Jesus Christ, the Son of David

David overcame Goliath by the weakness of a sling  

Jesus defeated Satan through the weakness of the Cross

David attracted men of the lowest sort   

Jesus consorted with sinners and     

chose men of humble station

David would not take the life of wicked King Saul   

Jesus refused to lead the mob against evil rulers.

David took an innocent man’s life to get another wife;   

Jesus gave his own innocent life to gain his only Bride.

David was a man of war,     

his hands stained with the blood of the sword   

Jesus was a man of peace,     

from whose pierced hands flowed cleansing blood

David was the “sweet singer of Israel”   

Jesus is the subject of David’s songs and countless others

David wrote, “The LORD is my shepherd”   

Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd”

David sang of the bridegroom-king   

Jesus is that kingly Bridegroom

David heard the Lord say of his seed,     

“I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever”   

Jesus is the one whose “throne is forever and ever”

David received the promise for his sons     

“I will be his Father, and he shall be My son”   

Jesus heard the Lord say of himself     

“You are My Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

David spoke of those who “are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house,     

And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.     

For with You is the fountain of life;     

In Your light we see light”   

Jesus declared,     

“I am the bread of life;     

He who comes to me shall not hunger     

He who believes in me shall not thirst”     

“I am the resurrection, I am the life     

“I am the light of the world.”

O, come, let us adore the one of whom great David was only a shadow!

Burdened Past, Brilliant Prospects

Ponder the weight of the past which Jesus brought into this world. Abraham, who twice claimed that Sarah was his sister in order to save his own skin. Isaac, who followed his father’s corrupt example out of the same craven fear. Jacob, the cheat, whose sons committed all manner of offenses, including selling their brother Joseph into slavery out of their invidious hatred. Rahab, a Gentile harlot. David, the murderous adulterer; Bathsheba – her tainted name does not even appear – who bathed naked in plain view while her husband fought the king’s battles. Wicked kings like Ahaz and Manasseh. Could anything good come out of such a twisted family background? But ponder also the grace and the glory of God. “Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.” Joseph, kind and just. Mary, humble and obedient. And Jesus, the anointed Savior of the world. Much can be said here, but at the least, we must affirm that God can turn a blighted past into a bright future, radiant with prospects of grace and glory.

Jesus Christ, the Son of … Abraham

Abraham left the wealth and power of Ur to go to Palestine  

Jesus left the palaces of heaven to descend to Bethlehem

Abraham offered his son Isaac on the altar   

Jesus offered himself on the Cross

Abraham’s son did not die; God substituted a ram instead   

Jesus was the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world

Abraham received his son back form the dead, as it were   

Jesus himself rose from the dead, in fact

Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him as righteousness   

Jesus has become righteousness itself to all who believe in him.

God promised Abraham that he would become a great nation   

In Christ, we are a holy nation, a people for God’s possession

God promised Abraham that his name would be great   

Jesus Christ has been given the name that is above every name

God promised Abraham that he would be a blessing   

In Christ we are blessed with every spiritual blessing

God promised Abraham that his people would inherit the land of Canaan   

In Christ all believers are heirs to the entire world

God promised Abraham that in him all the families of the earth would be blessed   

In Christ all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, blessed by God, offer up constant blessing and praise to God and to the Lamb.

Take me home, Father

Take me home, Father.

Too long have I strayed from you,

Wandering through the wastes of a barren wilderness

Driven by deadly desires

Pursued by poisonous passions

Stuck in a silken snare

Tangled in a tender trap

Wrapped in a web of worthless folly.

Having squandered your generous gifts,

I now long to love the Giver.

Bring me back, Lord.

Snap the chains of sin

Break the bonds of selfishness

Lead me to the well of living waters

Turn my feet towards my true resting place

Fix my eyes on the only Beautiful One

Feed me with the fullness of your delights,

Yours alone.

