| Series | The Gospel of Luke |
|---|---|
| Theme | 2. Prepare yourself - Ia sauni lou tagata |
| Colour | Lanu Pa’epa’e |
Scripture Focus: Luka 11:37-54
Now as he spoke, a certain Pharisee asked him to dine with him. He went in, and sat at the table. When the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that he had not first washed himself before dinner. The Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter, but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness. You foolish ones, didn’t he who made the outside make the inside also? But give for gifts to the needy those things which are within, and behold, all things will be clean to you. But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, but you bypass justice and the love of God. You ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues, and the greetings in the marketplaces. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like hidden graves, and the men who walk over them don’t know it.” One of the lawyers answered him, “Teacher, in saying this you insult us also.” He said, “Woe to you lawyers also! For you load men with burdens that are difficult to carry, and you yourselves won’t even lift one finger to help carry those burdens. Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. So you testify and consent to the works of your fathers. For they killed them, and you build their tombs. Therefore also the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and apostles; and some of them they will kill and persecute, that the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary.’ Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation. Woe to you lawyers! For you took away the key of knowledge. You didn’t enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in, you hindered.” As he said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be terribly angry, and to draw many things out of him; lying in wait for him, and seeking to catch him in something he might say, that they might accuse him.
- Luke 11:37-54 (WEB)
Study:
This passage illustrates Jesus confronting the Pharisees and religious leaders on the hypocrisy of focusing on outward appearances while neglecting the condition of their hearts. Jesus uses the imagery of cleansing the outside of the cup versus the inside to emphasize that true purity comes from within. He admonishes them for their legalistic practices—tithing herbs meticulously while ignoring justice and love—and their desire for status. Jesus points out that they burden others without helping and have rejected God's messengers throughout history. The passage challenges believers to examine their own hearts and prioritize sincere inward righteousness over mere external observance.
Application:
In our lives today, this passage reminds us that God values what is in our hearts more than outward show. It is easy to get caught up in appearances, rituals, or religious activities without genuine love, justice, and mercy. Jesus calls us to cultivate integrity within, to love God sincerely, and to act justly towards others. We should avoid hypocrisy by letting our faith be reflected in humble service and compassion. This teaching encourages self-examination and transformation from the inside out, inviting us to model the character of Christ in all we do.
Reflection Questions:
- Do I focus more on the outward appearance of my faith than on the condition of my heart?
- How do I demonstrate love and justice in my daily life?
- Are there areas in my life where I might be acting hypocritically without realizing it?
- How can I better serve others and relieve their burdens instead of adding to them?
- Am I open to God’s correction and willing to change from within?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to be honest with myself and with You. Cleanse my heart from all hypocrisy and selfishness. Teach me to love You and others sincerely, to seek justice, and to walk humbly with You. Let my faith be genuine and transformed from the inside out. Guide me to serve and bless those around me, reflecting Your grace each day. Amen.
Tags: Jesus, Pharisees, Hypocrisy, Heart, Justice, Love, Inner Purity, Luke 11, Bible Study, Christian Living, Faith, Reflection