you’re worthy, but because He is. Come not because you’ve figured it all out, but because He has made the way for us to be reconciled to God. Come to Jesus.

And for those of us who have already received this grace, let’s walk in it. Let’s extend it. Let’s be the kind of people who don’t run from the mess, but run toward it with the love of Christ. Because that’s exactly what He did for us.

He met our sin with mercy and grace, rather than condemnation.

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II. Judge with Discernment, Not Blindness (vv. 39–40)

Here Jesus gives another parable. Jesus has used parables before in Luke 5, in the teaching on the Sabbath. He will continue to use parables throughout his ministry. Parables can be an illustrative story, an intended allegory, or short, pithy sayings or proverbs. In other words, they don’t always fit the mold of an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. But Jesus inviting them to see something deeper and more profound that what appears on the surface. In fact, the reason of this sermon will end with a series of parables. First is of the blind guides, the second about bearing righteous fruit, and the third of the wise builder. But all of it is to ask the points, what does Jesus mean by speaking this parable. Moreover, the question I have is what relation, if any does a blind guide have to with render righteous judgement.

In short, the answer to that Jesus was inviting his followers to be like Him. Far from being condemning, Jesus gave and forgave others. He showed mercy to sinners, rather than condemnation. So contextual, Jesus has now said, be merciful like your Father is merciful, and now, be forgiving and gracious, like me.

The parable begins with two obvious questions. Luke 6:39-40” 39 He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? (NO!) Will they not both fall into a pit? (YES!) 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trainedwill be like his teacher.”

Luke 6:39–40 ESV

39 He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.

The implication that Jesus gives is clear. We need to be particularly careful about who we follow. Who we glean from, who we learn from. Choose wisely, but choosing the wrong leader will likely find you in a ditch. But blindness is tricky. Particularly, spiritual blindness is tricky. But what often happens in blindness is that it hinders our ability to see, even ourselves clearly. We have the expertise to spot the flaws in others, but surprisingly miss the glaring shortcomings and sins of our own hearts. And those who are blind are often clueless to the dangers they themselves are headed, and also the danger they are leading others. That’s true with religious cults. Like Mormonism, and the false teaching of Joseph Smith. That’s true with historical examples like Jefferey Dahmer. It’s true in false religions, such as the teachings of Muhammad and Islam. The same could be said of Buddha and Confusion Says. The examples are endless. When the blind lead the blind, they fall into a pit of destruction.

But it’s also true on a more practical level than just in our teachings. It’s true in the disposition and attitude of others. Spiritual blindness doesn’t just manifest in false teachings but in disingenuous hearts to others. We often turn sour, bitter, impatient, and conceited in our disposition towards others. We often find it easy to notice the speck in others’ eyes, but overlook our own sin. This, of course, is why Jesus would call the Pharisees “blind guides” in Matthew 23. This was their disposition towards others. And while the description fits the bill. Jesus isn’t so much concerned with the Pharisees as He is with His disciples not living like one. And Jesus is showing His disciples, how to not fall into the ditch. How is it that we keep our eyes on the straight and narrow path? How is that we live rightly, and not become spiritual blind. Answer – We keep our eyes fixed on Christ. What’s the best way to remain in line with truth and not be knocked off course by blind guides? Answer – following Jesus, who is the good shepherd and doesn’t lead us astray! Whats the best way to live rightly and not fall into spiritual blindness? Answer – seeing your self in light of Christ, and your need for Him.

A disciple isn’t above His teacher, but the goal of a disciple is to become like the teacher. Disciples in this day didn’t go to school and get theological training. They literally gave their lives to follow and devote themselves to a person to learn from them, and to be like them. So yes, you need to choose wisely, but the best path to follow is the path of following Christ, to be like Him. Not in spiritual blindness, but in knowing who you are in light of Him, and who you were apart from Him. But a life that follows Christ, doesn’t end up in a ditch. It’s a path that is marked by compassion to the lost and the broken, its’ mark by truth in a world filled with lies, its marked by humility when everyone is seeking to make a name for themselves and building their own little kingdom. It’s marked by true holiness, when everyone else is content with self-righteousness and holding others under their thumb.

And when Jesus warns us not to judge hypocritically or with blindness, He isn’t saying not to judge at all—He’s calling us to judge with clarity, humility, and mercy. To remove the log from our own eye so we can see clearly to help our brother. We don’t ignore sin, but we also don’t weaponize judgment. We walk in discernment, not denial.

We see this perfectly in the story in John 8, of the woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees brought her before Jesus, not out of concern for righteousness, but to condemn her and trap Him. They judged with blindness—blind to their own sin, blind to the heart of God, and blind to the heart of the woman they accused. But Jesus, full of truth and grace, stooped down and wrote in the dirt. And one by one, her accusers dropped their stones and left. Jesus, the only one truly qualified to judge, said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more” (John 8:11).

That’s what it looks like to judge with clear eyes and a merciful heart. That’s the kind of Teacher we follow. And that’s the kind of disciples we’re called to be—people who reflect His character, speak His truth, and walk in His compassion. And who was compassionate toward us, when we too deserved to be condemned.

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III. Judge with Humility, Not Hypocrisy (vv. 41–42)

The parable continues.

Luke 6:41–42 ESV

41 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? 42 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.

There is a part of this parable and analogy that is intentionally absurd. Jesus is inviting his hearers to a searching question. Here is a brother in your own Jesus following community and you see a speck in his eye, but you are unaware of the log in your own. The contrast of a speck and log couldn’t be more apparent. A speck would have been something like sawdust, and a or little particulars that float through a room, compared to a log, the word used is a word a beam of wood, like a major support structure for a building.

