Luke 11:37-54
Six Warnings from Jesus
- Woe to those who tithe but neglect love and justice (v 42).
We are called to give but also to serve. To be generous with our resources and also our time and energy.
- Woe to those who seek their own honor and popularity (v 43).
We need to exchange hubris for humility. Consider others before ourselves. Outdo one another in showing honor and not demanding it.
- Woe to those who cause others to unknowingly stumble (v 44).
The Pharisees – with their legalism and the pride – were leading others away from the truth of grace and forgiveness.
- Woe to those who place burdens on others but do not help to bear them (v 46).
The command is clear in Scripture that we are to bear one another’s burdens. The Pharisees were quick to place legalistic burdens on people without offering any assistance.
- Woe to those whose lives are marked with hypocrisy (v 47-48.)
Being fake. Insincere. Phony. In the very next section, Jesus will say that this is the “leaven of the Pharisees.” And Paul, in Galatians, said that “a little leaven leavens the whole dough.” In other words, hypocrisy spreads, y’all. It infects every area of our lives and affects those around us as well.
- Woe to those who reject God and prevent others from truly knowing him (v 52.)
The distorted interpretations of the lawyers and Pharisees prevented others from truly hearing the gospel.
If people listen to our words and watch our behavior – are they led astray or drawn to Jesus?
It’s Sunday! You are loved.
