Read Luke 11:37-52
Jesus had been invited to the home of a Pharisee for lunch. The meal hadn’t even been served when He managed to offend His host. How dare He not ceremoniously wash His hands? They were not offended by a lack of hygiene, but lack of acknowledgement. The Greek word is baptizo. In addition to a public testimony that identified with a specific belief, it also refers to the ritualistic bathing in preparation for some important event, especially one where holiness and humility was appropriate. The Pharisee and his religious friends were offended because Jesus did not acknowledge the honor and “holiness” of eating with them. The extent of their offense revealed some definite heart problems. Jesus called them on it.
1. Outside-inside inconsistencies.
God is not impressed with a life that looks spotless, when the inside is corroded. God looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) Nothing is more corrosive then a self-serving agenda. Instead we are to give of our money, time or efforts “as charity.” That means there are no expectations regarding what we get back from giving - no tax credit, no applause, no gold star, just generosity and self-abandonment that flows from caring about others and putting them before ourselves.
2. Need to be accountable instead of accountants.
We are not being “generous” when we meticulously calculate God’s “share.” It all belongs to Him and comes from Him. (1 Chronicles 29:10-14) Rather than being accountants, He wants us to be accountable for our attitude towards Him and others. We need to be aware of needs around us, and then willingly be a conduit of His love and resources through the generosity He makes possible.
3. Attention and acknowledgement are lousy priorities.
Matthew 23:6,7 says “They love the place of honor … and respectful greetings.” The type of love referred to here is an emotional response, a temporary feeling. It is now and loud, but it is also fleeting. Jesus called it a “this is it” reward (Matthew 6:1,2). Compare that with the “great reward” of Luke 6:35 that endures. Soon someone else will be the latest and greatest. Where will those feelings be then? Personal validation needs to come from more than others opinion of us.
4. Beware of setting up traps that snare the innocent.
It is hard to imagine extreme righteousness creating a trap that can cause others to act unholy, but it happens over and over again. Extremism leads to intolerance, arrogance and gracelessness. Godly goals are pursued with radical ungodliness. Pharisees were masters at this. Unfortunately, so are many believers. As a result, the world becomes critical of Christianity. Those that need Christ run from Him, rather than being drawn to Him. We condemn them for it, when our un-Christ-like behavior is the reason for their response.
5. Demanded more than they delivered.
There is incredible hypocrisy when we hold others to a higher standard of expectation then we do ourselves. Jesus said in Matthew 23:1-3 to listen to what the Pharisee and scribes said – “do and observe,” just don’t follow their example. “Do not do according to their deeds.” That cannot describe us. We truly need to live an imitate-able life (Hebrews 13:7; 3 John 11) where our words give clarity to our actions and our actions give credibility to our words.
6. Condemned by the monuments they erect.
These religious leaders made a big deal about the law and prophets. Jesus said they would be judged by what they honored. If they honored the prophets, then they needed to heed what was said. If they honored the law, they needed to follow it to the letter. If they honored history, they needed to learn from it or be condemned by it. If we honor grace, then we need to be gracious, as we too will be held accountable for what we claim to be of utmost importance.
7. Self-appointed gatekeepers.
Somewhere along the line, they decided that it was their responsibility to decide who got in and who stayed out, who was in the know and who remained ignorant of truth. In the process of taking control, stopped those who were seeking to know-and-grow, locked the doors and kept even themselves out. Instead of being greeters at the door, they became guards looking for the “right” credentials. Compare this to Sam Shoemaker’s poem I Stand At The Door.
What was served for lunch was not what the Pharisee intended. It was a bitter meal of truth for them to swallow. They ended up with some spiritual “heart burn.” Unfortunately, their response was bitterness and revenge (Luke 11:53,54), not a radical attitude adjustment.
Making It Personal
1. What attitude adjustment is necessary for you to truly “give that which is within as charity”?
2. What does “justice and love of God” have to do with your giving money, time or effort?
3. What are the spiritual hazards of caring too much or too little what others think about you?
4. Can you identify any “religious” attitudes, actions or comments in your life that justify a friend, family member or even stranger not wanting to follow Christ?
5. Can you honestly say what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4:16 and 11:1?
6. What do consider to be of utmost spiritual importance? If you too are judged by what you honor, what impact must this priority have on your daily life?
7. Which one best describes your attitude and actions: gatekeeper/guard or greeter?
