What is the meaning of Matthew 15:14? Disregard them! “Disregard them!” (Matthew 15:14) • Jesus speaks of the Pharisees who have rejected His teaching (Matthew 15:12–13). • To “disregard” means to turn away from their influence—do not give their words authority over your conscience (Acts 5:29). • Scripture often calls believers to separate from error: “Come out from among them and be separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17); “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11). • The command carries urgency: lingering with false teachers corrodes faith (2 Timothy 2:17). They are blind guides “They are blind guides.” • Blindness here is spiritual, not physical (John 9:40–41). The Pharisees knew Scripture yet missed its fulfillment in Christ (John 5:39–40). • A guide is entrusted to lead others safely (Psalm 23:3); blindness makes that role impossible, exposing followers to danger (Isaiah 56:10–11). • Jesus later repeats the charge: “Woe to you, blind guides” (Matthew 23:16). The repetition underscores their settled condition, not a temporary lapse. • Paul describes the same state: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4). If a blind man leads a blind man “If a blind man leads a blind man…” • Influence is inevitable; someone will guide us. The question is who (Proverbs 13:20). • When both leader and follower lack spiritual sight, ignorance compounds: error feels normal, opposition to truth feels righteous (Isaiah 5:20). • Jesus’ warning is collective—leaders are accountable for misleading, yet followers are responsible for whom they choose to follow (Matthew 7:24–27). • Elijah’s day illustrates this dynamic: Israel followed blind King Ahab and fell into idolatry (1 Kings 18:17–18). Both will fall into a pit “…both will fall into a pit.” • The pit pictures disastrous consequence—physical danger points to ultimate spiritual ruin (Proverbs 28:10). • Judgment is impartial: position or pedigree cannot shield anyone from truth’s outcome (Romans 2:11). • Jesus stresses certainty: not might fall, but will. False teaching guarantees collapse, just as a faulty foundation brings a house down (Matthew 7:27). • Revelation 22:15 shows the final “outside” place for those who persist in deceit, confirming the seriousness of the pit. Application • Test every teacher by the written Word (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). • Choose companions and mentors who follow Christ wholeheartedly (Hebrews 13:7). • Stay humble; the Pharisees’ blindness began with pride (James 4:6). • Pray for discernment and courage to “disregard” voices—even popular ones—that contradict Scripture (Galatians 1:8–9). summary Matthew 15:14 warns that religious leaders can be spiritually blind, and following them leads to mutual ruin. Jesus commands His disciples to turn away from such teachers, trust Scripture, and seek guides who see clearly in the light of Christ. |
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