Using an illustration from the building world, Jesus wants to make it clear that it is pure hypocrisy to continually point out the faults of others while pretending that your life is acceptable.1 The illustration would have been readily understood by his audience and easy to remember. Quite possibly it was also humorous.2 A good example of someone who condemns another while failing to recognize his own sin is King David (2 Samuel 12:1–7).3
3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?