Luke 11:37-44 - Hypocrisy
Scripture:
Luke 11:37-44
37 Now when He had spoken, a Pharisee asked Him to have lunch with him; and He went in, and reclined at the table.
38 When the Pharisee saw it, he was surprised that He had not first ceremonially washed before the meal.
39 But the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness.
40 "You foolish ones, did not He who made the outside make the inside also?
41 "But give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you.
42 "But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.
43 "Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the chief seats in the synagogues and the respectful greetings in the market places.
44 "Woe to you! For you are like concealed tombs, and the people who walk over them are unaware of it."
NASU
NASU
Thoughts:
The Lord addresses the false piety of the Pharisees. They were excellent at external shows of religiosity, but their hearts were tragically far from God's (verse 39). The "ceremonial washing" mentioned here, was not a requirement of God's Law, but a requirement that had been developed and passed down by Jewish religious leaders. Sadly, it became yet another way they could try and distinguish themselves as "holy."
It's easy to see the folly of the Pharisees' behavior, but are there times we find ourselves doing these very things? Keeping a pious exterior while hiding inward sin (verses 39-40). Performing spiritual acts but having a wrong heart (verses 41-42). Being prideful, and allowing the perks of our lives to go to our head (verse 43). Harming others by knowingly drawing them into our own wrong ideas (I think this can often be an attempt to justify ourselves in our own eyes, by getting another to agree) (verse 44).
Prayer:
I thank You Lord, that my right relationship with You, is not based on my ability to be good or religious. Were that the case, I could never be right with You! Thank You that Your self sacrifice, has placed me in right relationship with You.
Today, let me live out that relationship. May the choices I make and the things that I do, be in line with Your heart and character.
Amen
<< Home