Our Main Need

What a strange thing to say! Here lies a man who cannot walk, and Jesus tells him to cheer up, because his sins are forgiven. Does our Lord not know that a crippling disability grips his entire life, keeping him for work, from friends, perhaps even from worship? Yes, Jesus knows all that, and more. He realizes that paralysis of the soul brings even greater affliction. It is one thing not to be able to go see your friends, but not being able to approach God because of sin is far worse. The healthiest, most active person will someday succumb to a final illness and be laid onto a bed from which he will never rise. But the unforgiven sinner will be cast into what Jesus earlier called “hell fire” – an eternity of torment, anguish, and alienation from God. We don’t know whether any particular offense against God caused this man’s paralysis, but we do know that all sickness comes ultimately from sin, and will lead to death. Thus, seeing this disabled man before Him, Jesus at once dealt with his greatest need: Forgiveness. “Cheer up! Though in this life you may never walk, you will, on the last day, rise up to eternal life, clothed with a glorious body. From that time forward, you will run with the gazelles on the mountain tops and leap with everlasting joy. You will at any time be able to approach God and know His love and pleasure.” “Cheer up! Whatever sins you have committed – self-pity, self-indulgence, self-righteousness – are pardoned.” God the Father will speak the same words of comfort today to all who believe in His Son Jesus as sacrifice and savior. “In Him (Jesus) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses” (Ephesians 1:7).

Faithful Friends

This man could not walk. Doubtless, He had heard about Jesus’ healing ministry. It seemed that everyone who could get to Jesus would be cured. But how could he make his way into the presence of this mighty healer? He could not even take one step out the door. Besides, as we know from mark’s Gospel (Mark 2:3-12), Jesus was inside a house, surrounded by such a large crowd that the door was blocked. Did he share his desire and his despair with his friends? Or did they simply realize what he needed and take action? We don’t know. Nevertheless, we see how much they cared for him. They carried him on his pallet to the house where Jesus was working miracles. Seeing the entrance blocked, they did not give up, but took their friend up onto the roof , which was probably covered with thatch or movable tiles. Determined to bring their friend into the saving presence of Christ, they removed a section of the roof and lowered him down into the room, right in front of the Lord! All of this took not only devoted love for the crippled man, but great faith in Jesus. Apparently, these men believed that Jesus not only could heal a paralyzed man, but would do so. All they had to do was present the man to Christ, and He would do the rest. What abut us? Do we care about those around us who are, in one way or another, “paralyzed” – perhaps by ignorance of the Gospel? Are we willing to expend great effort to “carry” them into the presence of Christ? For example, will we gather a group to pray for our friends? Do we care enough to invite them to church or to a Bible study? Remember, it’s not our goodness, but the greatness of Christ, who can save those whom we love. All we have to do is expose them to the word of the Gospel, and pray for the Spirit to work in their hearts. Then we can trust God to do His perfect will in them.

Dealing with Demons (1)

The word translated “demon-possessed” really means “demonized” – that is, subject to the activity of demons. In this case, the demons actually “inhabited” the men, so “demon-possessed” is the correct meaning. Indeed, many of the Gospel accounts of demons do involve such infestation, which can only be cured by casting out the demon. In this case, the demons caused, as we have seen, mental torment, social alienation, and self-destructive behavior. Sometimes, however, demons cause other damage. Jesus delivered people whom evil spirits had rendered ill, deaf, mute, crippled, deformed, and subject to seizures. We should not think that evil spirits inflict only physical or emotional damage, however. Paul warns against those who heed “deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). Since Satan is the “prince of demons” (Matthew 9:34), we should not be surprised that his servants engage in the sort of deception he always has. That is why the same Apostle says that our conflict is not “against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places,” and urges us to “stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:12, 11). In other words, whenever we are tempted to disbelieve or disobey the Word of God as revealed in the Bible, the devil and his army of demons are at work. Then our task is not to cast out an evil spirit, but to stand firmly on the truth of God. The enemy seeks to mislead us, and thus to control us. These tactics are more subtle, and thus more dangerous. To deal with demons effectively, therefore, we must recognize their various types of attack, and respond appropriately. Most of the time, that means putting on the “whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-20) and resisting spiritual foes with the Word of God, relying in faith on the Spirit of God, as we pray to God the Father in the name of Jesus.

