Lucas 11
John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
Lucas 11
MacArthur - As God incarnate, the Lord Jesus Christ speaks with the voice of absolute divine authority. Using three present tense imperative verbs, the Lord commands believers to boldly, aggressively storm the gates of heaven. The three verbs, ask, seek, and knock are progressively more intense, and each one repeats the promise Lloyd-Jones said “This holy boldness, this argumentation, this reasoning, this putting the case before God, this pleading His own promises, this is the whole secret of prayer.” Brian Bell on what Luke 11:9-13 does not and does mean - WHAT IT DOESN’T MEAN! It doesn’t teach us to keep beating & hammering on God’s door until he answers. It doesn’t teach us to keep trying until you overcome God’s unwillingness to act. It doesn’t teach us God plays hard to get. It doesn’t teach us our goal is to coerce an unwilling God to answer. WHAT IT DOES MEAN! Here now is the story of the Father & the child to illustrate what God is!!! The 1st man/neighbor would not give; did not want to be troubled; but finally did give to avoid trouble. The 2nd man/father said to his son, “just ask & you’ll obtain; seek & you’ll locate; knock & I’ll open the access for you.” This is a story about friendship (Lk 11:5) that shifts to sonship (Lk 11:11)! True prayer is not based on our friendship with God, but on the fact that we are the children of God. A father meets the needs of his children not to avoid shame, but to express love! Doesn’t “ask, seek, & knock” speak of continual action in the Greek? Yes! We should always be asking, seeking, & knocking. Our faith needs to be active, not passive. Asking = Implies humility & an awareness of need! Seeking = Is Asking + Acting! Knocking = Is Asking + Acting + Persevering! Example: [Asking] “Honey, have you seen my keys?” [Seeking] “Honey are you sure you haven’t seen them?” as you search diligently for them.” [Knocking] You now go door to door throughout your house knocking on the kid’s doors, “kids have you see my keys?” To remember the order: A.S.K. (acrostic) Ok, so what does it mean by “ask, seek, knock” then? Is He not encouraging persistence in prayer? Yes! But it’s tied to sonship (Lk 11:11 “if a son…”). See, it’s not trying to twist God’s arm to get what we want. It means keeping in close communion with the Father, knowing His will, and asking Him to perform His will. Note: It’s command/promise; command/promise; command/promise! (Luke:11:5-13 Someone’s Knocking at the Door) Ask, seek and knock as noted are all commands to continuously ask, seek and knock and speak of an earnestness and intensity. Sadly, all too often, our prayers are merely wishes cast up to heaven, and this is not real prayer that Jesus describes in this section. These are the times we need to keep asking. A non-Jewish, Canaanite woman did this. Her daughter was being tormented by a demon. She needed Jesus’ help (Read Mt 15:22–28) Don’t be too quick to quit praying for something. Prayer is the soul's sincere desire Uttered or unexpressed The motion of a hidden fire That kindles in the breast -James Montgomery R Kent Hughes on ask, seek, knock - Ask implies asking for a conscious need. The word also suggests humility in asking, for it is commonly used of one asking a superior. The next step, seek, involves asking but adds action. The idea is not merely to express one's need, but to get up and look around for help. It involves effort. Knock includes asking plus acting plus persevering - like someone who keeps pounding on a closed door! The stacking of these words is extremely forceful, but the fact that they are present imperatives gives them even more punch... Jesus is driving his point home, and the point is this: We are to passionately persist in prayer. We naturally persevere in our prayers when someone close to us is sick. If one of our children becomes ill, we pray without ceasing. Likewise, if we are in financial trouble or if we are hoping for a promotion or if we have a frightening or dangerous task ahead of us, we generally find it easy to pray. But do we persist in our prayers for spiritual growth for ourselves and others? Do we "ask . . . seek . . . knock" for a pure mind? Do we keep on knocking for a forgiving spirit or for the removal of an angry or critical spirit? ...Does Jesus' call to persistence in prayer make prayer a meritorious work? The answer is clearly no, because what Jesus is calling for here has to do with heart attitude, not mere religious routine....Persistence is an indication of our soul's confidence. Jesus says, "it will be given...you will find...and the door will be opened." Those who "ask," "seek," and "knock" are people who believe God will answer. Their prayers are not works, but acts of faith—not ritual but reliance....This is the way the Son of God prayed, as for example when he spent the whole night on the mountain in prayer before choosing his disciples (Luke 6:12-16+) and in the Garden of Gethsemane, where during his asking, seeking, and knocking "his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground" (Luke 22:44+).(See Luke: That You May Know the Truth)(Bolding added) Do we persist in our prayers for spiritual growth for ourselves and others? Persistence is an indication of our soul's confidence Ask is present imperative = Keep on asking. Make this the pattern of your life, a continual act of devotion. Jesus calls us to be "Coram Deo" before the face of God. In His presence in His throne room continually. Asking is what beggars do and that is exactly what those who are "poor in spirit" are (Mt 5:3+)! In poor countries beggars unashamedly stand by the road with their hands held out, asking alms for the poor. Sometimes they can be quite bold about it, even irritating passers by. In those moments it helps to remember that you would be bold too if you were in their position. And in a spiritual sense we are in their position for we have brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out. We are totally dependent on God the Father of lights from Whom every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift comes (James 1:17). But unlike beggars on the streets, citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven have access through Jesus to our Father Who art in heaven! By asking we nurture our relationship with our Father. He delights to hear and to answer His children. Mattoon writes that seek "involves asking but adds action. The idea is not merely to express one's need, but to get up and look around for help. It involves an effort on our part. It is not a casual search. This type of search involves effort and energy. The message here is the fact that prayer is not a casual exercise. It is more than simply going through the motions, being concerned more about form than substance. You cannot expect God to get serious about answering your prayer if you are not serious and sincere in praying your prayer. It is the effectual, fervent prayer that is effective. (Ed comment: James 5:16 where "effectual" = energeo giving us English "energetic" - Does that describe your prayer life? Or is "anemic" a better description? I am asking this of myself as I write!) (Treasures from the Scriptures) Seeking implies a desire for something of great value. A good illustration of this is Jesus' analogy that... the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it. (Mt 13:45-46+) Or think about Jesus’ story of the woman searching for a lost coin... "Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?' (Luke 15:8+) Puritan Thomas Manton wrote that "If we don’t receive by asking, then let us seek; if we don’t receive by seeking, then let us knock."
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MacArthur explains that "Matthew 6 is the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus preached that sermon in Galilee. There He gave the pattern for prayer without being asked. There was no incident like the incident here. No one asked Him to teach us how to pray. It was part of His own instruction against the background of the hypocritical praying that was going on in the nation Israel led by the scribes and Pharisees at the time, a very different occasion in Galilee at a much earlier time. This is many months later, the Galilean ministry is over, He is now in Judea. He is in the last few months of His life headed for the cross and here again a question is asked of Him, the query is made about how to pray. And Jesus goes back to the same instruction which He had given earlier in the Sermon on the Mount and perhaps on number of occasions other than that which are not recorded in the New Testament. So you have two distinct events at two separate times in which the Lord gives essentially the same pattern for prayer." (Jesus' Pattern for Every Prayer) D A Carson picks up on the present tense (proseuchomai in present tense) aspect of prayer Jesus is calling for in His disciples relating that "Someone commented to me that they thought Muslim people were far more devout than Christians. How many Christians in our country, said this friend, would pray with such regularity and fervor as they do with their set hours of prostrated prayer? I replied that Christians are often praying when those around them are wholly unaware of the communication that flows between them and God. The church is always at prayer—but only because of the unfailing grace of the Holy Spirit. (See Teach Us to Pray: Prayer in the Bible and the World) Rod Mattoon - The Lord's Prayer is a prayer which only a disciple can pray. It is a prayer which only one who is committed to Jesus Christ can take upon his lips with any kind of sincerity and meaning at all. The Lord's Prayer is specifically and definitely stated to be the disciple's prayer, and only on the lips of a true disciple of Jesus Christ does this prayer have its full meaning. To put it in another way, the Lord's Prayer can only really be prayed when the man who prays it knows what he is saying. He cannot know that until he becomes a follower of the Lord by first of all trusting Jesus Christ as his Savior. (Treasures from Luke, Volume 3) ILLUSTRATION - Lyndon Johnson’s press secretary, Bill Moyers, was saying grace at a staff lunch, and the President shouted, “Speak up, Bill! I can’t hear a thing!” Moyers quietly replied, “I wasn’t addressing you, Mr. President.” It is important to speak up but to remember you are not addressing the group but your Father in Heaven. The Lord Jesus gave many other commands to pray (Matthew 7:7-11; 9:38; 17:20; 18:19,20; 21:21,22; 26:41; Luke 18:1,7; John 14:13,14; 15:7,16; 16:23,24)--all of which give further instruction on the vital subject of how believers should pray. Spurgeon on praying this prayer repetitively - I THINK there is room for very great doubt, whether our Savior intended the prayer, of which our text forms a part, to be used in the manner in which it is commonly employed among professing Christians. It is the custom of many persons to repeat it as their morning prayer, and they think that when they have repeated these sacred words they have done enough. I believe that this prayer was never intended for universal use....This prayer of Christ is a great chart, as it were: but I cannot cross the sea on a chart. It is a map; but a man is not a traveler because he puts his fingers across the map. And so a man may use this form of prayer, and yet be a total stranger to the great design of Christ in teaching it to His disciples. (The Fatherhood of God)
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MacArthur - This promise is not a blank check granting people whatever they wish, since it has already been qualified by the Lord’s teaching in Luke 11:2-4 that God is the focus of all true prayer. James struck this same balance between boldness in prayer and selfish greed. In James 4:2 he rebuked his readers for failing to pray boldly: “You do not have because you do not ask.” But then he went on to warn, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:3). Those who pray with a proper, God-centered focus will receive what they desire, but the selfish requests of the greedy will not be granted. (See Luke Commentary) Wiersbe on asks...seeks...knocks all being in the present tense (continually) - In other words, don't come to God only in the midnight emergencies, but keep in constant communion with your Father. Jesus called this "abiding" (Jn 15:1ff), and Paul exhorted, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Th 5:17). As we pray, God will either answer or show us why He cannot answer. Then it is up to us to do whatever is necessary in our lives so that the Father can trust us with the answer. (Borrow Be compassionate) Everyone who asks receives - This teaching is open to every believer (everyone). This statement does not mean that we will always receive what we ask because, as a popular old television show put it ,"Father Knows Best." In other words, He knows what is best for us and knows that what we are asking for may not be in our best interest. It is important to reiterate that all three "prayer verbs" are in the present tense which pictures our prayer life as just that -- a lifestyle of prayer (1Th 5:17+). THOUGHT - Lord, teach us and enable us by Thy Spirit to pray as our lifestyle, a lifestyle that exhibits continual dependence on and communication with the Living God of the universe. Amen. Kent Hughes gives an important caveat regarding asking, seeking and knocking warning (this comment is specifically on Mt 7:7-11 but clearly applies to Luke's passage) that "The instruction in this text should not be lifted from its context (Ed note" see importance of context in accurate interpretation and valid application) in the Sermon and abused. All of us have heard this done. "The Bible says, 'Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.' Therefore, all we have to do is ask for it with faith and persistence, and we will get it. 'You do not have because you do not ask' (James 4:2). So go for it! Name it and claim it!" This view sees God as a celestial slot machine. Pull the handle enough times in prayer, be persistent, and you will get what you want! Such thinking is entirely wrong! A text without a context is a pretext. Isolating this text from its setting in the Sermon on the Mount is deadly. The broad context of the Sermon sets down the surpassing righteousness, humility, sincerity, purity, and love expected of those who are members of the kingdom of God. These virtues are beyond human attainment apart from God's grace. The broad context underscores our need. In the immediately preceding context (Mt 7:1-6) Jesus has shown us the danger of condemning other people as if we were judges. He also has told us to get the plank out of our own eye before we attempt to remove a speck from someone else's. His warning is, "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Mt 7:2). This standard is terrifying. Who is adequate for such things? How can we live up to such a high standard? We need to be cleansed. We need help and grace, but from where? Jesus answers, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Mt 7:7). This famous text is not carte blanche for our material desires. Rather, it tells us how to pray for the character of the kingdom in our lives." (See The Sermon on the Mount: The Message of the Kingdom) (Bolding added)
Lucas 11
