RAP SHEET LUKE 6:39-40

Series: The Kingdom Way

Sermon: Blind Guides & True Disciples

Scripture: Luke 6:39–40

REVIEW

This week, Jesus continued His Sermon on the Plain by addressing a problem that is just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago:

A lack of discernment.

Jesus asks a simple question:

“Can the blind guide the blind? Won’t they both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39)

Throughout the sermon, Jesus has been teaching values that feel upside down to the world:

• Blessed are the poor.

• Love your enemies.

• Be merciful.

• Forgive generously.

The problem is that our natural instincts often pull us in the opposite direction.

Jesus knows this, which is why He warns us to pay attention to who is shaping our lives.

We defined discernment as:

The ability to see reality from God's perspective.

And blindness is the opposite:

The inability to see reality from God's perspective.

Jesus first points to blind leaders. Not everyone who has influence can actually see reality the way God sees it. People can have power, success, followers, wealth, popularity, influence, or even religious credentials and still be spiritually blind.

The Pharisees were the obvious example in Jesus' day. They knew Scripture, held positions of authority, and had many followers. Yet when God Himself stood before them, they could not recognize Him.

But Jesus is not only warning about blind leaders. He is also warning about blind followers.

The sermon was spoken to disciples—people who already believed in Him. Jesus is reminding us that following Him is a lifelong process of learning to see reality more clearly.

Salvation gives us a relationship with Christ, but spiritual discernment grows as we continue to follow Him.

That leads to Jesus' second statement:

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40)

Everyone is being discipled by someone or something. Our habits, media, friendships, mentors, influencers, and communities are constantly forming us.

The question is not whether we are being discipled. The question is:

Who is discipling us?

Jesus promises that over time, disciples become like their teacher. If we follow blind guides, we eventually end up where they are. But if we follow Jesus, we increasingly learn to see what He sees, value what He values, and live according to the realities of His Kingdom.

APPLY

This week, take an honest look at the voices that are shaping your life.

Jesus assumes that everyone is being formed by someone.

So here is the question:

Who or what is having the greatest influence on the way you think, live, and make decisions right now?

Be specific. It could be:

• social media

• news and politics

• entertainment

• friends or coworkers

• a mentor

• a podcast or influencer

• God's Word and Christian community

Then ask yourself:

Is this influence helping me see reality the way God sees it?

Finally:

What is ONE practical step you can take this week to follow Jesus more closely and grow in discernment?

That step might be:

• spending time in Scripture daily

• prioritizing prayer

• connecting more deeply in Christian community

• seeking guidance from a mature believer

• limiting a voice that is shaping you away from Christ

Remember, you become like the voices you consistently follow.

PRAY

Use prompts like these:

• “Jesus, help me see reality the way You see it.”

• “Show me where I have been influenced by blind guides.”

• “Give me discernment to recognize truth from error.”

• “Help me become more like You.”

• “Surround me with people who will help me follow You faithfully.”

Take a few moments to quietly ask God to reveal who or what is shaping your life.

Then thank Him for giving us His Word, His Spirit, and His people to help us grow as disciples.