Dealing with Demons (2)

Although demon possession is rare, we should be prepared to expel evil spirits if necessary. From this account, as well as the longer one in Mark’s Gospel ( Mark 5:1-20), we may derive certain guidelines: Recognize the presence of evil spirits. Genuine demon possession may be characterized by certain symptoms: Inner turmoil; self-destructive behavior; violence towards others; extraordinary strength; an extreme reaction to the presence of Christians or to the name of Jesus; multiple personalities; and speaking with another voice. Refuse to enter into dialogue with the evil spirit. These spirits sought to engage Jesus in a conversation, perhaps even to “bind” Him with an oath, but He would not fall into their trap. Remember, demons are servants of Satan, the supreme liar. Reveal the name of the demon(s). In this case, their name was Legion, the title for a Roman army division, for they were many. Knowing the name is not always necessary, but it can be useful. Rebuke the demon(s) in the name of Jesus Christ. A Simple command will do. There is no need to shout or engage in prolonged wrestlings in most cases, but you must insist upon the authority of Christ over the evil spirit(s) and believe that the name of Christ will win the victory. Require the demon(s) to leave the person whom they possess and send them elsewhere. Many exorcists now command them to go to Jesus, who knows how to deal with them, as He did in this case. Even the youngest believer, when confronted with evil spirits, can invoke the all-powerful name of Christ and rely on His supreme authority to drive out evil spirits from anyone whom they have possessed.

Dealing with Demons (3)

This striking story illustrates several key truths about demons. They are dangerous. Evil spirits had horribly tormented these two men, so that they lived among tombs, far from human society. From Mark’s Gospel (5:1-20), we learn also that the demons caused the men to cry and cut themselves. The unclean spirit also gave the men such strength that they could not be bound, even by chains. In fact, the horrendous power of these demons later impelled an entire herd of pigs to hurl themselves to destruction. They are defective in their faith. Though they confess Jesus to be the Son of God, they do so with fear, not faith. As Jesus’ brother James would later write, “The demons believe - and tremble”(James 2:19). They acknowledge Jesus as Lord, but not with love or trust. On the contrary, their wickedness rightly arouses terror when they encounter the Holy Son of God. Their belief consists only in intellectual assent to the truth. Their defeat is certain. Despite their supernatural power, they are no match for Jesus. One simple command from Him, and they are expelled and sent into a herd of hogs. Indeed, casting out evil spirits formed a key component of Jesus’ earthly ministry (Matthew 8:16). He had come announcing the in breaking of the Kingdom of God (4:17). When the King arrives, He drives out His enemies. We too can defeat evil spirits. Through faith in the now-risen Christ, we can be “strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). From earliest days, believers in Jesus as Lord have been able to exorcise evil spirits from afflicted souls and have won victory over their deceptive influence in their own lives. All we need for victory is a faith that moves beyond intellectual assent to the Lordship of Jesus to a sincere love for Him and trust in His saving grace.

Calming the Storm

Following their Master, the disciples got into a boat and launched out into the Sea of Galilee. Jesus, exhausted from a full day of teaching and healing, fell asleep in the stern. Suddenly, a fierce storm arose and threatened to sink the boat. Afraid for their lives, the disciples cried out to Jesus for help. He awoke, rebuked them for their lack of faith, and stilled the raging sea and wind with a simple command. From this brief narrative, we learn that: - Disciples of Christ will sometimes encounter danger as a result of obeying His command. As He promised, “In this world you have trouble” (John 16:33). - When we do face suffering, we can be sure that Jesus understands, for He, too, was a man. He knew hunger, thirst, fatigue, and extreme emotional pain. He knows. - He was more than a man, however. Jesus is also God, equal with the Father and the Spirit. Thus, He could command the tempest to be quiet, and the winds and waves obeyed His voice. - Thus, we can trust Him to still the storms in our life, too. When we are overwhelmed by disease, or destitution, or desertion, or danger, or even despair, we can call out to Him to save us. He is willing, and He is able. Shall we not trust Him to restore peace to our troubled hearts?

