Jesus descended from a mountain top where He selected the twelve, “whom also he named apostles” (Luke 6:13). Having arrived in the plain, our Lord was met by a great multitude of people out of all Judaea, Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon. They are there for hearing and healing; “which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases” (vs.17). Having spoke to them on a multitude of subjects, in verse 39-49, He enlightens them to at least five basic principles of fruitfulness. At this time, I want to enumerate on the first of the five.
Progress Is Dictated By Your Partner
“And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?” Luke 6:39
The purpose behind Jesus’ parable is to make use of a physical example to set forth a spiritual truth. One such truth that is readily made know is; “With respect to spiritual fruitfulness, your progress is dictated by your choice of partners.” This truth is revealed in three principles set forth in the parable.
Their Union Is Entered – “lead the blind”
Through the process of mutual agreement, one has consented to lead and the other has consented to follow; they have become one for the purpose of progress. While they have been few in number, I have been privileged to help someone that is visually impaired to get to a desired destination. This was accomplished when they would either grasp my arm just above the elbow or place their hand on my shoulder; thus forming a union and making us one in the same. With respect to personal unions, some are entered without our consent; the family we are born into, the teachers we are assigned in school, or the social class we are born into. Yet, there are multitudes of other unions that we determine for ourselves; the friends we associate with, the individual we chose to marry, the church we attend; just to mention a few. The thing that we must be mindful of is that when we establish that union, we are joining ourselves to them and become one with them. Now, our progress is linked to their progress, our direction is linked to their direction, our destination is linked to their destination. In the parable the union has been establish for the purpose of progress and this can only be accomplish by the means of being led. In the text the word “lead” means to show the way or to teach, to guide. The way you are shown, the things you are taught, and the direction you are taking is being determined by those with whom you have become one!
Their Abilities Are Equal – “the blind lead the blind”
The first thing to take note of is an unwise choice; a blind person has chosen to form a union with another blind person. The only thing that could be possibly worse is for the blind to choose one that is blind and halt. The word “blind” means opaque as if smoky by analogy to be blind physically or mentally. It comes from a word meaning to envelop with smoke or figuratively to inflate with self-conceit. In this case, it doesn’t matter who leads because there is the equality of ignorance! Both have the same perspective of the way. Both have the same mental aptitude with respect to wisdom and knowledge. Both are void of the ability to direct the other. In this union, the best that can be hoped for is that you don’t lose ground. In II Samuel 13, Amnon entered into a union with an equal which led to his death. In II Chronicles 10, Rehaboam entered into a union with his equals and it cost him his kingdom. While we are admonished by God’s Word to “not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (II Corinthians 6:14); it might be just as wise to not be yoke to one that is your equal!
Their End Is Established – “fall into the ditch”
In the parable, we see that a union is made between individuals that are equally impaired and two become as one. Remember that the union was made for the purpose of progress. There is but one problem, any attempt at progress made by this union brings an established end; “shall they not both fall into the ditch?” While that may not be the desired end, it is still the end result of an unwise choice! The spiritual truth that is being illustrated is; “Progress Is Dictated By Your Partner.” You can never go any farther, rise any higher, or achieve any more than the partner that you become one with.
It is in the understanding to this divine truth that we see the importance of making a wise choice as to whom we enter a union with; to whom we chose to led, instruct, and guide us in the path of life. An unequal yoke in unscriptural; and some equal yokes can prove to be unwise.
Speaking unto His disciples, Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit” (John 15:4-8).