The Parable of the Speck and Log

The Parable of the Speck and Log
Text: Matthew 7:3–5; Luke 6:41–42

Opening: The Carpenter’s Picture
Jesus closes in on our habits with a vivid image. A man peers hard at a brother’s speck while a beam juts from his own eye. Everyone in the shop can see the problem except the man holding the timber on his face. The Lord’s point is plain: self-examination must precede correction. When we start with ourselves, we gain clear sight to help a brother. When we skip that step, we slip into hypocrisy and harm the very person we hoped to help.

The Setting: Judgment, Measure, and Sight
Matthew places this teaching inside the Sermon on the Mount. “Judge not, that you be not judged” heads the section, followed by the rule of measure: “with what measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Matthew 7:1–2). Luke pairs the same image with the call to merciful judgment and generous measure (Luke 6:37–38, 41–42). Jesus shapes a people who discern carefully, speak carefully, and approach a brother with the humility that comes from honest self-scrutiny.

What the Lord Requires
The Lord gives an order of operations. First, notice your own plank. Second, remove it. Third, “then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5). The goal is never indifference; the goal is restoration with steady hands and accurate vision. “Judge with righteous judgment” sets the standard (John 7:24). The church family restores the one who is overtaken in fault “in a spirit of gentleness,” keeping watch on themselves (Galatians 6:1). The image of an eye reminds us how delicate this work is. A careless hand scratches. A steady hand heals.

Why Hypocrisy Ruins the Work
Hypocrisy multiplies harm. It blinds the would-be helper (Matthew 7:3–4). It invites the same harsh measure from God and from others (Matthew 7:2). It trains a congregation to hide sin rather than confess it, because people fear the person who never looks in a mirror. Scripture exposes this danger: those who condemn others while doing the same things condemn themselves (Romans 2:1). Pride drives the beam deeper. Humility draws it out.

Seeing the Speck for What It Is
Jesus still calls a speck a speck. Sin, even small in appearance, irritates, blurs vision, and can worsen if ignored. Love addresses it. Leviticus 19:17 pairs love with frank rebuke; James 5:19–20 celebrates the rescue of a straying soul. Healthy churches practice both careful self-examination and courageous correction. They avoid harshness, yet they also avoid silence that abandons a brother to injury.

How Wise Disciples Remove Their Own Planks
Begin with prayer: “Search me, O God… see if there is any wicked way in me” (Psalm 139:23–24). Review the Lord’s standard, not your own preference (Colossians 3:17). Invite honest feedback from mature believers (Proverbs 27:6). Repent where Scripture convicts; keep short accounts. Remember the rule of measure and let mercy season your words (Matthew 7:2; Colossians 4:6). When the beam is out, clarity and compassion rise together.

How to Help a Brother with a Speck
Confirm facts before speaking (Proverbs 18:13, 17). Go privately first and aim for gain, not victory (Matthew 18:15). Choose words that fit the need, not the heat of the moment (Ephesians 4:29). Keep the purpose in view: to remove what harms sight, to restore usefulness and joy. Where stubborn refusal remains, the Lord provides orderly steps for discipline that protect the flock and honor His name (Matthew 18:16–17; 1 Corinthians 5:1–8). Even then, the hope of repentance remains open.

Guardrails for Discernment
Some matters are clear commands; others are disputable (Romans 14:1–13). Treat clear sin as Scripture treats it. Treat scruples and opinions with patience. Refuse to elevate tradition to the level of law (Matthew 15:9; 1 Corinthians 4:6). Refuse to shrug at sin that Scripture plainly names (Ephesians 5:11). The Lord’s word furnishes wisdom for every category; let that word set the categories.

What Communities Look Like When This Lives
Homes and congregations grow gentler and stronger. Confession becomes normal because people know they will be helped rather than shamed. Teaching gains credibility because teachers examine themselves first (1 Timothy 4:16). Peace grows because quarrels lose their fuel when pride loses its perch (Philippians 2:3–4). The world sees a people who tell the truth in love, and the Lord’s name is honored.

Conclusion: Pick Up the Mirror, Then Offer Your Hand
Jesus hands every disciple a mirror and a towel. Look deeply. Remove what blocks your own sight. Then reach for your brother’s good. The same Savior who exposed hypocrisy also formed a family that restores. Follow His order, speak with His wisdom, and handle eyes with care.

Exhaustive Sermon Outline

• Text
  • Matthew 7:3–5; Luke 6:41–42
• Aim
  • Form disciples who practice self-examination before correction and who restore with clarity and gentleness.
• Context
  • Judgment and measure (Matthew 7:1–2; Luke 6:37–38).
  • Sight and guidance linked to humility (Luke 6:39–42).
• Order of Operations
  • Notice your plank (Matthew 7:3–4).
  • Remove it (Psalm 139:23–24; Romans 2:1).
  • Then help your brother (Matthew 7:5; Galatians 6:1).
• Dangers of Hypocrisy
  • Self-blindness; harsh measures returned (Matthew 7:2–4).
  • Loss of credibility and increased harm (Romans 2:1).
• Righteous Judgment Defined
  • Judge with right standards (John 7:24).
  • Speak truth in love; aim for restoration (Ephesians 4:15, 29; Leviticus 19:17; James 5:19–20).
• Practices for Removing Planks
  • Prayerful self-examination (Psalm 139:23–24).
  • Submission to Scripture (Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 4:6).
  • Accountability and repentance (Proverbs 27:6; 1 John 1:9).
• Practices for Removing Specks
  • Verify, go privately, seek gain (Proverbs 18:13; Matthew 18:15).
  • If needed, follow church discipline steps (Matthew 18:16–17; 1 Corinthians 5:1–8).
  • Maintain gentleness (Galatians 6:1).
• Discernment in Disputable Matters
  • Romans 14:1–13; avoid binding opinions; avoid excusing sin.
• Outcome When Obeyed
  • Credible teaching (1 Timothy 4:16).
  • Peace and unity (Philippians 2:3–4).
  • Honor to God’s name (Matthew 5:16).

Call to Action
This week, ask God to reveal one plank that needs removal. Act on what He shows—repent, repair, and realign. Then schedule a private, gentle conversation to help a brother or sister with one speck, using Matthew 18:15 as your pattern. Let mercy guide your measure.

Scripture Reference List

• Matthew 7:1–5 — Measure and sequence: self-examination leads to clear help.
• Luke 6:37–42 — Mercy, measure, and the eye image; training in discernment.
• John 7:24 — Righteous judgment by right standards.
• Romans 2:1 — Hypocrisy condemns the hypocrite.
• Galatians 6:1 — Restore gently; watch yourself.
• Leviticus 19:17 — Love includes frank rebuke.
• James 5:19–20 — Turning a sinner back saves a soul.
• Psalm 139:23–24 — Prayer for searching and correction.
• Proverbs 18:13, 17 — Hear fully before answering; test both sides.
• Ephesians 4:15, 29 — Speak truth in love; build up with words.
• Matthew 18:15–17 — Steps for correction and discipline.
• 1 Corinthians 5:1–8 — Discipline that aims at purity.
• Romans 14:1–13 — Handle disputable matters with patience.
• Colossians 3:17 — Do all in the name of the Lord.
• 1 Corinthians 4:6 — Stay within what is written.
• 1 Timothy 4:16 — Watch life and teaching; save yourself and hearers.
• Philippians 2:3–4 — Humility that considers others.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO