Bedside Watchman Blind Leaders of the Blind

The Pharisees evaded duties to their parents and so made void one of the ten commandments. Jesus very severely condemns their casuistry, by which they put the doctrinces of men in the place of God's law. The same saying (Matt. 15:14) occurs in another context in Luke 6:39, as part of the disclosure which closely resembles the Sermon on the Mount of Matthew 5-7. This context in Luke's record, and the fact that it was spoken to the disciples, prevents the comfortable detached consideration of the saying which is possible in restricting its reference to the Pharisees. We may appreciate the application to others and endorse the judgment: but it is spoken also as a warning to all disciples. The object lesson of the one must be noted for the guidance of every follower of the Lord. It is a warning of the dangers of being leaders and teachers, which all teachers should take to heart.

John Carter, Parables of the Messiah, page 113