The Cost of Discipleship

These two statements by Jesus must have stunned the would-be followers who had come to Him. The first man eagerly offered his allegiance: “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” Perhaps he had heard of Jesus’ call to the original disciples, “Follow Me!” Certainly, he had seen the crowds following Jesus because of His teaching and healing ministry. Why did Jesus apparently discourage him by stating so starkly the demands of discipleship? Maybe the Lord saw that the man did not appreciate how much he would have to give up in order to follow Jesus. He would lose security, stability, and self-sufficiency. Was he ready to give up material comfort and convenience, not to mention financial prosperity? The second man was already, in some sense, a “disciple” (8:21), but he wanted to wait until he had buried his father before joining the wandering band who accompanied Jesus. It is possible that his father had not even died yet; otherwise he would have already gone home to bury him. Maybe he was just putting future family considerations ahead of present commitment to Christ. How about us? Do we see Jesus as Lord of heaven and earth, and Lord of our lives also? Are we prepared to lay down both material comfort and family considerations, if necessary? Jesus will never call us to waste money or desert a spouse or children, but He does insist that we put Him first in our lives.

The “Power” of Faith

A Roman centurion came to Jesus, “pleading with him, saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” Jesus responded with an offer to “come and heal him,” but the soldier declined the offer, on two grounds: First, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof.” He knew himself to be a sinner, and sensed that Jesus transcended other “teachers” in holiness, so much that his home was unworthy to have Jesus as a guest. Second, he believed that Jesus did not need to come. “Only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” He trusted not only in Jesus’ purity, but in His power. As a soldier, he understood authority, and knew the effect of a simple command. Assuming that Jesus possessed supreme authority, even over a deadly disease, he asked only for Him to issue an order; the healing would follow immediately. How did Jesus respond? He commended the man’s faith, declaring it to be greater than any He had seen so far among the Jews. Drawing out the implication of that fact, He pronounced salvation for many Gentiles and judgment for many unbelieving Jews. Finally, he sent the man away with the words quoted above, “As you have believed, so let it be done for you.” Sure enough, the centurion returned home to find his servant well. What do we conclude from this incident? That any sort of faith will work miracles? No! This man’s trust in Christ contained key components: A believe in the goodness of God; an awareness of his own sin; confidence in the power of God; submission to the authority of Jesus. Notice, too, that he asked not for himself, but for his servant, showing his unselfish love and compassion. That sort of faith will not fail to bring “results”! We must of course, leave the precise details of those “results” in the hand of God, who alone knows what is best for us and most conducive to His glory. Still, this ancient Roman solider has left us a pattern to follow as we seek to trust God’s grace towards us in Christ.

Willing and Able

Huge crowds followed Jesus to hear His teaching. Of those multitudes, Matthew records only one individual who came and spoke with Jesus. What set him apart from the others? He was a leper, afflicted with some loathsome skin disease. According to the Law of Moses, he was “unclean.” That is, he could not enter the Temple to worship God, and he had to keep away from other people. In that sense, he was “set apart” from others. But he had another quality that made him even more distinctive: His faith. Notice for things: - He came out of the crowd to Jesus. He eagerly and actively sought Jesus. - He worshiped Jesus. Others might marvel at the teaching of Christ (7:28-29), but this man saw beyond the words to the Word of God made man. He somehow knew that Jesus was more than a man; He was the Lord. Moses’ law forbade the worship of anyone but Yahweh, the one true and living God. This leper discerned that Jesus was, in some sense, equal with God. - He believed in Jesus’ power. “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” In his eyes, Jesus had the power to take away his awful disease. And since, ritual uncleanness kept him from approaching God in worship, this “cleansing” would also bring restoration of fellowship with the Father and thus with other people as well. - He believed in Jesus’ love. Otherwise, why would he have summoned up the courage to step out of the crowd, who would have shunned and despised him, and approach Jesus? He must have seen that Jesus, who had just spoken of the Father’s willingness to give good gifts to His children (7:11), would do the same to all who asked. - He submitted to Jesus’ authority. “If You are willing…” He did not presume to know the will of God. He did not demand healing. He merely expressed his utter trust in the greatness and goodness of Jesus. His faith found an immediate reward. Unlike others, Jesus touched the man. With that contact came healing words, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Instantly, the man’s skin took on the soft freshness of that of a little baby. A mighty miracle had come in response to simple faith, so that he now could approach God and live among men. What about us? Do we believe that Jesus is the divine Son of God, our only Savior? Do we trust that He will answer our prayers for fellowship with God through cleansing from sin? Do we have confidence that He can remove obstacles between us and others also? If so, let us come to Jesus with the same words, “Lord, if You are willing, you are able.”

