“Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40 You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you. 42 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. 43 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces. 44 “Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.” 45 One of the experts in the law answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also.” Luke 11.38-45
Jesus was holding nothing back. In this chapter of Luke, He rebukes the Pharisees and the experts of the Law (seminary professors and scholars!).
Throughout His ministry, Jesus shows compassion for children, the poor, the hurting, and the sick, but He has no tolerance for those who should know better. And these two groups certainly should have known better.
They had all the knowledge without the application—the teaching without the compassion. Jesus’ rebuke of them is direct and harsh, but it is truthful, and they don’t like it one bit.
What are His specific rebukes?
1. They appear holy on the outside but inside they are “full of greed and wickedness.”
2. They give generously to God but ignore justice and the love of God.
3. They seek fame, respect, and self-importance.
When Jesus said these things to the Pharisees, the experts of the Law said, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also.” And that’s when Jesus really got going—and boy, did He! We will read about it in the next verses, and it gets rough!
Jesus could not stand those who thought only of themselves and neglected the needs of others. This is why, when asked about the greatest commandment, He said, “Love God and love your neighbor.” He did not mention the 613 Laws of Moses. What mattered most was loving God and loving others.
So when given a chance to speak freely to those entrusted with upholding the Word of God and overseeing the people and the Temple of God, Jesus let go with both barrels!
What does this mean for us? Love God. Love others. Do not seek self-importance. Walk in humility. Allow the love of God—His purity and righteousness—to live in you. Allow Jesus to wash you with the blood of the Lamb, which cleanses all your iniquities and covers all your sins.
“O Lord God, abiding by Your Law and seeing Your face is true and right. Come fill me with Your power and love. Help me love in a way that honors You. Turn my eyes to Your truth so others might see Your power and turn to Your ways. I love You, Lord, and praise Your name. For this day, for my family, for my work, I give You praise. For You are good and Your love endures forever.” Amen