Further, there is the absurdity of being able to see properly, while you have such a major blockage toy our vision. The obvious point is that you can’t. You are in this instance, a blind guide. You can’t see clearly the see of others, while ignoring your own sin. So much so, that something so small in your neighbor, is so important and flawed you must call it out, while something so large in your own life goes unmentioned. It’s not that you can’t see anything; you can’t. You just can’t see like you think you can If you could, you would surely address your own sin first.

This leads us to the absurdity of Hypocrisy. The word there in v.42 to mean to “play act.” It means pretender. And the emotive force behind both question Jesus gives here is what nerve. What nerve you have to notice the speck in your brother, but ignore your own log. What nerve to say to your brother, let me take out your speck, when you have a log in your own eye. WHAT NERVE. You are a play actor. You are a hypocrite. And it’s what we do, when we fail to see ourselves for who we truly are. When we live blindly. When we minimize our own sin and inflate the sin of others. When we compare and cover our tracks, because my sin isn’t as bad as theirs. Because that’s what sin typically does: it lies to us. It causes us to view our sin and the sins of others disproportionally. So often, we just get it wrong and get it backwards.

But it’s not that confrontation is never needed. It sometimes is. And again, people want to use these verses, and say, no one ever needs to confront me, unless their perfect. But that’s not Jesus’ point either. His point is that you would live rightly before God before trying to correct others. His point is that you would address the obvious and glaring sin in your own life before you try and go spotting it in others. However, beyond that, there are sometimes times when it is necessary to confront sin, and even a great need to do so. That is our own sin, and the sins of others. And Jesus knows that as well. And hence why we are commanded to address sin within the body of Christ, and among Christians…that is as brothers and as sisters. To say it another way, there are times when we are called to address another’s sin, but we should be slow and gracious in doing so, and certainly examining ourselves and seeing ourselves clearly along the way.

Luke 6:42

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.

Jesus is inviting and commanding humility over hypocrisy. Humility is willing to examine themselves first, before confronting another. Humility that is willing to see clearly their own sin and need for repentance before they call for another. Jesus is calling for repentance before we seek to rebuke. Repentance that is personal and, where needed, is done before rebuking another. That doesn’t mean we will be perfect. And it can’t mean that we never confront another in sin. But it does mean, before we do, we are willing to haul the known lumber in our life away, in repentance, before we attempt to show another person what repentance looks like. IN HUMILITY, not hypocrisy.

And then notice the invitation in this passage. You know so often, the appeal is one of condemnation. When you read this text, you can almost feel it. The Loggerhead has one purpose, to spot flaws. To condemn and judge another! But Jesus is inviting us to see our need for mercy and grace. Our need for forgiveness and grace, that’s been given through Christ. And Jeuss say, when you do that…..then you will clearly how to take the speck that is in your brother’s eye. That is, you’ll know how to help them, not harm them! You’ll know how to win them, no scold them! The purpose here is redemption, not condemnation. So often, we show up and that’s what we want to do, SPOT FLAW!! But Jesus says, when your heart is right, and you're walking humbly and dependent on the Lord, you’ll have a different purpose. Redemption, restoration.

That the point in Matthew 18, is it not….If your brother sins against you, go tell him….and if he repent, you’ve won your brother, but if not, take another with you, and if he listen to you, you’ve won your brother, but if it not, tell it to the Church, and if he listens to the church, and repents, you’ve one your brother, but if he doesn’t, then let him be to you a Gentile and Tax Collector.

I think this summarizes well what the Apostle says in Galatians 6:1

Galatians 6:1 ESV

1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Jesus’ words in Luke 6:41-42 invite us not only to humility, but to a gospel-shaped way of life—one where we display to others the mercy we ourselves have received. One of the clearest ways to see ourselves rightly is to live in community. Specifically, it’s living in the community of the local church, who are called to speak the truth in love to one another. It’s by inviting others—those who know us best—to speak honestly about the “timber” still sticking out of our lives. But even more than that, we learn to see rightly by following Jesus closely, walking in step with his grace. He sees us as we truly are—down to the last hidden speck—yet he does not condemn those who come to him in faith. Because he is without sin, he judges with perfect clarity, and yet his judgment leads not to shame, but to forgiveness through the cross. When we see ourselves in that light—clearly sinful, yet deeply forgiven—we can begin to see others the way Jesus does. Not through the lens of fault-finding, but through the eyes of grace. That’s the invitation here: to deal with one another as Jesus has dealt with us, showing mercy that restores and love that leads to repentance.

But there is also a subtle warning in this passage that I don’t want to ignore. There is a final judgment coming. And one day, those apart from Jesus will be rightly judged, and those who have rejected Christ will be justly condemned. And those who live in rebellion to the way of Christ will stand before the JUDGE and give an account. Lest there be someone here apart from Christ,

That you would turn from your sin and rebellion from God, and trust Christ in repentance and faith. So, may we proclaim the Gospel to the lost, and be unwavering to the truth of scripture. But let us do that with love and pure hearts before God.

Jesus calls his disciples to something deeper than judgmentalism or indifference—he calls us to mercy, clarity, and humility under his lordship. We don’t ignore sin, but neither do we pounce on it with pride. Instead, we begin with honest self-examination, inviting others to speak God’s truth into our lives, and allowing the Spirit to convict and perfect us. Then, with eyes cleared by grace, we’re equipped to help others—not to shame, but to restore. We are not the Judge—Jesus is. And under his lordship, we are free to love others like he loves us: with truth, gentleness, and redemptive purpose. So before we pick at specks, may we haul our logs, cling to the cross, and offer to others what Jesus has so generously given us.

Disciples judge with mercy, clarity, and humility—because that’s how Jesus has judged us.

Sermon Summary: Disciples judge with mercy, clarity, and humility under Christ’s lordship.

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