Beware of False Prophets

After we enter the narrow gate and start on the difficult way, we need to choose our guides carefully. Many will seek to influence us. Some will appear to be sincere and orthodox, but will conceal their true false character. So, we must not only listen to their words, but look at their works. Even though they claim to speak God’s Word, even to prophesy, we should not necessarily trust them. They might work miracles in the name of Jesus, but that doesn’t prove them genuine, either. How shall we tell the true from the false? Their “fruits” – their own conduct and the conduct of those who follow them. Look first at the preachers themselves: Are the humble? Or do they draw attention to themselves. Does criticism of others, especially other Christian leaders, often drop from their lips? Or do they try to be charitable in their judgments, pointing out errors with caution and compassion? Do they take advice and submit to authority? Any leader or teacher who will not allow others to evaluate his ministry, including his use of money, should arouse suspicion. Before accepting the guidance of a “prophet” or worker of miracles, inquire into his family life, to see how he manages his household, loves his wife, and brings up his children. Then examine carefully the preacher’s message. Does it focus on the cross of Christ? More specifically, does he call believers to take up their cross and follow Christ in daily self-denial? Jesus insisted upon holiness; so should all who teach in His name. Finally, without being judgmental, we should assess the lives of those who admire and adhere to any Christian teacher. If we find them earnestly hungering and thirsting for righteousness, conscious of their spiritual poverty apart from Christ and mourning over their sins, that’s a good sign. The faithful preacher of the Gospel will encourage his hearers to trust in God at all times and for all things. Pointing them away from self-reliance and self-righteousness, he will turn their attention to the Lord who, rose, ascended, and even now intercedes for them. A mixture of solemn sorrow over sin and holy joy over God’s grace will indicate solid, healthy instruction from the pulpit. Of course, the key component in evaluation will be fidelity to the Word of God. Any subtraction from it, addition to it, or distortion of it should alert us that we are dealing with men who do not deserve our attention.

The Road Less Traveled

As He begins the conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus lays before His disciples- and before us – a stark choice. There are two gates; two paths [ways]; and two destinations. Only two. One gate opens wide, and leads to a broad, well-traveled road. You would meet most of your friends and co-workers on it, all heading in the same direction. The other gate is narrow, and opens onto a difficult path, with few travelers. You might feel a bit lonely at times as you trudge along this upward journey. The first road is easy to find, easy to follow. Just go with the crowd. The requirements are simple: Do what everyone else does, without questioning. Accept the current fads; follow the trends; repeat the slogans. Pursue personal happiness; acquire wealth; indulge your desires. Live for now, for self. The second path, much harder to discern, also demands more. You’ll have to search diligently for it, and watch your step as you go. Pilgrims on this way listen to God’s Word, not to the world. They refuse to be conformed to this age. Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, they deny themselves, seeking a future reward. Those who enter the narrow gate commit themselves to humility; they are poor in spirit, mourning for their sins. Aware of their own shortcomings, they treat others with meekness and mercy. Because they hold to a strict standard – nothing less than the imitation of God – they are slow to pronounce judgment on people who rub them the wrong way. Instead, they pray for God to pity and transform both them and their neighbors. Most of all, they trust not in their own goodness but in the grace of God, which they find daily in Jesus, the only Son of God. This alternative route winds through many valleys, climbs steep mountains, and traverses difficult terrain. Dark forests and dusty deserts, filled with wild animals, will make you wonder whether you have gone astray. After an arduous journey, however, you will reach your destination: Eternal life with God and with His Son, Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The more popular path leads its many followers through popularity, pleasure, prestige, power, and possessions – for a while. Then suddenly the crowd turns a corner and falls off a cliff, plunging to an endless death. Which way will you go?

