From the Core of Who You Are
Jesus has some words. A lot of them, actually.
Jesus is in a rare form in today’s passage. It could almost seem unfair. Someone invited him to share a meal, which seems very much like something Jesus would love. And yet it didn’t take long for it to go downhill. When we invite someone to a meal, what level of expectations can we place upon them when we sit down to eat?
Perhaps you’ve been in a context in which you were invited to a meal and were slightly uncomfortable because you didn’t know all of the cultural norms at that table. Jesus surely knew the expectation of hand-washing, but for whatever reason, he did not do it. And the one who invited became the one who separated.
…and Jesus, for once, takes the opportunity to say something. Actually, a lot of somethings.
It’s one thing to note what Jesus points out is wrong about the Pharisees and then the legal experts, too. And we should pay attention to it. But in the heart of it all, he is clear about what is expected, not just what is not expected.
…give to those in need from the core of who you are...
This is the life within for today.
Luke 11:37-54
While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to share a meal with him, so Jesus went and took his place at the table. When the Pharisee saw that Jesus didn’t ritually purify his hands by washing before the meal, he was astonished.
The Lord said to him, “Now, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and platter, but your insides are stuffed with greed and wickedness. Foolish people! Didn’t the one who made the outside also make the inside? Therefore, give to those in need from the core of who you are and you will be clean all over.
“How terrible for you Pharisees! You give a tenth of your mint, rue, and garden herbs of all kinds, while neglecting justice and love for God. These you ought to have done without neglecting the others.
“How terrible for you Pharisees! You love the most prominent seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.
“How terrible for you! You are like unmarked graves, and people walk on them without recognizing it.”
One of the legal experts responded, “Teacher, when you say these things, you are insulting us too.”
Jesus said, “How terrible for you legal experts too! You load people down with impossible burdens and you refuse to lift a single finger to help them.
“How terrible for you! You built memorials to the prophets, whom your ancestors killed. In this way, you testify that you approve of your ancestors’ deeds. They killed the prophets, and you build memorials! Therefore, God’s wisdom has said, ‘I will send prophets and apostles to them and they will harass and kill some of them.’ As a result, this generation will be charged with the murder of all the prophets since the beginning of time. This includes the murder of every prophet—from Abel to Zechariah—who was killed between the altar and the holy place. Yes, I’m telling you, this generation will be charged with it.
“How terrible for you legal experts! You snatched away the key of knowledge. You didn’t enter yourselves, and you stood in the way of those who were entering.”
As he left there, the legal experts and Pharisees began to resent him deeply and to ask him pointed questions about many things. They plotted against him, trying to trap him in his words.
Prayer
God,
It is easy for me to focus on what is outward. What is expected. What is seen.
But you keep pointing deeper.
So search me. Not just my actions, but what is within - where I give for appearance. Where I keep things clean on the outside but guarded on the inside.
So form in me a life that gives from the core. Not out of obligation, but out of a heart shaped by you. I’ve had a recent reminder that my heart still needs work in this way and I’m confident such heart-change cannot come without your help.
So help me, God: make me attentive to those in need, and willing to respond with honesty and generosity.
By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.