MacArthur - The question naturally arises as to why the Lord commands us, whose sins have already been forgiven, to ask the Father for forgiveness. The answer lies in grasping a second aspect of forgiveness, relational forgiveness. While believers’ sins—past, present, and future—were forgiven at the point of salvation, they nevertheless still sin. Those sins do not change the declaration by the “Judge of all the earth” (Gen. 18:25) that Christians are just and righteous because their sins were paid for by the death of Christ. But they do affect their relationship with God, whose “eyes are too pure to approve evil,” who “can not look on wickedness with favor” (Hab 1:13). David’s penitent prayer in Psalm 51 illustrates this principle. His terrible sin with Bathsheba did not cause him to lose his salvation; in fact, in Ps 51:14 David addressed God as “the God of my salvation.” It did, however, disrupt his communion with God, causing him to cry out, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (Ps 51:12). He did not ask for his salvation to be restored, but rather for his relationship with God to be restored so his joy would return. (See Luke Commentary) MacArthur goes on to explain why our forgiveness of others is so important - Those who come to God seeking relational forgiveness will find it only if they forgive those who have wronged them. The Lord gave this prerequisite because bitterness can easily reign supreme in the human heart. People hold grudges—sometimes for a lifetime—and are prone to seeking vengeance. Relationships that fall apart do so ultimately because one or both parties involved are unwilling to forgive. The world is filled with bitter, angry people. Vengeance is considered a virtue, and those who seek it are heroes. The result is shattered marriages, broken relationships, gang warfare, crime, and lawsuits. Some psychologists argue that it is unhealthy to forgive, that it is healthy and normal to lash back at those who hurt us and give them what they deserve. That, they insist, makes the angry person feel better. But the price of unforgiveness is actually extremely high. Rather than make someone feel better, unforgiveness imprisons people in their past and makes those they refuse to forgive their jailers. Those who refuse to forgive continually pick at an open wound, never allowing it to heal. Having chosen to embrace hate, they become tortured prisoners of the offense and the offender. Such behavior is foolish, lacks common sense, and is self-destructive. It consumes unforgiving people’s lives, robs them of their well-being, and deprives them of happiness and joy. Forgiveness, on the other hand, is a virtuous, noble, liberating, and loving act. But the more profound and compelling reason to forgive others is that doing so allows one to receive relational forgiveness from God. (See Luke Commentary) MacArthur writes "While the most important reason to forgive others is to enjoy our relationship with God, there are at least nine other reasons to do so." For a discussion of all nine I strongly recommend you read his discussion of each point in his sermon - Forgive Us Our Sins - Part 4 Steven
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MacArthur adds that "It is an appeal to God not to allow the inevitable tests and trials of life to become temptations that would prove overpowering. Peirasmos (temptation) is a neutral word with no inherent moral connotation. God does not tempt anyone to do evil, but He does permit tests to come into the lives of believers, as He did to Job (Job 23:10), Abraham (Heb. 11:17-19), Paul (2 Cor. 12:7-10), and Jesus (Heb. 5:8), as part of the process of strengthening and maturing them (Deut. 13:3; 1 Peter 1:6-7; 5:10). How believers respond to those tests determines whether they remain perfecting trials that bring spiritual growth, or become debilitating temptations that overwhelm them and lead them into sin.The basis for this request is God’s promise, expressed in 1 Corinthians 10:13+, that He will never allow a temptation that is stronger than believers can bear. Those He permits are common to all people, and He will provide a way to escape being led into sin by them. People fall into sin not because they are overpowered by Satan and the demons, or because they were trapped with no way out. As James explained, “Each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death” (James 1:14-15). (See Luke Commentary) Rod Mattoon explains that the Greek word for temptation (peirasmos) "refers not so much to solicitation to do evil or enticement to sin, as to trials that test the character of a person. God does not tempt us to do evil. God did not cause Adam and Eve to sin. He is not the author of sin. If God tempted men to sin, then His nature would not be holy. Why do we need to pray that He will not lead us into testing or temptation? Even though God is not the instrumental cause or author of our testing, He does permit or allow us to experience temptation from the world, from the flesh, and from the devil. The Bible is clear that temptations and testings are going to come into our lives. They are unavoidable. Therefore this petition is a request that the Lord minimize the occasions of our testing that may result in our sinning or yielding to our fleshly desires. It articulates the repentant disciple's felt weakness to stand up under severe trials in view of his sinfulness. Thank God, He promises us that we will not be given more than we can handle. (1 Cor 10:13+). (Treasures from the Scriptures) Brian Bill - You and I are faced with temptations all around us. The Greek word translated temptation is neutral and can refer to a test or a trial. This phrase should read, “And lead us not into trials or testings that can turn into temptation.” The word “into” means “into the power of” or “into the hands of.” And so, we are to ask God to keep us from falling into the power of trials and temptations. We are not strong enough to handle these on our own. Will God answer a prayer like this? You bet He will. 1 Corinthians 10:13-note gives us a wonderful promise. Brothers and sisters, ask God to lead you away from temptation. When you’re faced with an enticement to sin, look for the way out. God is faithful and will not leave you to face your temptations alone. Pray for His protection and keep your guard up. (Luke 11:1-4 How to Pray the Lord’s Way) ESV Study Bible - The word translated “temptation” (peirasmos) can indicate either temptation or testing (Ed: see related verb peirazo in Lk 4:2-note; James 1:13). The meaning here most likely carries the sense, “Allow us to be spared from difficult circumstances that would tempt us to sin” (cf. Mt. 26:41). Although God never directly tempts believers (James 1:13), He does sometimes lead us into situations that “test” us (cf. Matt. 4:1; also Job 1:1-8; 1 Pet. 1:6; 4:12). In fact, trials and hardships will inevitably come to believers’ lives, and believers should “count it all joy” (James 1:2-note) when trials (Ed: Trials = peirasmos) come, for they are strengthened by them (James 1:3–4-note). Nonetheless, believers should never pray to be brought into such situations but should pray to be delivered from them, for hardship and temptation make obedience more difficult and will sometimes result in sin. Believers should pray to be delivered from temptation (cf. Mt. 26:41; Lk 22:40, 46; 2 Pe 2:9; Rev. 3:10) and led in “paths of righteousness” (Ps. 23:3). (Borrow ESV Study Bible) France - “God, while he does not ‘tempt’ men to do evil (James 1:13), does allow his children to pass through periods of testing. But disciples, aware of their weakness, should not desire such testing, and should pray to be spared exposure to such situations in which they are vulnerable.”
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MacArthur - The parable illustrates the promise and that promise in turn rests on a principle. That principle is couched in the common Jewish pattern of reasoning from the lesser to the greater. It raises the level of the discussion from friendship to fatherhood; if a person would respond to a bold request from a friend, how much more so would a father respond to his children? Jesus introduced the principle by posing two hypothetical questions to His audience.(See Luke Commentary) He will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? - Clearly the answer is "No!" No father would give his son something that would at best mock his request or at worst would even harm him. MacArthur - The obvious answer to Christ’s questions is no, because of the principle that fathers take care of their children and meet their needs. Knowing their heavenly Father’s care for them and commitment to meet their needs, believers can confidently ask Him for all that they need. Unlike the false gods of pagan religions, God is loving, approachable, and generous. (See Luke Commentary) If your child asks for a stone or a snake, will you give it to him? No, no matter how much he begs. Children often ask for foolish things, which are withheld. The same is true with our heavenly Father. As ignorant, willful children we often ask for things that to us seem like fish or bread but which God knows will have the effect (figuratively of course) of a stone or a snake in our lives. Our Heavenly Father says no, not because He hates us but because he loves us. God's "No" is a sure sign of His wisdom and His love for us. If a five-year-old asks to play with a sharp knife, most reasonable fathers would respond with a definitive "No" and even let him cry and pout. His tears only show his immaturity. And frankly, if the father does give him the knife, it shows he doesn't really love him at all. In the same way, as God's children, believers often ask for things that might bring us harm, including even things we think are good, like a new job, a better salary, a new house, etc. But God Who Alone knows the beginning from the end, sees through to the end and knows that what we have asked for would harm us more than help us. So in His omniscient, loving wisdom He says "No". Brian Bell on what Luke 11:11-12 - Stone…serpent…scorpion – (often found inside the house, so not random thoughts here) Now, I do have one friend who put his glass eye in his son’s cereal bowl! No father is going to give a small child a sharp knife or a loaded gun, no matter how much the child begs. No mother is going to give her pre-teen the keys to the car for a joyride, or her toddler freedom to pay in the medicine cabinet. Thus, God will not put some things in our hands, until he 1st prepares our hearts. Thus, God will not put some things in our hands, until he 1st prepares our hearts. What also is special is when we ask for stones, He doesn’t give us one, when He knows we need bread! Our heavenly Father knows how to give far better than we know how to ask! We might think, “I asked God for something, and He did not give it to me.” We should rather say, “I wanted something I did not need, so my Father knew best not to give it to me.” (Luke:11:5-13 Someone’s Knocking at the Door)
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MacArthur explains "Whenever you see what we call “the milk of human kindness,” whenever you see people who don’t know God parent well, love their children, show kindness, give their children what they need, be philanthropic; you’re seeing the residual of the image of God, so warped and scarred in the fall, but still there. And so He says, “You, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children." (Sermon) Brian Bell on Luke 11:13 - PRAY FOR THE BEST BLESSING! Give the Holy Spirit – Matthew’s account “how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Mt.7:11 The Holy Spirit is the best & highest gift for humanity, for regeneration & for all its life. In receiving Him, receiving the filling/refilling/overflowing of the Spirit; the gifts of the Spirit, the fruit of the spirit. Oh how we need the Spirit to help us: build character, guide our conduct, & empower us for service! Of course you should pray for material things, health, finances, but this isn’t the highest form of praying. We must not stay on that level! Graduate to the highest level of praying, asking for the blessings of the Spirit of God that result in Christian Character & conduct that glorify the Lord. Examples from Paul: (Phil.1:9-11; Eph.1:15-23; 3:14-21; Col.1:9-12) He prays about love, discernment, maturity, obedience, faith, power…these are all blessings that only the Holy Spirit can enable. How much more…he doesn’t tell us how much more, He just lets our imagination run loose for awhile. When we ask for bread, maybe we’re thinking about a little dinner roll. When actually he’s baking up some fresh cinnamon pull apart bread. [like Schotz Bakery] Believe me, we are not wringing gifts from an unwilling God, but going to One who knows our needs better than we know them ourselves, & whose heart towards us is the heart of generous love. Greatest Giver, gives highest gift, and shows largest generosity! The greatest blessing of prayer is not in receiving the answer, but in being the kind of person God can trust with the answer! 3 The most important part of our lives is the part that only God sees. The hidden life of prayer is the secret of an open life of victory! (Luke:11:5-13 Someone’s Knocking at the Door) Brian Bell - When You Pray, Remember… The Love of God that wants the best for us. The Wisdom of God that knows what is best for us. The Power of God that can accomplish it. How much more will your heavenly Father - How much more is the key phrase and in effect introduces a contrast. If it is true of the lesser, how much more of the greater. God is our Father (pater), our Abba, our Dear Father! Think of sinful earthly fathers at their very best and multiply that by infinity, and you have it (Dads, are you as convicted as I am?) As fathers, few of us are perfect, but even the most imperfect of us are usually able to love our children. But there is a perfect Father in heaven Who is perfect love and so is a much greater Father than we are. His heart is pure and good and His love knows no bounds. It follows that His answers to His children's prayers are supremely good. Give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him? - What does this mean? There is some disagreement. In a sense one could see this prayer as asking for fulfillment of the prophecy in Ezekiel “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes (God's Provision), and you will be careful to observe My ordinances (Man's Responsibility).