Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 15:14

"Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit." — Matthew 15:14 (ASV)

Let them alone. This means, do not be troubled by their rage. Do not be anxious about it; this was to be expected. They were blind; in some respects, they were sincere. They are greatly attached to their traditions, and you should not be surprised or interfere when they are indignant.

They also lead the blind. They have a vast influence over the multitude, and it is to be expected that they will be enraged by any doctrines that diminish their authority or influence.

By commanding them to let them alone, he does not mean to allow them to remain in error without any attempt to refute or correct them (for this is what he was doing then). Rather, he meant to instruct his disciples not to pay attention to them or to be concerned by their opposition. This was to be expected.

If the blind lead the blind, etc. This was a plain proposition. A blind man attempting to guide other blind men would fall into every ditch in the way. The same is true for religious teachers. If these Pharisees, themselves ignorant and blind, were allowed to lead the ignorant multitude, both would be destroyed. This was another reason for refuting their errors, or for rooting up the plants which God had not planted. He wished, by doing so, to save the deluded multitude.

God often allows one man to lead many to ruin. A rich and profligate man, an unbeliever, a man of learning, a politician, or a teacher, is allowed to sweep multitudes to ruin. This is not unjust, for those who are led are not compelled to follow such men. They are free in choosing such leaders, and they are responsible for being led to ruin.

See Barnes on Matthew 15:10.