This passage is a good illustration of how the predominant characteristic of God is not love but holiness. Not that these things aren’t said out of love, but Jesus is obviously a holy God who demands holiness, especially from those who claim to be religious leaders and teachers. It can be easy to forget how often rebuke is lifted up in Proverbs as a wise thing to do, and flattery taught of as a foolish thing. We talk about forgiveness and grace so much that we can sometimes mistake not confronting someone on their sin as forgiveness. Forgiveness is not punishing someone for their sin, but you may still have to confront someone on their sin.

Jesus rebukes the Pharisees here for how, in their pursuit of holiness, they have completely missed the main point of what it means to follow God. “You blind guides” is a pretty convicting description; I think of a leader who does not see clearly who God is and therefore doesn’t really know where he is going or where to lead people. I pray that I might not be a blind guide, but might see God clearly so that I might lead people clearly to Him.