(Ezekiel 36:26, 27+, cf Joel 2:29, 29, 32).John Martin would seem to favor this idea writing "Believers today are not to pray for the Holy Spirit because this prayer of the disciples (for the Holy Spirit) was answered at Pentecost (cf. Ro 8:9). (See Bible Knowledge Commentary) The NET Note says "The provision of the Holy Spirit is probably a reference to the wisdom and guidance supplied in response to repeated requests. Some apply it to the general provision of the Spirit, but this would seem to look only at one request in a context that speaks of repeated asking (INTERESTING OBSERVATION). The teaching as a whole stresses not that God gives everything His children want, but that God gives the good that they need." Note that parallel passage in the Sermon on the Mount reads “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:11+) So in Mt 7:11 "good" is used in the same context as the Holy Spirit. Comparing these two passages would support the thought that the greatest good God could give us is His precious Spirit. (Click for MacArthur's interpretation) How much more - This is an old rabbinical way to argue. This lesser to greater argument is a variant of an a fortiori argument which is an line of reasoning which draws upon existing confidence in a proposition to argue in favor of a second proposition that is held to be implicit in the first and in this case even greater than the first. How much more - This exact phrase in the NAS 20x in 20v - Deut. 31:27; 1 Sam. 14:30; 1 Sam. 23:3; 2 Sam. 4:11; 2 Sam. 16:11; Job 15:16; Prov. 15:11; Prov. 19:7; Prov. 21:27; Ezek. 14:21; Matt. 7:11; Matt. 10:25; Lk. 11:13; Lk. 12:24; Lk. 12:28; Rom. 11:12; Rom. 11:24; 1 Co. 6:3; Phlm. 1:16; Heb. 9:14 MacArthur - If you who (Ed: are sinners) can only love imperfectly give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father who loves perfectly give to His children? If you who are limited in your wisdom give to your children what you think is best, how much more will your Father who is perfectly wise give the best to His children?...You can go to God because He’s a loving Father. But He’s a loving Father far beyond the most loving father in this world who is by nature evil and who does his best to give good gifts out of a corrupt and fallen heart. How much more will your heavenly Father love you with a perfect love? How much more with perfect wisdom, and perfect compassion, and perfect mercy and grace, and perfect understanding of your situation, and perfect goodness give to you? So when you go to God, and you go with boldness, and you go with persistence, and you rush in and you unload what’s on your heart, and first you ask, and then you start pleading (Ed: seeking), and then you start banging (Ed: knocking), know this, that God is delighted with that because He, with His perfect love, and perfect wisdom, and perfect power, and perfect provision is able to give the best to His children. (Sermon) The psalmist testifies to God's ability to give of good gifts “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Ps. 84:11, cf. Ps 34:9-10; Mt 6:33; Php 4:19). James adds "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with Whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (James 1:17+) To reiterate, the phrase how much more is not just a comparison but a contrast and is the key to the Lord’s point. Reasoning from the lesser to the greater, if human fathers who are evil lovingly provide for their children, how much more will the perfect God Who loves perfectly not also give what is best to His children (cf those who are His children in Jn 1:12+) who ask Him. D A Carson states that in this section "What is fundamentally at stake is man's picture of God. God must not be thought of as a reluctant stranger who can be cajoled or bullied into bestowing his gifts, as a malicious tyrant who takes vicious glee in the tricks he plays, or even as an indulgent grandfather who provides everything requested of him. He is the heavenly Father, the God of the kingdom, Who graciously and willingly bestows the good gifts of the kingdom in answer to prayer." (Reference) Remember John Newton's great advice regarding prayer (click link for full hymn)... Thou art coming to a King, Large petitions with thee bring; Spurgeon on the gift of the Holy Spirit - If you have the Holy Spirit, you virtually have all good gifts, for the Spirit is the earnest of God’s love, the pledge of joys to come; and he brings with him all things that are necessary and good for you. (Luke 11 - exposition) Brian Bell says "The Holy Spirit is the best and highest gift for humanity, for regeneration and for all its life.In receiving Him, receiving the filling/refilling/overflowing of the Spirit; the gifts of the Spirit, the fruit of the spirit.Oh how we need the Spirit to help us: build character,guide our conduct, and empower us for service! Of course you should pray for material things, health, finances, but this isn’t the highest form of praying. We must not stay on that level! Graduate to the highest level of praying, asking for the blessings of the Spirit of God that result in Christian Character & conduct that glorify the Lord. Examples from Paul: (Phil.1:9-11; Eph.1:15-23; 3:14-21; Col.1:9-12) He prays about love, discernment, maturity, obedience, faith, power…these are all blessings that only the Holy Spirit can produce. (Luke:11:5-13 Someone’s Knocking at the Door) A T Robertson calls the Holy Spirit "the great gift (the summum bonum)." The Gospel of Luke has been called the Gospel of the Holy Spirit, because He is named more in this Gospel than in Matthew and Mark combined and even more than in John's Gospel. Luke also shows a marked emphasis on Jesus’ dependence on the Spirit. Thus Luke shows us Jesus as the Savior Who was fully human, but Who triumphed as Man through dependence on prayer and the Holy Spirit, leaving us the Perfect Example to follow in His steps (1 Pe 2:21+, 1 Jn 2:6+). Warren
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MacArthur explains that "The whole idea is come and ask for whatever’s on your heart and rush into God’s presence whenever you want, of course with a measure of humility and reverence, but still unbare your heart, speak boldly, be persistent, go over the top, if you will, and you can expect that God who is generous will give you whatever’s good. But how does the Holy Spirit fit in? Let me just make it simple - It doesn't say you ask for the Holy Spirit necessarily. It says “Give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.” When you go to ask God for whatever you ask God for, whatever it is, God gives you the Holy Spirit. Let me show you what I mean. You ask for comfort, He gave you the Comforter, right? You ask for help, He gave you the Helper. You ask for truth, He gave you the Truth teacher. You ask for power, He gave you the Spirit of power. You ask for wisdom, He gave you the Spirit of wisdom. You ask for guidance, He gave you the Guide. You ask for love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control and He gave you the Spirit whose fruit were released in your life.You see, this is the generosity of God. You ask for the gift, He gives the giver. You ask for the effect, He gives the cause. You ask for the product, He gives the source. Is that generosity? He gives you according to His riches, not out of His riches. You ask God, as it were, going to the bank, you ask for some money, He gives you the bank. That’s the point. I’ll just give you the Holy Spirit, then you’ve got it all because out of the Holy Spirit comes power. Out of the Holy Spirit comes the anointing which teaches you all things. Out of the Holy Spirit comes the giftedness, out of the Holy Spirit comes the fruit, out of the Holy Spirit comes the direction and the guidance. From the work of the Holy Spirit comes everything. Out of the Holy Spirit comes intercession on your behalf so that all things work together for good. I’ll just give you the Spirit....Giving us the Holy Spirit specifically is not something less than good gifts, it is something more than good gifts. The Lord is taking it a step further. He said, “I’ll give you that which is good.” And now He says, “I’ll just give you the good One, the third member of the Trinity, God of very Gods, God the Spirit to come and live in your life...In summary, when the Lord gave you the Holy Spirit, He gave you everything, absolutely everything. By His presence, by His power, by His grace we are permanently the possessors of everything we need and so much more that “He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we can - ” what? “ - ask or think.” You have more resource in the Holy Spirit than you can even imagine....God is not like that neighbor, is He? Who was bothered and said, “Go away,” but finally relented. God is so generous. He gives us more than we could even imagine because since we can’t comprehend God, or His power, or His wisdom, or His resources, we can’t comprehend the Spirit, even though He lives in us. That’s why He’s able to do exceeding, “abundantly above all we can ask or think.” (Eph. 3:20+) Don’t dishonor God by doubting His generosity. Go to Him in the middle of your "night" and know you are not interrupting Him (Ed: Ps 121:4 "He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep"). He delights that you’re there (Ed: "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight." [Lxx = dektos = means to be met with approval in someone's company, welcome in His Throne Room! Meditate on that truth today and then pray without ceasing!] - Pr 15:8, cf Ps 37:23, Pr 3:12, 11:20, 12:22). And hold Him to His promises and be persistent and demand that He listen and give you what is best. Does this help you to see prayer in a different way? Good.” (Sermon) MacArthur sums up his thought on the Holy Spirit in his commentary - This is an intriguing statement, which differs from the Lord’s teaching of this same truth on a different occasion, as recorded in Matthew 7:11. There He spoke of the Father giving what is good; here He expanded that and spoke of God’s giving the Spirit, Who is the Source of all goodness and blessing, to live within every believer. To those who ask for a gift, He gives the Giver; to those who ask for an effect, He gives the Cause; to those who ask for a product He gives the Source; to those seeking comfort He gives the Comforter (Acts 9:31); to those seeking power He gives the Source of power (Acts 1:8); to those seeking help He gives the Helper (John 14:26); to those seeking truth He gives the Spirit of truth (John 16:13); to those seeking “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23) He gives the Producer of all those things. The indwelling Holy Spirit (Ro 8:9, 11; 1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Ti 1:14) is the Source of every good thing in the Christian’s life (Eph. 3:20+ Ed: "the power which works [energeo - present tense = continually] within us" - Who is the power continually energizing us? The Holy Spirit!). (See Luke Commentary) In a word, we ask for a gift and our Father graciously gave us the Giver, the Spirit of Jesus Christ! Praise Him, Praise Him... Praise Him! praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Sing, ye saints! His wonderful love proclaim! Hail Him! hail Him! mightiest angels in glory; Strength and honor give to His holy name! Like a shepherd, Jesus will feed His people, In His arms He carries them all day long; O ye saints that live in the light of His presence, Praise Him! praise Him! ever in joyful song! James Rosscup adds - Jesus climaxes the prayer motivation with God giving “the Holy Spirit,” not “good gifts” as in Matt. 7. Jesus could use both in the different situations of ministry. Of all good gifts in prayer, the Holy Spirit is the source, the believer’s great benefactor in prayer according to God’s will (cf. Rom. 8:26–27). If one has Him, he has in the Spirit all the riches of God, whether power, guidance, gifts of ability for service, fruit He supplies, or any boon. (An Exposition on Prayer in the Bible: Matthew-Acts) Rosscup goes on to summarize principles on prayer which he gleans from Luke 11:1-13 - The request (Lk 11:1), sample of prayer (Lk 11:2–4), story of prayer (Lk 11:5–8) and summary on prayer (Lk 11:9–13) has its vital principles. First, the one who will be an example in prayer for God’s glory must be found faithful in it. Second, the disciple shows us the principle of respecting a person’s praying and waiting until it is finished to talk with him. Third, it is wise to seek tutoring in prayer from the One who models it the best. Today we have this help in the things the gospel accounts teach us. Fourth, prayer as Jesus gives a pattern for it puts praise in glorifying God in prominence. Fifth, the friend in bed, although only human and evil (cf. Lk 11:13) and unlike God in that he is unwilling at first, still rebounds to be like God in his zeal to show himself in a good light. If he does this, “how much more” God! Sixth, the friend who answers the request gives all that is needed, as God is adequate or even gives above all we ask or think (Eph. 3:20). Seventh, when a son asks a human father for what is good, the father usually gives it, God even more so with His sons. (An Exposition on Prayer in the Bible: Matthew-Acts) J C
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MacArthur comments that "They knew of the many miracles God wrought while Moses appealed to Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage, and of the deliverance through the Red Sea and the provision of water and manna in the wilderness. They knew of God's giving the law on Mt. Sinai on tablets of stone inscribed with His own finger and of His dramatic crumbling of the walls of Jericho. They knew of the great miracles of Elijah and Elisha. But in less than a year's time, they themselves had witnessed miracles of a greater and absolutely unique magnitude. Here was a display of divine power unequaled not only in the history of Israel but in the history of the world. (See Matthew Commentary) Jesus' Casts Out A "Dumb Demon" JESUS' EXORCISM AMAZES CROWD As noted in the Outline above Luke 11:14-54 deals primarily with the mounting rejection of Jesus and His message. The synoptic Gospels have parallel passages in Matthew and Mark (Mt. 12:22-30; Mark 3:20-27). While some feel Luke is recording the same events as Matthew and Mark other commentators feel they are different accounts, the accounts in Matthew and Mark taking place earlier in Galilee and this account in Luke taking place later in Judea. Steven Cole introduces Lk 11:14-28 - In 1938, Orson Welles terrified millions of Americans with his radio narration of H. G. Wells’ War of the Worlds. (Here is the original 1938 radio broadcast that frightened so many of the listeners) The drama was so realistic that many thought that aliens were actually invading our planet, intent on destroying the human race. It was only fiction; no one should have believed such a far-fetched tale. But they did. The Bible clearly affirms that we are engaged in combat with an unseen enemy that is intent on destroying the human race: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). It is a frightening truth which no one should doubt or ignore. But many do doubt it and live as if it is not true. The apostle John affirms that “the Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Luke is showing that Jesus’ miracles establish His legitimate authority as the Messiah, the Son of God, sent to deliver us from the power of Satan. But Jesus’ authority put Him into conflict with the Jewish religious authorities, who did not want to yield to Him. Luke 11:14-54 shows the mounting tension between Jesus and these religious leaders. Rather than approaching Jesus with teachable hearts and open minds, they accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Satan and they challenged Him by demanding some sign from heaven. As such, they were reissuing the third temptation that Satan had put before Jesus, to use His power for show by casting Himself off the Temple pinnacle. Jesus soundly refuted their demands by giving this extensive teaching on spiritual conflict, the heavenly war. (Luke 11:14-28 The Heavenly War) Darrell Bock writes that "To understand the significance of Jesus' miraculous work, especially His exorcisms, one must understand Luke 11:14-23." (Luke Commentary).
