Matthew 15:14 ESV Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.
A blind guide sounds ridiculous doesn’t it? Yet, blind guides are extremely common in the world. Much more sadly, they are also common in the church.
A blind guide is one who can’t see the way to take you where you want to go. This is in contrast to those who are purposely leading you astray. Blind guides often have the best intention but they simply can’t find the right path. The Pharisees that Jesus was referring to in this passage were not intentionally leading people astray. Their motives might not have always been the best but they were honestly trying to lead the Israelites to God. They just had been blinded as to the correct way to do so.
People become blind when they believe the lies of the devil (2 Corinthians 4:4). Teacher/pastors/leaders in the church are blinded when they accept anything but the clear truth stated in the Bible. Sometimes they have good intentions. Perhaps they want people to feel comfortable so they “tweak” the gospel a bit to be “kinder and gentler”.
Like the Pharisees the teacher may teach a rules based religion that might help some people attain the appearance of godliness but never build a relationship with the living God. Their rules become the god the people serve. Usually that god is a harsh taskmaster.
Sometimes the teacher may have a sin issue that they don’t want to deal with so they find a way to justify their sin and then draw people who have the same issue, and flock to a leader who say they do not have to repent. In some cases this teacher is purposely trying to lead people astray but other times they have been deceived themselves and therefore become blind.
It does not matter if a teacher is an intentionally false teacher or a blind guide. Either way, those that follow them are not receiving Godly counsel and instruction. The result is the same; the people are not led to the true God.
To protect ourselves from blind guides, or false teachers of any kind, we need to read the Bible for ourselves. When we know what the Bible says we can discern if someone is basing their teaching on the Truth, or a lie.
Lord, Your Word (Bible) is true. Thank You for giving us this truth. Give me the desire and the perseverance to constantly seek this truth and apply it always!