LET THEM ALONE!

                "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall  fall into the ditch."  (Matthew 15:14)

                There was one group of people toward which Jesus exercised no tolerance. It was not the politicians, although He once called Herod "that fox" (Lk 13:32). It was not the publicans, the tax collectors of the day–although He did say they loved those who loved them, and only greeted their brethren (Matt 5:46-47). However, when it came to the corrupt religious leaders, He consistently berated them. These men fell into four different categories: (1) Scribes, (2) Pharisees, (3) Sadducees, and (Lawyers). Scribes were copiers, editors, and teachers of the Scripture. Pharisees were some strict teachers of the Law, holding to the traditions of the Scribes and elders. Sadducees rejected the traditions of the elders, saying there was no angel, spirit, or resurrection (Acts 23:8). The Lawyers were "doctors," or experts, in the Law of Moses. These four groups were leaders in the religious community, and considered experts in both the text and interpretation of scripture. They were the clergy and professors of the day. They were the religious "scholars." Yet, Jesus upbraided them severely. He pronounced "woes" upon the Scribes and Pharisees (Matt 23:13-15,23,25,27,29; Lk 11:42-44). He also delivered "woes" to the Lawyers (Lk 11:46,52). Jesus warned His followers to beware of doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matt 16:6,11,12).

Our text finds Jesus speaking of the Pharisees. His disciples had just told Him this group of leaders was offended by His teaching on defilement. He had charged their generation with worshiping God in vain, and teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Jesus then said a man was defiled by what came out of his mouth, not what went into it (Matt 15:9-12). This certainly did not put the religious leaders in a good light. But Jesus cared nothing for that. He said "Let them alone," or "Leave them."NIV Not only were His disciples not to be concerned about what the Pharisees thought, they were to abandon them! They were "blind leaders of the blind." They did not know where they were going, and were leading those in the same situation. Jesus did not say "Convert them," but "Leave them." He did not say "Honor them," but "Leave them." Often I ponder what the Lord might say to us concerning the religious "scholars" and teachers of our day. I wonder if He would give them the honor they insist on receiving, or allow them to be at the forefront of His church. Perhaps He would tell us that those who have stumbled and fallen have only been following their leaders into "the ditch."