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MacArthur comments that these "blaspheming rejecters....taunted Jesus, derisively demanding that He falsify their absurd charge that He was in league with the devil by performing a spectacular miracle. Because the mighty works He had already done were conclusive proof that He was the Messiah and Son of God (John 10:25), Jesus refused their request. As He said to them in Luke 11:29, “This generation is a wicked generation; it seeks for a sign, and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah.” (See Luke Commentary) Gene Brooks notes that "Isaiah 35:6 tells us that the healing of the mute is a sign of God’s end-time salvation. Here is a sign. They ask for a sign, but they do not recognize the signs they want to see." (Luke 11:14-28 - Jesus on Unclean Spirits) Test (3985)(peirazo) is a morally neutral verb which simply means to test but whether the testing is for a good (Heb 11:17) or evil (as the present context indicates) depends on the intent of the one giving the test. As described above these testing Jews were "like father, like son!" When the context indicates the testing is an enticement to evil, the word is most frequently translated as tempt, which of course conveys a negative connotation. Satan tempts us to bring out the worst in us (cause us to fall) while God tests us to bring out the best. Peirazo - 35v - did(1), put(1), put to the test(2), tempt(2), tempted(13), tempter(2), test(6), tested(2), testing(7), tried(2), trying(2). Matt. 4:1; Matt. 4:3; Matt. 16:1; Matt. 19:3; Matt. 22:18; Matt. 22:35; Mk. 1:13; Mk. 8:11; Mk. 10:2; Mk. 12:15; Lk. 4:2; Lk. 11:16 Acts 5:9; Acts 9:26; Acts 15:10; Acts 16:7; Acts 24:6; 1 Co. 7:5; 1 Co. 10:9; 1 Co. 10:13; 2 Co. 13:5; Gal. 6:1; 1 Thess. 3:5; Heb. 2:18; Heb. 3:9; Heb. 4:15; Heb. 11:17; Heb. 11:37; Jas. 1:13; Jas. 1:14; Rev. 2:2; Rev. 2:10; Rev. 3:10 Sign (4592) semeion from sema = sign) (See also another discussion of semeion) - a sign is something that serves as a pointer to aid perception or insight. In the NT a sign speaks of a token which has behind it a particular message to be conveyed. In other words, in John's Gospel (where semeion is most concentrated) the apostle recorded certain miracles not for the wonder (cf "wonders") they produced, but because of the message they taught (Jn 20:31). A sign directs attention away from its unusual nature to the meaning and the significance it points to. It speaks of outward compelling proof of divine authority. In John a sign is generally a "miraculous sign" that points to some deeper spiritual significance in connection with the event (Jn 2:11, 18). Semeion describes a miracle whose purpose is that of attesting the claims of the one performing the miracle to be true. Wayne Detzler on semeion - Early in its use this word meant a visible sign which someone saw. For instance, when Constantine was embroiled in battle he saw the sign of a cross and the words, "In this sign conquer." This turned him to Christianity, and he granted toleration to the Christians in 313. So first of all semeion meant a real or imagined visible sign. Later it came to mean the intervention of the deities in our world. This is the meaning which the Bible attaches to miracles, when God breaks into the natural world to accomplish some special feat. (New Testament words in today's language). Semeion in Luke and Acts -Lk. 2:12; Lk. 2:34; Lk. 11:16; Lk. 11:29; Lk. 11:30; Lk. 21:7; Lk. 21:11; Lk. 21:25; Lk. 23:8; Acts 2:19; Acts 2:22; Acts 2:43; Acts 4:16; Acts 4:22; Acts 4:30; Acts 5:12; Acts 6:8; Acts 7:36; Acts 8:6; Acts 8:13; Acts 14:3; Acts 15:12 James Smith - THE STRONG AND THE STRONGER Luke 11:16–22 “If we were not weak, Should we be less in deed than in desire.” —SHELLEY. How strange that they should seek “a sign from Heaven” (Lk 11:16) when they see devils being cast out. But men will yet try to ignore the divine character of Christ while there are infallible proofs of it before their eyes in the changed lives and hearts of men. They are like owls sitting in the dark, and crying, “Where is the sun?” Every evil overcome is a proof of the existence of a holier power. Evil cannot expel evil. This principle leads to God. “There is none good but God.” If sin has been conquered and hated, and the heart changed and filled with love to God, then this is not of man. This is the finger of God. In these verses we have two great princes representing two great kingdoms. To one or other all belong, and peace and safety can only be enjoyed by the subjects of the greatest, as the one is most bitterly antagonistic to the other. Here we see the warriors described, the battle fought, the victory won, and the spoil divided. Consider then— I. The Great Enemy. “Satan,” the chief of the devils (Lk 11:15), and his chief end is to deceive and destroy. His deadly campaign commenced in Eden, and goes on still (Gen. 3:1). Notice— 1. HIS CHARACTER. “A strong man” (Lk 11:21). The strength of the devil is in his cunning and deceit. In the garden we have a revelation of the wisdom of this serpent. He is strong because he knows exactly where human weakness lies. He enters the citadel of man’s soul as a pledged friend when he comes as an angel of light; how few can discern him in his real malignant form. He is strong to overcome the righteous scruples of the young, and also to deceive the Godward longings of the old. Too late, too late, he whispers, or, you are too great a sinner. But although he is strong he is but a strong man; his is limited strength, not almighty. Yet his “wiles” are innumerable and his darts are fiery. 2. HIS CONDITION. “Armed” (Lk 11:21). His is the armour of darkness; he loves the darkness rather than the light. “While men slept he sowed tares, and went his way” (Matt. 13:25). He is the prince of darkness, and those who are in darkness are under his power (Eph. 2:2). His armour is just the opposite of God’s. 1. His girdle is the girdle of falsehood—a liar from the beginning, and so his children go speaking lies from the womb. 2. His breastplate is that of wickedness, for wickedness is in his heart. 3. His feet are shod with the preparation of the gospel of enmity. 4. His shield is the shield of doubt. 5. On his head is the helmet of damnation. 6. His sword is the imaginations of the evil heart, and with this he slays the word of truth that darkness and death might reign (compare Eph. 6:11–18). 3. HIS OCCUPATION. “Keepeth his palace” (Lk 11:21). His palace is the dungeon of the unrenewed heart, where every window is glazed with perverting glass, so that things can never be seen as they really are. Here the occupant is a prisoner of darkness and ignorance. He may boast of what he knows of the world of light, truth, and liberty outside, but he knows nothing as he ought to know. Did he but know the truth he could abide no longer in bondage. This his vigilant keeper knows right well, so he keepeth his palace that his goods may have peace. This is the “peace, peace, when there is no peace.” The more anxious the soul is to escape the more closely is he kept, If fair promises will not do, the iron fetters of despair will be applied. Notice some of the ways in which he keepeth his palace. “I can read my Bible at home.” “You can tell me nothing new.” “I go regularly to Church.” “I do as well as I can.” “You make too much ado,” etc. 4. HIS POSSESSION. “Goods” (Lk 11:21). He who occupies the palace of the heart also possesses the powers and faculties of the whole being. These powers and faculties are valuable “goods,” their intrinsic worth, who can calculate? The precious blood of Christ speaks volumes as to the value of these “goods.” These “goods,” generally speaking, may represent all who are under Satan’s keeping. Let us look at the character of an individual article the qualities of a single soul. There is— (1). Reason, the Governor. (2). Understanding, the Receiver. (3). Memory, the Recorder. (4). Conscience, the Discerner. (5). Will, the Decider. (6). Affection, the Distributer. All these are prisoners to Satan under his power, used for his dark, devilish purposes. “His goods,” not even your own free will! Ah, “strange liberty.” II. The Great Deliverer. “CHRIST.” 1. HIS CHARACTER. “Stronger than he” (Lk 11:22). Not merely a stronger man, but one whose strength is almighty. “If I speak of strength, lo, He is strong.” The strength of hills is His. “I will send you a Deliverer and a strong One.” “Help has been laid upon One that is mighty.” How mighty is the sun to overcome darkness; how strong are the hills to bear the crushing tempest. So man’s deliverer must be strong both to bear and to overcome. His arm is strong; it upholds the universe and guides the helm of providence. His Word is strong, none can gainsay it, none can hinder it from working. His work is strong, His foundation stands sure. Neither time nor eternity, nor the powers thereof can ever displace one single stone of His building. Hallelujah! One has come to seek and to save, with whom nothing is impossible. No enemy too strong for His power, no difficulty too monstrous for His strength. “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace” (Exod. 14). 2. HIS ENCOUNTER. “He shall come upon him” (Lk 11:22). The Prince of Life and the prince of darkness must come into close combat according to Genesis 3:15. David must go out to Goliath, come upon him, strip him, and overcome in behalf of Israel, for he fought not for himself, but them, and love constrained him, although, like Christ, his brethren despised and rejected him. Yet he had the King’s favour, and in overcoming the enemy he secured for himself a bride (1 Sam. 17:25). Beautiful picture of our Deliverer who came forth from the Father, like David, to conquer the great enemy and purchase the Church as His bride. He “came upon the wiles of the devil” in the wilderness, upon his enmity and hate in the Pharisees, upon his works in the demon-possessed, upon himself on the Cross. Then was the hour and power of darkness; dreadful conflict! 3. HIS VICTORY. “Overcome him, and taketh from him all his armour” (Lk 11:22). Goliath is slain with his own sword. “Through death Christ destroyed him that had the power of death.” His helmet was broken and his head bruised; his whole armour of darkness wherein he trusted has been destroyed, and the “true light now shineth.” None need now be under his power as He came to set the prisoners free. But, alas, men love darkness rather than the light, and the bondage of Satan rather than the liberty of Christ, saying, “I love my master, and I will not go free.” And so become a slave for ever. Jesus Christ is the rightful owner of the soul. “Thou hast ascended on high, Thou hast led captivity captive: Thou hast received gifts in the man” (Psa. 68:18, marg.). “The number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying … worthy is the Lamb that was slain” (Rev. 5:11, 12). 4. HIS GRACE. He divideth His spoils as the fruit of His warfare. He possesses pardon, peace, power, and paradise. These He willingly divides with the mighty many (Isa. 53). All who believe shall share in His victory. All is yours, for ye are Christ’s (1 Cor. 3:22). This great battle was substitutionary. Man had been spoiled of his goods by the devil, but Christ overcomes and recaptures the possession, as Abraham overcame the kings and brought back all the goods, and also his brother Lot (Gen. 14:16). Thou shalt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee. None can pluck them out of His hand. Will you share Christ’s victory or the devil’s overthrow? If the Son make you free, ye shall be free indeed (John 8:36). The spoils of Calvary’s Cross hath made many rich. Luke 11:17 But He knew their thoughts and said to them, "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls. NET Luke 11:17 But Jesus, realizing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is destroyed, and a divided household falls. GNT Luke 11:17 αὐτὸς δὲ εἰδὼς αὐτῶν τὰ διανοήματα εἶπεν αὐτοῖς, Πᾶσα βασιλεία ἐφ᾽ ἑαυτὴν διαμερισθεῖσα ἐρημοῦται καὶ οἶκος ἐπὶ οἶκον πίπτει. NLT Luke 11:17 He knew their thoughts, so he said, "Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart. KJV Luke 11:17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. ESV Luke 11:17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. NIV Luke 11:17 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: "Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. ASV Luke 11:17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. CSB Luke 11:17 Knowing their thoughts, He told them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for destruction, and a house divided against itself falls. NKJ Luke 11:17 But He, knowing their thoughts, said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls. NRS Luke 11:17 But he knew what they were thinking and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house. YLT Luke 