Saturday, January 21, 2006
Blind Leading the Blind
Simon, by his outspoken nature, became the voice for the twelve disciples. When they were all wondering what Jesus was saying, more often than not, Simon was the one to ask for an explanation. Simon was never afraid to say that he didn't understand. He was the only disciple to ever disagree with Jesus.
In Matthew 15, Jesus answered the objections raised by the Pharisees that His disciples did not wash their hands in the prescribed way when they ate. The Jewish religious leaders had developed elaborate washing rituals these practices as a way to show their piety and keep from defiling themselves. Jesus challenged the validity of the practice because He said it is not what a man puts in His body that defiles him. Instead, it is that evil within him that causes him to be unclean.
Jesus was not against good sanitation practices. Rather, He abhorred religious pretense and legalism. Jesus defended the actions of His disciples and pointed out how the Pharisees violate the laws of God when it serves their purpose. This, of course, offended the religious Jews . After all, who was Jesus to lecture them - right? Jesus went even further to quote a Jewish prophecy. He characterized them as people who honor God with their lips but their hearts are far from Him.
The disciples cautioned Jesus about offending the Pharisees. And even though the Bible never states as such, I am sure that Simon was one of those disciples who was trying to save Jesus from Himself. Jesus said, "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." Simon wanted this statement to be explained. He couldn't seem to understand why Jesus made a fuss with the Pharisees and kept on offending them. He wanted to know the meaning of the parable. And he probably struggled to understand why Jesus couldn't just get with the program like everyone else?
Doggedly determined to hold to the truth, Jesus lovingly asked, "Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man." Just like the religious leaders, Simon focused on the external situation.
The disciples always seemed to get preoccupied by the physical reality of the situation. Jesus frequently used physical things to explain spiritual concepts. Christ wanted Simon to see that it is what is on the inside that truly counts. While everyone may see the outside, it is what goes on inside a man that determines His purity.
The Pharisees were blind guides because they focused on the wrong thing. They had the wrong heart as they went about following the Law. Jesus did not want His followers making the same mistake. Jesus demonstrated the proper role of a leader. He defended His people against unwarranted criticism while trying to teach through the moment. He refused to be bullied or trapped by the Pharisees.
When challenged, Jesus was more than wiling to play Scriptural ping pong with the best scholars of His day. He never did this though to feed His ego or tear down others. Jesus said even harsh words out of a desire to see people come to an understanding of the Father's heart and will. These lessons must have proved helpful as Simon later in life had to stand up against the religious leaders who would accuse him of teaching false doctrine.
