Leading

DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

LEADING

Luke 6:39-40

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

NIV

Although some men might appear to have some form of knowledge of the scriptures, unless they have an intimate personal relationship with Jesus Christ, they are in fact blind. They may have intellectual insight but lack any spiritual insight and therefore are not fit to lead others in spiritual matters. However Jesus goes on to say that anyone who becomes his student, that is become his disciple, learning at his feet, certainly can never be divine as Jesus is, but will be thoroughly trained in spiritual matters and will be able to lead others as Jesus does. Our life lesson is twofold here. First we need to see and be extremely careful as to who we follow or take advice from concerning spiritual matters. A blind man can only lead others into a pit. It would appear easy enough to see those who are blind in true spiritual matters, especially when they use their followers for their own personal gain. We are warned about false teachers and prophets elsewhere in the scriptures, and we should also have the gift of discernment at our disposal, should we care to ask. Yes, that is right, perhaps we should be asking for the gifts, rather than trying to determine which one God has gifted us with. He gifts them all. This leads to the second lesson, in that as we have a personal relationship with Jesus, we have been trained in spiritual matters and therefor are not blind. This then leaves us with the task of leading others in the truth of scripture. We need to be a guide to the truth, just as our teacher is.  When we are indwelled by the Spirit he in fact does give us that kind of spiritual insight, spiritual training, so that we are fully equipped to lead others. Man certainly has devised methods, denominational indoctrination centers, only they called them bible colleges or theological seminaries. But these places only sell their degrees for profit, and may or may not bring people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, but seemingly train the brain, more than the spirit. Successful achievement through these institutions does not qualify one to be a spiritual guide to others. Only this personal one on one intimate relationship with Jesus Christ can do that. He is the teacher, we are the student. We listen to his voice, his guidance and learn from him. Then and only then can we attain the right to lead others in spiritual matters. The one true spiritual truth that matters, is that which Jesus brought, himself. We who follow Jesus can lead others to Jesus. If a person does not follow Jesus, he can only lead others to the pit of hell. Who will we lead to Jesus?