11:17 And he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, 'Every kingdom having been divided against itself is desolated; and house against house doth fall; NAB Luke 11:17 But he knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. NJB Luke 11:17 but, knowing what they were thinking, he said to them, 'Any kingdom which is divided against itself is heading for ruin, and house collapses against house. GWN Luke 11:17 Since Jesus knew what they were thinking, he said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is ruined. A house divided against itself falls. BBE Luke 11:17 But he, having knowledge of their thoughts, said to them, Every kingdom in which there is division is made waste; and a house in which there is division comes to destruction. But He knew their thoughts and said to them Mt 9:4; 12:25; Mark 3:23-26; John 2:25; Rev 2:23 Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste 2 Chr 10:16-19; 2 Chr 13:16,17; Isa 9:20,21; 19:2,3 Luke 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 11:14-23 The Vilification of Jesus, Part 1 - John MacArthur Luke 11:14-23 The Vilification of Jesus, Part 2 - John MacArthur SATAN WOULD BE DIVIDED AGAINST HIMSELF But (de) term of contrast. They had just said they wanted a sign, however Jesus knew better for He could read their minds. He knew (eido) their thoughts (dianoema) (cf Lk 5:22; Lk 6:8; Lk 7:39–47; Jn 2:25) - To whom does their refer? While the immediate context does not allow dogmatic identification, from comparison with similar passages (cf Mt 12:24+, Mk 3:22+) this could be the scribes most of whom were also Pharisees. The Jewish crowds at this time were not antagonistic but attracted by His miracles, while the religious leaders were antagonized by His miracles. Mt 12:25+ is similar to Luke recording and knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them. The fact that Jesus knew their thoughts offers further proof of His deity, since only God knows the heart (1 Sa 16:7; 1 Ki 8:39; 1 Chr. 28:9; Jer. 17:10; Ezek 11:5) MacArthur on knew their thoughts - Their whisperings may have been hidden from the Lord’s ears, but not from His omniscience, since He knew their thoughts...Their thought processes, purposes, and intents were transparent to Jesus, and He knew that those thoughts were sinful, blasphemous, and damning. He had every right at this point to abandon them to their unbelief and its inevitable eternal doom. Yet He reached out to them again in mercy, exposing the irrationality of their damning false conclusion (ED: THAT HE HAD CAST OUT THE DEMON BY SATAN'S POWER). (See Luke 11-17 MacArthur New Testament Commentary) Any kingdom (basileia) divided (diamerizo) against itself is laid waste (eremoo) - One is reminded of the popular saying "United we stand, divided we fall." This is a truth that is simple and obvious, even to His obtuse protagonists. A divided kingdom results in civil war and usually the destruction of the kingdom. If Satan was empowering Jesus to cast out demons, Satan's kingdom would be divided against itself and would be ruined. A house divided against itself falls - Civil war at any level, even among spiritual beings, is counterproductive and devastating. Again the truth of this statement is obvious. The meaning of house is not clear as it could be strife in a family (in the house) or strife between households. Most translations (NIV, RSV, NEB, NASB) imply division and strife within a family. We all have seen the devastating effect of divorce on families. "This phrase pictures one house collapsing on another, what we call today a "house of cards." (NET) The point is that if Jesus' power over the demon was derived from Satan, this would be ridiculous for Satan was the enemy of Jesus and would hardly empower an assault on his own kingdom, the kingdom of darkness (cf Col 1:13, Acts 26:18). ILLUSTRATION - Abraham Lincoln borrowed Jesus’ statement that “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” in a brief speech when he unsuccessfully ran for the Senate against Stephen A. Douglas. He used it to convey his belief that the union could never survive with both free and slave states; the nation would have to opt for one or the other. But when Jesus first spoke those words he was not speaking simply of a political and moral issue dividing a particular country at a point of history; rather he was speaking of a tremendous spiritual divide that confronts every individual of all time. And he contends that one must opt for one side or the other; there is no neutrality possible in this spiritual battle. Knew (1492)(eido) means in general to know by perception not so much by experience. Eido is not so much that which is known by experience as an intuitive insight. Eido/oida is a perception, a being aware of, an understanding, an intuitive knowledge which in the case of believers can only be given by the Holy Spirit. Eido also suggests fullness of knowledge, absolute knowledge (that which is without a doubt), rather than a progress in knowledge. The idea is that Jesus knew beyond a shadow of a doubt. Thoughts (only NT use)(1270)(dianoema from dianoéomai = to agitate in mind from diá = denoting separation + noéō = think over) means the content of what a person is thinking about. It refers to a thought or reflection with an evil connotation in the present context.This is the only NT use of this word. Gilbrant adds "This term is akin to the verb noeo, “to consider,” but emphasizes the result of the activity of thought. It overlaps into the realm of purpose, intent, and motive. It was a favorite word of Plato." Six times in the Septuagint - Pr 14:14; Pr 15:24; Isa. 55:9; Ezek. 14:3; Ezek. 14:4; Da. 8:25 Divided (1266) diamerizo means to divide, part, share, separate. Friberg - (1) divide, separate; passive be separated off, be dispersed (Acts 2.3); (2) distribute, divide up, share (Lk 22.17); middle divide up among (Mt 27.35); (3) figuratively and passive be divided against, be opposed to (Lk 11.17) (Borrow Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament) Gilbrant - Classical Greek Diamerizō comes from the verb merizō (3177), “divide,” plus the preposition dia (1217), “through.” The preposition intensifies the meaning; thus diamerizō means “divide thoroughly.” Among classical writers it was used by Plato of a butcher who cuts animals into pieces (see Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon; cf. Liddell-Scott). Other meanings include simply “divide, distribute part,” or “separate.” Septuagint Usage The Septuagint uses the term with regard to dividing the earth (Genesis 10:25), the nations (Deuteronomy 32:8), land (Psalm 60:6; Ps 108:7; Isaiah 34:17; Ezekiel 47:21), plunder (Judges 5:30; Zechariah 14:1), and food (2 Samuel 6:19 [2 Kings 6:19]). New Testament Usage In the New Testament diamerizō is found in a passage common to the four Gospels (Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:24): The soldiers who crucified Jesus divided His clothes among themselves. Jesus said that any kingdom that experiences internal conflict, including Satan’s, is doomed to failure (Luke 11:17,18). According to Luke 12:52,53 (also see verse 51), Jesus’ coming forces people to make a choice for Him or against Him. The different choices made inevitably lead to disunity within families. At the Last Supper (Luke 22:17) Jesus instructed His disciples to divide (share) among themselves the Passover cup for the purpose of uniting them (Marshall, New International Greek Testament Commentary, Luke, pp.798f.). This same idea of “dividing among” (“distributing, sharing”; cf. Bauer) can be seen in Acts 2:45. The believers made a regular practice (note the imperfect tenses here) of selling their material possessions and dividing the proceeds among themselves according to individual needs (Bruce, Acts of the Apostles, p.101). Of Acts 2:3 Marshall says, “A flame divided itself into several tongues, so that each (tongue) rested upon one of the persons present” (Marshall, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, 5:68). For the best explanation of the theological significance of this extraordinary experience consult Horton, What the Bible Says About the Holy Spirit, pp.141f. (The Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary – Delta-Epsilon) Diamerizo - 13x in NT - distributing(1), divided(4), divided...among(1), divided up...among themselves(2), dividing up...among(1), share(1), sharing(1). Matt. 12:25; Matt. 12:26; Mk. 3:24; Mk. 3:25; Mk. 3:26; Mk. 6:41; Lk. 12:13; Rom. 12:3; 1 Co. 1:13; 1 Co. 7:17; 1 Co. 7:34; 2 Co. 10:13; Heb. 7:2 Laid waste (2049)(eremoo from eremos = wasteland) means brought to ruin, be laid waste, become desolate, be devastated (Mt 12:25). Of a prosperous city meaning to be ruined or depopulated. Eremoo - 5v - desolate(1), laid waste(4). Matt. 12:25; Lk. 11:17; Rev. 17:16; Rev. 18:17; Rev. 18:19 Rod Mattoon - We now enter a section of Scripture that has become very familiar because of its use in illustrating truths by famous men. Jesus said in verse seventeen that every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation and a house divided against a house faileth or cannot stand.On June 16, 1858, Abraham Lincoln gave a famous speech known as the House Divided Speech in Springfield, Illinois that was based on this principle. On this occasion, Lincoln accepted the Illinois Republican Party's nomination for United States senator. It became the launching point for his unsuccessful campaign against Stephen Douglas. Lincoln used this speech to create a lasting image of the danger of disunion because of slavery. At that time, there was division in the United States between the slave states and the free states. Lincoln said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved. I do not expect the house to fall, but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other. Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction, or its advocates will push it forward, till it shall become alike lawful in all the States, old as well as new—North as well as South." One thing for sure, Lincoln understood the principle of this passage. He knew the mess that would be created in this nation as long as it was a divided country. We face a divided nation today. The division has been created by our selfish political leaders that pit black against white, poor against wealthy, homosexuals against heterosexuals, and now socialism and communism against capitalism. Socialists and communists believe in big government which should be in charge of our lives and provide for the nation through heavy taxation, especially on those who are financially successful. They strongly believe in government-controlled health care. History shows this is how socialism gets its foot in the door and gains governmental control. I don't know about you, but I don't want to have to get permission from someone on some government health-board telling me that I or my family can or can't get medical treatment. Capitalists on the other hand, believe that people should be responsible to provide for themselves through hard work and private enterprise. They also believe in a small government with little taxation. They believe the government should have to live as we do, and balance their own budget and not spend money they do not have. Our great nation is in a moral and financial mess that continues to deepen every day. One key reason is because we have ignored the Lord and we have also ignored what was laid out by our Founding Fathers in the Constitution of the United States of America. We've got a mess for sure and we need God's help to get out of it. (Treasures from the Scriptures) Luke 11:18 "If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. NET Luke 11:18 So if Satan too is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? I ask you this because you claim that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. GNT Luke 11:18 εἰ δὲ καὶ ὁ Σατανᾶς ἐφ᾽ ἑαυτὸν διεμερίσθη, πῶς σταθήσεται ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ; ὅτι λέγετε ἐν Βεελζεβοὺλ ἐκβάλλειν με τὰ δαιμόνια. NLT Luke 11:18 You say I am empowered by Satan. But if Satan is divided and fighting against himself, how can his kingdom survive? KJV Luke 11:18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. ESV Luke 11:18 And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. NIV Luke 11:18 If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebub. ASV Luke 11:18 And if Satan also is divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out demons by Beelzebub. CSB Luke 11:18 If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say I drive out demons by Beelzebul. NKJ Luke 11:18 "If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? Because you say I cast out demons by Beelzebub. NRS Luke 11:18 If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?