Dealing with “Dogs” and “Pigs” (3)

We have come now to the only effective way of dealing with difficult people, whose attitudes and actions seem wrong to us. We have already seen that we should first examine ourselves and ask God to show us the more serious flaw of which we are probably guilty. Meanwhile, we should avoid criticizing our brother with a proud and condescending heart. Instead, we should pray to God. Ask Him for insight into your own words and deeds. Beg Him to show you how you are guilty of an offense similar to (though perhaps not exactly the same as) the one you find so irritating in your neighbor. He will answer that prayer, and often quite quickly! Once you have seen your own sin, beg for forgiveness and for God to transform you. Keep on asking, seeking, knocking, and the Lord will surely grant your request, though the process may take time. Perhaps most of us find it almost impossible to believe that God would change us, or a person whom we consider unlovely, or the situation between us and that person. But Jesus has commanded us to love our enemies (5:44); surely we can trust the Father to enable us to fulfill His commands! Jesus has also reminded us that our Father is in heaven; the kingdom, power, and glory are His; he hears and answers prayer (6:6, 9, 13). Now the Lord assures us of God’s fatherly love towards all who trust in Christ, and reminds us that even human fathers, who are selfish, give good gifts to their children. How much more will our heavenly Father answer our prayers for wisdom, humility, patience, and love towards those who hurt us! Reviewing this entire process, we find that it is just what we would want others to do with our faults. Do we respond well when people criticize us harshly, as if they had no faults of their own? No! Usually, we reject their exhortations and even respond with our own criticism of their behavior – just like “dogs” and “pigs”! We would rather have others set us a good example and pray for us before they point out one of our flaws. “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Dealing with “Dogs” and “Pigs” (2)

These words are usually interpreted to mean that we should not share God’s Word with people who don’t want to listen. Other passages in the Bible do contain that wise counsel, but perhaps Jesus is saying something else here. More likely, the Lord has seen into our self-righteous, critical heart when we observe someone with a fault that we don’t like. We become proud and arrogant. We look down on the own who has offended our standards of right and wrong (or even of taste!). In our eyes, our brother seems contemptible, even despicable. To the Jews of Jesus’ day, pigs (swine) and dogs were loathsome. The Law of Moses forbade eating or raising pigs, and dogs were known only as slinking, skulking scavenger, not beloved pets. With a kind of exaggeration often seen in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus imagines that I am so disgusted with my brother that he seems almost like a pig or dog – ugly, gross, and low – in my eyes. On the other hand, the advice, or even rebuke, that I have to offer is “holy” and precious. Holy, because I want to share my understanding of God’s righteousness with him. Precious, because I consider my insights as “pearls of wisdom” for my benighted neighbor. Always the insightful psychologist, Jesus shrewdly warns us against correcting an erring person with that kind of attitude. If I don’t communicate respect for the person whom I hope to help improve, he will not only trample my “pearls of wisdom” under his feet (like a pig), but turn on me and bite me (like a dog). He will, in other words, act they way I think he his! Better to keep silent for a while, except to pray to God for wisdom and grace to see my own “plank” and get it out of my eye!

Dealing with “Dogs” and “Pigs” (1)

Though usually treated separately, these twelve verses all go together, and provide practical instruction on how to deal with difficult people. What should I do when I notice that my “brother” has a fault? First, I must not condemn him. I may “judge” that his action or attitude is wrong; this type of moral evaluation must be made by anyone with a conscience. But I may not play the role of God and consign him to punishment (unless I am an officer of the law confronting a criminal). That is, I must not assume a self-righteous, prideful posture towards the one whose actions I think wrong. Otherwise, I shall have to face God’s judgment. He will use the same standard to measure me that I use to measure others. Those around me may do the same, if they hear me criticizing someone. So, before I say anything to my brother, I must examine myself, to see whether I, too, have a similar fault. In fact, I shall find that I am also guilty of failing to measure up to God’s perfect standards. To my surprise, I’ll discover that I have a “plank” in my eye, compared to the little “speck” in my brother’s eye. Then, I need to get rid of the “plank” in my own eye, so that I can see clearly enough to help my brother get the “speck” out of his eye. How do I do that? By prayer! If I earnestly ask God to forgive me and to change me, as Jesus had taught His disciples earlier (Matthew 6:12-13), He will surely answer me.