Luke : Day 24

Read Luke 11: 14-54

The Pharisees and teachers were back again – and this time Jesus really gave them both barrels! He even compared them to dirty dishes (verse 39)! How had this come about, and what did Jesus mean?

This incident began when Jesus freed a man from demon possession. Some of the onlookers were Pharisees (according to Matthew 12). They were especially sceptical and accused Jesus of getting his power from Satan! (Beelzebul was a scornful title for Satan used by the Jews.)  

Jesus pointed out that this made no sense (verse 17-20). He said that Satan is like a ‘strong man, guarding his possessions – He meant that Satan was controlling the lives of helpless people, and keeping many away from God. But Jesus described Himself as a ‘stronger man’! He was overpowering Satan and setting people free to know the love of God (verses 21-22).

A little later, Jesus was invited to a Pharisee’s house, and told the religious leaders some truths they needed to hear. They were always trying to look holy and impressive, but they didn’t care about others at all. They were like bowls which are squeaky clean on the outside, but the inside is filthy – not with mouldy food stains, but with ‘greed and wickedness’ (verse 39). Their hypocritical teaching fooled people, and prevented others from knowing God (verse 52).

God knows everything that is in our minds. We might be able to put on a good show and impress others, but we will never impress a perfect God by looking or acting the part. Trying to impress God with our own efforts at being good is like offering Him filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). But if we put our trust in the perfect Son of God, our sin is counted as ‘paid for’ by Jesus’ death on the cross, and His goodness is given to us, so that we can be made right and acceptable to God.* No matter how dirty our lives or thoughts are, Jesus is the one who can deal with our sin problem.

“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Luke 11:28