-- for you say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul. YLT Luke 11:18 and if also the Adversary against himself was divided, how shall his kingdom be made to stand? for ye say, by Beelzeboul is my casting forth the demons. NAB Luke 11:18 And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. NJB Luke 11:18 So, too, with Satan: if he is divided against himself, how can his kingdom last? - since you claim that it is through Beelzebul that I drive devils out. GWN Luke 11:18 Now, if Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom last? I say this because you say Beelzebul helps me force demons out of people. BBE Luke 11:18 If, then, Satan is at war with himself, how will he keep his kingdom? because you say that I send evil spirits out of men by the help of Beelzebul. If Satan also is divided against himself Mt 12:26 For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. Lk 11:15; Mt 12:31-34; James 3:5-8 Luke 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 11:14-23 The Vilification of Jesus, Part 1 - John MacArthur Luke 11:14-23 The Vilification of Jesus, Part 2 - John MacArthur JEWISH ACCUSATION LACKS LOGIC Jesus now applies the two analogies He has just made regarding the divided kingdom and divided house in Luke 11:17. If Satan (satanas) also is divided (diamerizo) against himself, how will his kingdom (basileia) stand - Of course the answer is that it cannot stand. Jesus' reasons that if He was possessed or empowered by Satan against Satan's own demons, then Satan's kingdom could not stand. No divided kingdom can stand. And thus their accusations border on the absurd. Common sense says their accusations against Jesus are ridiculous. NET Note on "if Satan..." - This first class condition, the first of three "if" clauses in the following verses, presents the example vividly as if it were so. In fact, all three conditions in these verses are first class. The examples are made totally parallel. The expected answer is that Satan's kingdom will not stand, so the suggestion makes no sense. For you say that I cast out (ekballo) demons (daimonion) by Beelzebul (beelzeboul) - Jesus is explaining why it would be ridiculous for Satan to be divided against his own kingdom, which would in fact be the case if Jesus truly did cast our demons by virtue of the power of Satan. The conclusion is clear that they were clearly not correct in attributing Jesus' power over the demons to the ruler of the demons. Such a thing would be absurd! MacArthur - Inconsistencies often appear in the strategies of the kingdom of darkness, since evil is inherently inconsistent, demons operate independently, and Satan is not omniscient, omnipresent, or omnipotent. He may also allow his servants to pretend to cast out demons as part of their cover as angels of light (cf. 2Co 11:14–15). But Satan’s goal is to destroy God’s kingdom, not his own, and his kingdom is unified in that evil intent. Therefore to argue that he would empower Jesus to cast out demons on an unprecedented scale and thereby destroy his own kingdom is ridiculous. Yet that is precisely what the Lord’s opponents were doing by claiming that He cast out demons by Beelzebul. Since that option is irrational and untenable, the only alternative is that Jesus cast out demons by God’s power. (See Luke Commentary) Satan (4567) satanas transliterated from Hebrew Satan - see 07854 and Aramaic sātānâ) literally means Adversary, the evil antagonist who offers opposition, hostility, resentment, etc. An enemy who that contends with, opposes, resists. An adversary is one who hates or opposes another person and tries to harm them or stop them from doing something because of hatred and malice. Satan is the inveterate, implacable, relentless, ruthless, remorseless, merciless, heartless, pitiless, cruel, hard, harsh, hardened, incorrigible, dedicated enemy of God and man. Satan is not a myth or a fable, but a created, fallen angel who is a real, supernatural evil being (Mt 16.23; 1 Th 2.18+). Satan is not divine but is subject to the divine Creator Jesus (John 1:3, Col 1:16+). He was the tempter of Jesus and sifter of men like Peter (Mt 4.1, Lk 4:2+, Mk 1:13+, Lk 22:31+). Satanas - 36x in 33v - Matt. 4:10; Matt. 12:26; Matt. 16:23; Mk. 1:13; Mk. 3:23; Mk. 3:26; Mk. 4:15; Mk. 8:33; Lk. 10:18; Lk. 11:18; Lk. 13:16; Lk. 22:3; Lk. 22:31; Jn. 13:27; Acts 5:3; Acts 26:18; Rom. 16:20; 1 Co. 5:5; 1 Co. 7:5; 2 Co. 2:11; 2 Co. 11:14; 2 Co. 12:7; 1 Thess. 2:18; 2 Thess. 2:9; 1 Tim. 1:20; 1 Tim. 5:15; Rev. 2:9; Rev. 2:13; Rev. 2:24; Rev. 3:9; Rev. 12:9; Rev. 20:2; Rev. 20:7 Divided (1266)(diamerizo from dia = through + merizo = to divide) means literally to divide (as Jesus' garments - Mt 27:35, Mk 15:24, Lk 23:34, Jn 19:24), in a figurative sense of a kingdom divided (Lk 17:17, 18), of families divided by being forced to choose for or against Jesus (Lk 12:53). Jesus' coming demands a choice and neutrality is not one of the choices! Diamerizo has the sense of share as in the Last Supper, where the disciples "divided" (shared) the Passover cup paradoxically as a sign of their unity and allegiance to their Lord. Gilbrant - The believers made a regular practice (note the imperfect tense here) of selling their material possessions and dividing the proceeds among themselves according to individual needs (Bruce, Acts of the Apostles, p.101). Of Acts 2:3 Marshall says, “A flame divided itself into several tongues, so that each (tongue) rested upon one of the persons present” (Marshall, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, 5:68). (Complete Biblical Library) Among classical writers diamerizo was used by Plato of a butcher who cuts animals into pieces. The Septuagint uses diamerizo to describe dividing the earth (Ge 10:25), dividing the nations (Deut 32:8), dividing garments (prophecy of Jesus - Ps 22:18), dividing land (Ps 60:6; 108:7; Isa 34:17; Ezek 47:21), of David distributing (dividing) food throughout Israel (2 Sa 6:19, 1 Chr 16:3), dividing spoil or plunder (Jdg 5:30; Zech 14:1), and food (2 Sa 6:19). Thayer - 1. to cleave asunder, cut in pieces: ζωα διαμερισθενα namely, by the butcher, Plato, legg. 8, p. 849 d.; according to a use peculiar to Luke in the passive, to be divided into opposing parts, to be at variance, in dissension: επι τινα, against one, Luke 11:17f; επι τινι, Lk 12:52f. 2. to distribute (Plato, polit., p. 289 c.; in the Septuagint chiefly for חָלַק): τι, Mark 15:24 Rec.; τι τινι, Luke 22:17 (where L T Tr WH εις ἑαυτους for R G ἑαυτοις); Acts 2:45; passive Acts 2:3; middle to distribute among themselves: τι, Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24 G L T Tr WH; Luke 23:34; with ἑαυτοις added (Matthew 27:35 Rec.); John 19:24 from Ps. 22:18). (Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament) Diamerizo - 17x in 17v in the Septuagint - Gen. 10:25; Gen. 49:7; Deut. 32:8; Jos. 21:42; Jdg. 5:30; 2 Sam. 6:19; 1 Chr. 16:3; Neh. 9:22; Ps. 17:14; Ps. 22:18; Ps. 55:21; Ps. 60:6; Ps. 108:7; Isa. 34:17; Ezek. 47:21; Mic. 2:4; Zech. 14:1; Diamerizo - 11x in 11v - distributing(1), divided(4), divided...among(1), divided up...among themselves(2), dividing up...among(1), share(1), sharing(1). Matthew 27:35 And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves by casting lots. Mark 15:24 And they crucified Him, and divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots for them to decide what each man should take. Luke 11:17 But He knew their thoughts and said to them, "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls. Luke 11:18 "If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. Luke 12:52 for from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. Luke 12:53 "They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." Luke 22:17 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, "Take this and share it among yourselves; Luke 23:34 But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. John 19:24 So they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be"; this was to fulfill the Scripture: "THEY DIVIDED MY OUTER GARMENTS AMONG THEM, AND FOR MY CLOTHING THEY CAST LOTS." Acts 2:3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. Acts 2:45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing (imperfect tense = over and over they were dividing their possessions) them with all, as anyone might have need. Luke 11:19 "And if I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? So they will be your judges. NET Luke 11:19 Now if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. GNT Luke 11:19 εἰ δὲ ἐγὼ ἐν Βεελζεβοὺλ ἐκβάλλω τὰ δαιμόνια, οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν ἐν τίνι ἐκβάλλουσιν; διὰ τοῦτο αὐτοὶ ὑμῶν κριταὶ ἔσονται. NLT Luke 11:19 And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said. KJV Luke 11:19 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. ESV Luke 11:19 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. NIV Luke 11:19 Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. ASV Luke 11:19 And if I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. CSB Luke 11:19 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, who is it your sons drive them out by? For this reason they will be your judges. NKJ Luke 11:19 "And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. NRS Luke 11:19 Now if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. YLT Luke 11:19 'But if I by Beelzeboul cast forth the demons -- your sons, by whom do they cast forth? because of this your judges they shall be; NAB Luke 11:19 If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. NJB Luke 11:19 Now if it is through Beelzebul that I drive devils out, through whom do your own sons drive them out? They shall be your judges, then. GWN Luke 11:19 If I force demons out with the help of Beelzebul, who helps your followers force them out? That's why they will be your judges. BBE Luke 11:19 And if I, by Beelzebul, send out evil spirits, by whose help do your sons send them out? so let them be your judges. And if I by Beelzebul cast out demons Luke 9:49; Mt 12:27,28 So they will be your judges Lk 11:31,32; 19:22; Job 15:6; Mt 12:41,42; Ro 3:19 Luke 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 11:14-23 The Vilification of Jesus, Part 1 - John MacArthur Luke 11:14-23 The Vilification of Jesus, Part 2 - John MacArthur THE CASE OF THE JEWISH EXORCISTS And if I by Beelzebul (beelzeboul) cast out (ekballo) demons (daimonion) - The "IF" here is a second class condition which is considered as an unreal case. Jesus did not cast out demons by the ruler of the demons! That would be absurd. By whom do your sons cast them out (ekballo) - Your sons is thought by most commentators as a reference to Jews who practiced exorcism (but a few commentators think Jesus refers to His disciples). On one hand Jesus seems to imply that the so-called Jewish exorcists were successful at making others think that they had truly cast out demons. However Acts 19:13-15+ describes unsuccessful Jewish exorcists who ironically were attempting to use Jesus' Name to cast out demons. Jesus' point is that if He was possessed and/or empowered by Satan to cast out demons then what about the source of power for the Jewish exorcists (whether they were successful or not - and I favor they were not truly successful because only God could empower them and they were not followers of the true God)? R Kent
Lucas 11
MacArthur warns those who think that because they do not show hatred to Christ they are "okay" with Christ -- "It is not necessary to oppose Christ in order to be against Him; it is only necessary not to be with Him. Nor is it necessary to actively interfere with His work in order to be one who scatters; it is only necessary to not gather with Him. The person who does not belong to God is the enemy of God (Ro 5:10); the person who is not a child of God through Christ is a rebel against God." (See Matthew Commentary)....The complete record of the evidence in the inspired Gospels that Jesus is the Son of God and Messiah is more conclusive even than the experience of those who were there during Christ’s life. He is either God incarnate or the greatest blasphemer who ever lived. He either speaks for God or for Satan. To reject the irrefutable evidence concerning Him; to follow instead a satanic false teacher, guru, mystic, or false prophet, is to side with those who openly blaspheme Him, and be worthy of eternal damnation in hell. (See Luke Commentary) Let there be no reserve, no compromise, no half-heartedness, no attempt to reconcile God and mammon in our Christianity. -- J C Ryle He who does not gather with Me, scatters (skorpizo) - NLT has "anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me." How are we "with Jesus? How do we gather with Jesus? We aid in gathering people to be His disciples (Prov. 11:30; Dan. 12:3; Matt. 9:37, 38; Luke 19:10; John 4:35, 36; 1 Cor. 9:22). Jesus is saying if you are not working to advance His Kingdom you are working against Him.
