“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46).
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James discerned between worldly wisdom and the wisdom that comes from heaven (James 3:14ff). His interest wasn’t in showing how one may obtain that wisdom from heaven, but listed its practical outcomes instead.
“Who is wise and understanding among you?” (v.).
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (v.17).
In our study of Luke’s Gospel we were focusing our attention on its major theme, announced by Jesus Himself: God’s kingdom (Luke 4:43; 8:1).
God’s kingdom was immanent/present in the person of Jesus; in His miracles and healings; in His presentation of God as the loving Father.
In our passage (Luke 6:39-49), I take it, our Lord speaks about God’s kingdom and the wisdom associated with it. In other words, God’s kingdom comes with kingdom wisdom…therefore “Be kingdom wise!”
Using the “parable” of a blind man leading another blind man, Jesus appeals to our common sense. Among other things, God’s kingdom is a kingdom of common sense. Listen, “Can a blind man lead a blind man?” (v.39).
Everybody knows that a blind man cannot lead another blind man…for obvious reasons.
Now, can a man with a plank in his eye lecture another man who has a speck of dust in his eye? What, then is the solution?
Stop pointing out the speck of dust in someone’s eye. Get the plank out of your eye, then you’ll see clearly. Then you may be able to help somebody.
There is only one way of “seeing clearly”: having the eyes “opened” by God’s Holy Spirit and being led along the path of righteousness.
Jesus’ call resounds today: be kingdom wise.