41. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
42. Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam that is in thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.
43. For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
44. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
45. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good: and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil; for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
46. And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
47. Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like:
48. He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock; and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it; for it was founded upon a rock.
49. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
(Memorize verses 47-49.)
Golden Text: “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46.
NOTE.—The lesson includes Luke 6:12-49. In connection with this may be read the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, 6, and 7. The sermon in Luke is sometimes called the Sermon on the Plain, and is held by some commentators to have been given at a different time than that recorded by Matthew. Preceding the instruction of the lesson text is the choosing of the twelve apostles, the healing of the people on the plain, or “level place,” and blessings and woes, and special rules of conduct spoken to all. “A mountain”—in the original “the mountain”—is believed by some to be the mountainous region in the vicinity of Capernaum.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) What question did Jesus ask? Verse 41. (2) How did he say some might question a brother? Verse 42. (3) What excellent advice did Jesus give on this point? Same verse. Note 1. (4) What fruit is expected from a good tree, and what from an evil tree? Verse 43. See Matt. 7:17. (5) How may a tree be known? Verse 44. (6) How is this point illustrated? Same verse. (7) What application did Jesus make of these statements? Verse 45. Note 2. (8) What other reproof did he give? Verse 46. (9) To what did he liken his true disciples? Verses 47, 48. (10) What did he say of the opposite class? Verse 49. Note 3.
NOTES.
1. Cast out first the beam, etc.—One of the most common evils is finding fault with the acts or words of others. This is illustrated by Jesus under the figures of the mote and the beam. A very critical eye it must be that detects the mote—a splinter, or small particle—in the character of the other man, when in his own eye, or character, is a beam,—log, stick of timber,—that is, a fault far outweighing that of the other. The fact is the vision is considerably affected in such cases, and the lesson shows14clearly that pointing out error in a faultfinding way is indicative of something radically wrong with the would-be reformer, for such criticism borders on judging. Jesus judged no man, and his true followers will indeed follow him. See Rom. 2:1. We all have imperfections, and we may feel sure if we seek him for that purpose that the Lord will point them out to us for correction. Recognizing this, charity will have place for her work. Constant faultfinding is indicative of an extremely selfish nature. But the power of the Lord is able to remove even this.
2. Of the abundance of the heart, etc.—This is a principle everywhere and always true. Men may try to cover up their evil ways, and may indeed succeed for a time in deceiving others as to their true character, but sooner or later it will show forth. Sincerity can not forever be simulated. On the other hand, truth never pretends to be anything it is not. The good will ever bring forth good, and the evil will manifest evil. The saying, “The fountain can never rise higher than its source,” is true in this lesson. The wise man says, “Even a child is known by his doings.” Prov. 20:11.
3. Is like a man, etc.—Jesus illustrated the same principle in the parable of the sower. Matthew 13. See also Matt. 7:21-23. Note that two things are necessary to be a true follower of Christ,—the hearing and the doing. The hearing alone will enable one to say, Lord, Lord, look at our works. This is what Cain did, and what Saul did, and many others after them. In fact, this will be the prevailing attitude of the professed Christian world as the end approaches—“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” 2 Tim. 3:5. The cause of all this evil is men’s selfishness, preferring their own course to the way pointed out in God’s word, because that way is contrary to the natural desires. To all this there can be but one end,—the destruction indicated in the lesson text. “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” Rom. 2:13.