Lucas 11
MacArthur explains that the phrase passes through waterless places seeking rest is a metaphor because "demons are spirit, and they don't need water. It's simply a metaphor for the barrenness of a demon floating around in the nether world, the spirit world. They do their work through people....And here is this demon, who leaves because of some moral change and wanders aimlessly in the spiritual realm with no person through whom to work his diabolical work. To be in that existence outside someone is like being in a barren desert for a demon." (Luke 11:24-28 The Danger of Moral Reformation) NIV Study Bible has an interesting thought- Jesus is perhaps referring to the work of Jewish exorcists, who claimed to cast out demons (cf. v. 19 and note) but who rejected the kingdom of God as represented by Jesus and whose exorcisms were therefore ineffective. (Borrow NIV Study Bible) ESV Study note is more generic - Cleansing from sin must be followed by obedience to God’s word, not complacency. (Borrow ESV Study Bible) Holman Study Bible: NKJV Edition - These verses warn that the exorcism of a demon is incomplete unless Christ enters by faith and indwells the person who is healed. Otherwise, there is nothing to prevent the demon from reentering the person or even making things worse. And not finding any, it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came - The demon concludes the first house, the man from whom he was exorcised, was the better place and determines to return. This refers to demon possession of the person, because the person is the demon's "house" so to speak. Steven
Lucas 11
MacArthur writes cogently: “Jesus had little trouble reaching prostitutes, thieves, extortioners, murderers, and the outcasts of society. But he had an almost impossible time reaching religious and moral people who were under the delusion that outward propriety made them acceptable to God.” 7 The fact is, there has probably never been a group more committed to a demanding religious and moral code than the Pharisees, and there has never been a group so far from God. (Luke 11:14-11:36 No Switzerlands in this War) Unclean (169)(akathartos from a = without + kathaíro = cleanse from katharos = clean, pure, free from the adhesion of anything that soils, adulterates, corrupts, in an ethical sense, free from corrupt desire, sin, and guilt) (See study of related word akatharsia) in a moral sense refers to that which is unclean in thought, word, and deed. It can describe a state of moral impurity, especially sexual sin and the word foul is an excellent rendering. The idea is that which morally indecent or filthy. It is not surprising that as noted below this word is repeatedly applied to filthy demonic spirits in the Gospels. The related term akatharsia refers to filth or refuse! Now with this description ponder for a moment the true nature of demonic activity - foul, filth, refuse. One cannot help but think of the moral filth and refuse which is now easily found on countless internet pornography sites, which undoubtedly are a reflection of filthy, unclean demonic spirits possessing and influencing the lost, deceived perveyors of this immoral trash! O God, deliver your pristine Bride, especially the believing men therein, from the evil addictive power of these internet sites which are too horrible to even speak about! Amen (cf Ps 101:3 where "fasten grip" = Hebrew dabaq = "stick like glue!" Beware!) Unclean spirits is a term used 23x in the NT, mostly in the Gospels: Zech. 13:2; Matt. 10:1; Matt. 12:43; Mk. 1:23; Mk. 1:26; Mk. 1:27; Mk. 3:11; Mk. 3:30; Mk. 5:2; Mk. 5:8; Mk. 5:13; Mk. 6:7; Mk. 7:25; Mk. 9:25; Lk. 4:36; Lk. 6:18; Lk. 8:29; Lk. 9:42; Lk. 11:24; Acts 5:16; Acts 8:7; Rev. 16:13; Rev. 18:2 Luke 11:25 "And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. NET Luke 11:25 When it returns, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. GNT Luke 11:25 καὶ ἐλθὸν εὑρίσκει σεσαρωμένον καὶ κεκοσμημένον. NLT Luke 11:25 So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order. KJV Luke 11:25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. ESV Luke 11:25 And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. NIV Luke 11:25 When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. ASV Luke 11:25 And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished. CSB Luke 11:25 And returning, it finds the house swept and put in order. NKJ Luke 11:25 "And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. NRS Luke 11:25 When it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. YLT Luke 11:25 and having come, it findeth it swept and adorned; NAB Luke 11:25 But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. NJB Luke 11:25 But on arrival, finding it swept and tidied, GWN Luke 11:25 When it comes, it finds the house swept clean and in order. BBE Luke 11:25 And when he comes, he sees that it has been made fair and clean. it finds it swept and put in order 2 Chr 24:17-22; Ps 36:3; 81:11,12; 125:5; Mt 12:44,45; 2 Th 2:9-12; 2 Peter 2:10-19; Jude 1:8-13 Luke 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 11:24-28 The Danger of Moral Reformation - John MacArthur THE DEADLY DECEPTION OF MORALISM The parallel passage in Mt 12:44 adds one phrase (see bold words below) “Then it says, ‘I will return to my house (NOTE THE DEMON SEE THE PERSON AS HIS POSSESSION!) from which I came’; and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order. Comment: The only way to absolutely assure that one won't be seen by a demon as his "possession" is to be "possessed" by Jesus Christ. Titus 2:14+ says Jesus "gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds." (cf 1 Peter 2:9+) In short "swept and unoccupied" is the problem with morality because the moral man's heart is empty. Only Jesus can fill his heart and thereby prevent a worse situation ("more evil" - Lk 11:26). And when it comes, it finds it swept (saroo) and put in order (kosmeo) - Swept and put in order describes the person as ostensibly in "good shape" but the problem is his "spiritual house" is empty and the strong man's henchmen can return. And so the demon returns to possess the man again. How is this possible? Clearly it is possible because the man does not have the Spirit of Jesus dwelling within him (I realize that this did not routinely happen to believers until after Pentecost when all received the indwelling Spirit). Presumably even before the giving of the Spirit if one truly was born again they would be in effect "immune" from demonic possession. We must not only be moralized, but spiritualized. We must not only be reformed, but born again. --- J C Ryle Hendriksen on one whose "house" is put in order - “I don’t smoke; I don’t drink; I don’t swear. Hallelujah, I’m a Christian.” If a telephone pole could talk, it might say the same thing. But a series of zeros does not make a Christian. A million negatives do not produce even one positive. We pity the man with an empty mind. But what about the person with an empty heart … and an empty life? (Borrow Exposition of the Gospel According to Luke) As MacArthur asks "Do you know what moral rearmament will do for you? Do you know what moral reformation will do for you? It will kick open a double door for the demons to come in. This is a frightening reality, folks. One demon went out and eight came back. We're talking here about a very religious person. We're talking here about a person who cleans up his act. By the way, this is almost identical to the parable that Jesus told in the very similar account in Matthew 12. There, Matthew 12:43-45, the similar discussion months earlier in Galilee. The main point is this, moral reformation is dangerous. Morality without salvation is frightening. (Luke 11:24-28 The Danger of Moral Reformation) John MacArthur has an interesting application of Jesus' teaching that speaks to a prevalent mindset among many in America today - True Christians rightly decried the abandonment of the saving gospel for the social gospel by the liberal mainline denominations in the previous century. Yet the emphasis among current professing believers on restoring public morality amounts to nothing more than a form of neo-liberalism. Once again the saving gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is being set aside in favor of a different, non-saving message. Albert Mohler defines moralism as “the belief that the Gospel can be reduced to improvements in behavior” (“Why Moralism Is Not the Gospel—And Why So Many Christians Think It Is”). It is a false gospel and hence under the condemnation of God (Gal. 1:8–9). Dr. Mohler goes on to note that "Moralism … promises the favor of God and the satisfaction of God’s righteousness to sinners if they will only behave and commit themselves to moral improvement … we sin against Christ and we misrepresent the Gospel when we suggest to sinners that what God demands of them is moral improvement in accordance with the Law. (ibid.) He then concludes by noting the sharp contrast between the saving Gospel and moralism: “Moralism produces sinners who are (potentially) better behaved. The Gospel of Christ transforms sinners into the adopted sons and daughters of God” (ibid). Moralism was never the message of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Old Testament prophets, or the New Testament apostles. On the contrary, Jesus reserved His most scathing denunciations for the outwardly moral scribes and Pharisees, characterizing them as hypocrites, destined for eternal punishment in hell (Matt. 23; Luke 11:37–54). Improving a nation’s morality, like bodily discipline, does have the limited temporal value of making life safer and more peaceful. But making a society more moral will not and cannot bring God’s blessing, which comes only from true godliness (1 Tim. 4:8). A more outwardly moral society will not escape the same divine judgment that falls on perverted killers, any more than Pharisaic Judaism in Jesus’ time escaped the devastating judgment of God in A.D. 70 and the eternal hell that followed. There is only one reality that God blesses—penitent saving faith in and love for His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. That is not to say, of course, that Christians should not at all times hate evil and in all places oppose wickedness in every form. The issue is whether we are to carry out that effort by pursuing societal moralism through human effort, or by preaching personal salvation through the power of God. (For more in depth discussion read Dr MacArthur's interesting message wherein he gives 15 dangers of promoting cultural morality without regeneration of hearts - Luke 11:24-28 The Danger of Moral Reformation) Swept (4563)(saroo) mans to sweep by using a broom. The verb is used by Matthew in the parallel passage (Mt 12:44) and also by Luke in his description of the woman who sweeps the house to search for her ten silver coins (Lk 15:8-note). There are no uses in the Septuagint. In classic Greek writings saroo has a metaphoric meaning of “exhausted.” (Liddell-Scott). Put in order (2885) (kosmeo from kosmos = adorning or order, ornament, decoration, adornment -- this root word gives us our English cosmetic something women use to "adorn" their face and make themselves more physically attractive) speaks of that which is to put in order. To make congruous, fitting or orderly. To decorate. To embellish (to make beautiful with ornamentation; to heighten the attractiveness of by adding decorative details) Kosmeo conveys the idea of arranging something in proper order so as to give it symmetry, comeliness, and beauty. Kosmeo depicts one who looks good on the outside but is filled with rottenness on the inside! What this man needed was not reformation (put in order) but regeneration (a brand new "house" so to speak). QUESTION - Can a Christian be demon possessed? Can a Christian be demonized? see video ANSWER - While the Bible does not explicitly state whether a Christian can be possessed by a demon, related biblical truths make it abundantly clear that Christians cannot be demon possessed. There is a distinct difference between being possessed by a demon and being oppressed or influenced by a demon. Demon possession involves a demon having direct/complete control over the thoughts and/or actions of a person (Matthew 17:14-18; Luke 4:33-35; 8:27-33). Demon oppression or influence involves a demon or demons attacking a person spiritually and/or encouraging him/her into sinful behavior. Notice that in all the New Testament passages dealing with spiritual warfare, there are no instructions to cast a demon out of a believer (Ephesians 6:10-18). Believers are told to resist the devil (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9), not to cast him out. Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19). Surely the Holy Spirit would not allow a demon to possess the same person He is indwelling. It is unthinkable that God would allow one of His children, whom He purchased with the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19) and made into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), to be possessed and controlled by a demon. Yes, as believers, we wage war with Satan and his demons, but not from within ourselves. The apostle John declares, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Who is the One in us? The Holy Spirit. Who is the one in the world? Satan and his demons. Therefore, the believer has overcome the world of demons, and the case for demon possession of a believer cannot be made scripturally. With the strong biblical evidence that a Christian cannot be demon possessed in view, some Bible teachers use the term “demonization” to refer to a demon having control over a Christian. Some argue that while a Christian cannot be demon possessed, a Christian can be demonized. Typically, the description of demonization is virtually identical to the description of demon possession. So, the same issue results. Changing the terminology does not change the fact that a demon cannot inhabit or take full control of a Christian. Demonic influence and oppression are realities for Christians, no doubt, but it is simply not biblical to say that a Christian can be possessed by a demon or demonized. Much of the reasoning behind the demonization concept is the personal experience of seeing someone who was “definitely” a Christian exhibiting evidence of being controlled by a demon. It is crucially important, though, that we do not allow personal experience to influence our interpretation of Scripture. Rather, we must filter our personal experiences through the truth of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Seeing someone whom we thought to be a Christian exhibiting the behavior of being demonized should cause us to question the genuineness of his/her faith. (Ed: That is he/she might be a professor but not a possessor of genuine salvation in Christ). It should not cause us alter our viewpoint on whether a Christian can be demon possessed / demonized. Perhaps the person truly is a Christian but is severely demon oppressed and/or suffering from severe psychological problems. But again, our experiences must meet the test of Scripture, not the other way around. GotQuestions.org Luke 11:26 "Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first." NET Luke 11:26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there, so the last state of that person is worse than the first." GNT Luke 11:26 τότε πορεύεται καὶ παραλαμβάνει ἕτερα πνεύματα πονηρότερα ἑαυτοῦ ἑπτὰ καὶ εἰσελθόντα κατοικεῖ ἐκεῖ· καὶ γίνεται τὰ ἔσχατα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐκείνου χείρονα τῶν πρώτων. NLT Luke 11:26 Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before." KJV Luke 11:26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. ESV Luke 11:26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first." NIV Luke 11:26 Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first." ASV Luke 11:26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more evil than himself; and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first. CSB Luke 11:26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and settle down there. As a result, that man's last condition is worse than the first." NKJ Luke 11:26 "Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first." NRS Luke 11:26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first." YLT Luke 11:26 then doth it go, and take to it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and having entered, they dwell there, and the last of that man becometh worst than the first.' NAB Luke 11:26 Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that person is worse than the first." NJB Luke 11:26 it then goes off and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and set up house there, and so that person ends up worse off than before.' GWN Luke 11:26 Then the spirit goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself. They enter and take up permanent residence there. In the end the condition of that person is worse than it was before." BBE Luke 11:26 Then he goes and gets seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they go in, and take their places there: and the last condition of that man is worse than the first. and the Zeph 1:6; Mt 12:45; John 5:14; Heb 6:4-8; 10:26-31; 2 Peter 2:20-22; 1 John 5:16; Jude 1:12,13 Luke 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 11:24-28 The Danger of Moral Reformation - John MacArthur BEWARE OF REFORMATION WITHOUT REGENERATION Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there - Now the man is possessed by even more demons, more evil than the one originally exorcised. In other words, to fail to respond is to risk a worse fate than when one started. It is somewhat analogous to riding a bicycle -- it we don't keep pedaling, we will fall and be hurt. To not make progress, is to regress. Standing still in the spiritual life is not a good thing! It is not enough to turn over a new leaf! We need to be a new creation! (2 Cor 5:17+) The last state of that man becomes worse than the first - Worse because of more demons of an even more evil character. Notice Jesus is teaching that while all demons are evil, some are characterized by an even greater degree of evil! "Not to advance means to retreat. There is no standing still." (Hendriksen)
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MacArthur warns of the deceitful condition of reformation without regeneration warning that "There really is no more serious danger than the danger of morality. It’s like the leper with no sense of pain. Such a person destroys himself without knowing it. Leprosy is a nerve disease that obliterates feeling. And lepers rub off their fingers and rub off their feet and rub off their faces because they can’t feel anything. This is the deadly danger of morality. So to attempt to clean your life up without Christ coming to dwell there is to be exposed to an even greater danger. That statement, “The last state of that man becomes worse than the first,” is very definitive. In the end, being moral is more dangerous than being immoral. There is no benefit in reformation without regeneration." (The Danger of Moral Reformation) Arrington adds that "After the man's deliverance from the evil spirit, he continues to live apart from God. The Holy Spirit does not occupy his heart. In other words, deliverance from the power of evil is not enough. The heart must be filled with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Getting rid of an evil spirit never means we are immune to Satan's assaults. Satan is persistent, and unless our hearts are filled with God, the outcome can be tragic. (The Spirit-Anointed Jesus: A Study of the Gospel of Luke) Jesus spoke of this same spiritual dynamic in Matthew 23 declaring "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves." (Mt 23:15) Why twice as much a son of hell? Because the proselyte becomes more fanatical for self-righteous works than the teacher. Peter describes this deceptive spiritual dynamic writing about the false teachers (2 Pe 2:1-2) "For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (CLEARLY THEY WERE NOT BORN AGAIN), they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. 22 It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:20-22+) In a sense they have reached a state of self-deceit from which they can never be saved. Life Application Study Bible - Our desire to reform often does not last long. In Israel's history, almost as soon as a good king would pull down idols, a bad king would set them up again. It is not enough to be emptied of evil; we must then be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish God's new purpose in our life (see also Matthew 12:43-45; Galatians 5:22). (See Luke Application Study Notes) MacArthur emphasizes the danger of morality writing "The church’s message can never be morality. Jesus’ message was never morality. Morality makes people double sons of hell. Morality kicks the door wide open for more demons. Morality makes the last state worse than the first. Let me say this to you, and it may shock you that I say it, it is better to be immoral than moral without Christ. It is better to be irreligious than religious without Christ. Because morality and religion are a seduction. Morality and religion give the deception of all is well with God when it is not. Morality and religion is a soul numbing deception. As long as a person believes he is immoral, he can be saved, right? It’s when a person believes he’s moral, doesn’t need a Savior. As long as a person knows he’s irreligious, he’s iniquitous, he’s wretched, he is in a position to be delivered. When a person comes to believe in his own righteousness, he is not redeemable. It was never the immoral people, by the way, that blasphemed Jesus!...Moral people, religious people are self-congratulatory, they are self-righteous, they’re confident in their own holiness, in their own morality. They are utterly deceived into believing that they have been delivered form the powers of Satan because they live moral lives. And the truth of the matter is they may be more infested with demons than a prostitute or a criminal. Moral people tend to have no vigilance and therefore no protection." (The Danger of Moral Reformation) Deffinbaugh explains "If Jesus is more powerful than Satan, which His last argument has shown, man is not. Man is not able, in and of himself, to resist Satan. The man who is possessed by a demon can, Jesus said, be re-possessed. The only power that can keep the demons out of a man is the power of the One who is able to deliver that man in the first place. Jesus was warning those who would attempt to remain neutral, who would not come to receive Him as their Messiah and to obey His commandments, that neutrality toward Messiah is hospitality toward the hostile forces of Satan. It is no blessing for men to be exorcised, rid of demon-possession if men do not have the person of God dwelling within. Just as man is unable to rid himself of a demonic inhabitant, neither is he able to keep an exorcised demon from returning. Jesus must not only be believed in as Messiah, He must also be received into one’s life, lest Satan only return in greater force." (Evidence that Produced Various Verdicts Luke 11:14-36) (Bolding added) J C
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MacArthur - Luke 11:24-28 The Danger of Moral Reformation) Michael Andrus - It almost sounds like a Hail Mary (Lk 11:27)! I’m not sure what is in this woman’s mind or what her motivation is. Perhaps she just wants to break the tension produced by the confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees, but let’s give her the benefit of the doubt. Let’s suppose she is overwhelmed by how wonderful it must be to have a son like Jesus, so she pronounces a blessing on the one who brought him into the world and nursed him. Please notice that Jesus does not reject the woman or criticize her. I can actually see him smiling at her and doing what a great teacher always tries to do when one of his students gives an inane answer to a question. He tries to find something he can affirm and then skillfully turns the conversation in a better direction. The woman has said one thing right—“blessed”—and Jesus picks up on that: “Ah, blessed indeed, but rather than focusing on my mother, let’s focus on those who are the most blessed—those who hear the Word of God and obey it.” The little word “rather” in Greek “does not question the truth of the preceding statement, but emphasizes the greater relevance of what follows.” 8 What really made Mary herself blessed is not the fertility of her womb but the fact that she listened to God’s Word when Gabriel brought it to her and acted upon it: “May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38). How does this little vignette fit into the argument between Jesus and the Pharisees concerning the source of Jesus’ power? It shines a strong light on the fact that the Pharisees themselves are refusing to listen to the Word of God and obey it. As Steven
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MacArthur comments - Being with Christ is not just being moral. Being with Christ is not just honoring Him, very unlike the Pharisees. Being with Christ, He says, is hearing the Word of God and doing it. And the Word of God initially is to believe in the Son and be saved. A moral person is in the greatest danger. That danger is not mitigated by having good feelings about Jesus. A person would still be empty and a haven for demons. On the other hand, a saved person is one who hears the Word concerning Christ, believes it in its fullness, embraces Him as Lord and Savior and sets out on a path of obedience enabled by the indwelling presence of the Spirit of Christ. (Sermon The Danger of Moral Reformation) In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus emphasized this same principle declaring "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock. "And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act upon them, will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and it fell, and great was its fall." (Mt 7:24-27+) James echoes Jesus' words "Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. 22 But prove (present imperative) yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. (James 1:21+, James 1:22+) Deffinbaugh - Obedience to Jesus is one of the central themes of the Gospels, one of the fundamental elements of discipleship. The Father said it at the mount of transfiguration: “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him” (Luke 9:35+). In John’s gospel, the issue of obedience (or of not wanting to obey) is clearly linked with the accusation that Jesus was demon-possessed: "At these words the Jews were again divided. Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?” But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”" (John 10:19-21). The real problem for those who rejected Jesus and who attributed His power to Satan was that of obeying Him. In seeing this as the issue, they were correct. In rejecting Jesus as Messiah, as the Son of God, they were wrong. The woman was wrong, too. She did not interpret the evidence correctly. She saw Jesus as great and His mother as blessed, but she did not see that Jesus was the One to receive and to follow by obeying His commands. How often we view Jesus through the grid of our own needs and desires and our own narrow view of significance. ( Evidence that Produced Various Verdicts) Blessed (3107)(makarios) means spiritually satisfied independent of one's external circumstances. Makarios - 49v - Matt. 5:3; Matt. 5:4; Matt. 5:5; Matt. 5:6; Matt. 5:7; Matt. 5:8; Matt. 5:9; Matt. 5:10; Matt. 5:11; Matt. 11:6; Matt. 13:16; Matt. 16:17; Matt. 24:46; Lk. 1:45; Lk. 6:20; Lk. 6:21; Lk. 6:22; Lk. 7:23; Lk. 10:23; Lk. 11:27; Lk. 11:28; Lk. 12:37; Lk. 12:38; Lk. 12:43; Lk. 14:14; Lk. 14:15; Lk. 23:29; Jn. 13:17; Jn. 20:29; Acts 20:35; Acts 26:2; Rom. 4:7; Rom. 4:8; Rom. 14:22; 1 Co. 7:40; 1 Tim. 1:11; 1 Tim. 6:15; Tit. 2:13; Jas. 1:12; Jas. 1:25; 1 Pet. 3:14; 1 Pet. 4:14; Rev. 1:3; Rev. 14:13; Rev. 16:15; Rev. 19:9; Rev. 20:6; Rev. 22:7; Rev. 22:14 Observes (present tense = continually)(5442)(phulasso) has the idea of being on one's guard, watching, defending and so keeping or observing. Friberg - (1) active, of the activity of a watchman; (a) guard, protect, watch (over); idiomatically phulassein phulakas - literally guard a guarding, i.e. keep under watch, carefully guard, do guard duty (LU 2.8); (b) guard, keep (from escaping) (AC 12.4); (c) protect, preserve, guard (from theft) (AC 22.20); (d) of law keep, observe, follow (AC 7.53); (2) middle; (a) take care, be on guard against, look out for, avoid (AC 21.25); (b) of law observe, obey (MK 10.20) God's Word and present tense indicates doing so as the general pattern of one's life. The present tense does not point to perfection, but does indicate the general direction of one's conduct and behavior. Phulasso - 31v -abstain(1), guard(8), guarded(1), guarding(1), guards(1), keep(5), keeping(2), keeps(1), kept(4), kept under guard(1), maintain(1), observe(2), preserved(1), protect(1), watching(1). Matt. 19:20; Mk. 10:20; Lk. 2:8; Lk. 8:29; Lk. 11:21; Lk. 11:28; Lk. 12:15; Lk. 18:21; Jn. 12:25; Jn. 12:47; Jn. 17:12; Acts 7:53; Acts 12:4; Acts 16:4; Acts 21:24; Acts 21:25; Acts 22:20; Acts 23:35; Acts 28:16; Rom. 2:26; Gal. 6:13; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 Tim. 5:21; 1 Tim. 6:20; 2 Tim. 1:12; 2 Tim. 1:14; 2 Tim. 4:15; 2 Pet. 2:5; 2 Pet. 3:17; 1 Jn. 5:21; Jude 1:24 Luke 11:29 As the crowds were increasing, He began to say, "This generation is a wicked generation; it seeks for a sign, and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah. KJV Luke 11:29 And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. As the crowds were increasing, He began to say, Lk 12:1; 14:25,26 This generation is a wicked generation Lk 11:50; 9:41; Isa 57:3,4; Mt 3:7; 23:34-36; Mark 8:38; John 8:44; Acts 7:51,52 it seeks for a sign, and yet no sign will be given Mt 12:38,39; 16:1-4; Mark 8:11,12; John 2:18; 6:30; 1 Cor 1:22 Luke 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 11:29-32 The Last Sign - John MacArthur Related Passages: Luke 11:16 Others, to test Him, were demanding of Him a sign from heaven. Mark 8:11 The Pharisees came out and began to argue with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, to test Him. Matthew 12:38-40+ - Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” (RELIGIOUS LEADERS CALLED FOR SIGN BUT IN LUKE JESUS INITIATES THE SIGN STORY) 39 But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous (NOT IN LUKE - MEANS UNFAITHFUL TO GOD ISRAEL'S HUSBAND) generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; 40 for just as JONAH WAS THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS IN THE BELLY OF THE SEA MONSTER, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth (DESCRIPTION NOT FOUND IN LUKE - HERE THE SIGN IS CLEARLY POINTING TO RESURRECTION). A WHALE OF A TALE A WICKED GENERATION RECEIVES SIGN OF JONAH As the crowds were increasing, He began to say - Compare the crowd in Lk 11:14 and Lk 12:1. Increasing means literally they were (continually - present tense) gathering together in addition, thronging together, a vivid picture of the crowds gathering around Jesus. Began to say is present tense indicating Jesus said this continually, which speaks of His mercy and longsuffering (the Jews remained thick headed and hard hearted!) The increasing crowds speak of His increasing fame, but not necessarily their belief in Him, as He quickly demonstrates with His characterization of them as a wicked generation. One wonders if this had any effect at thinning the crowds? Steven Cole on as the crowds were increasing and what Jesus began to say - “You’re all wonderful people. God loves you and so do I.” That’s not what He said! Jesus wasn’t into giving strokes to everyone to build their self-esteem. Centuries before the false prophets won a large following by saying, “Peace, peace,” when there was no true peace (Jer. 6:14; 8:11). God said that they healed the brokenness of His people superficially. Any preaching that does not confront sin is false preaching. God doesn’t heal by giving lots of hugs to make sinners feel better about themselves. He heals by confronting and cutting out the cancer of sin that is slowly but surely destroying people. So Jesus began by saying, “This generation is a wicked generation.” We tend to view success in the ministry by numbers. If a church is growing, if thousands are flocking to it, then the pastor becomes a model for church growth. He writes books on how he did it and he puts on seminars where thousands of unsuccessful pastors come to hear how they can do what he did. The sad thing is, at very few of these seminars do the pastors hear that they need to preach against sin, to preach the holiness of God, to preach about the awfulness of the coming judgment. What they’re hearing is that they need to preach for only 15 or 20 minutes at the most, and use lots of stories, because people don’t want to hear stuffy doctrinal sermons. Don’t say anything to confront sin, because these people get beat up in the rough world all week long. What they want and need when they come to church is some good feelings and uplifting stories that will inspire hope for the next week. As a result, people in American churches are starving for a word from God. Just before the apostle Paul was martyred, he wrote to his successor in the ministry, Timothy, and gave him one of the most solemn charges in all of Scripture (Read 2 Ti 4:1-4+). Biblical preaching always reproves, rebukes, and exhorts. It does not tickle your ears and go along with your own desires. So when you hear the Word preached or when you read the Word, allow it to confront your sin. God only wounds in order to heal. When Scripture confronts you, don’t dodge it. By owning up to sin and turning from it, you will grow to be more like Jesus. (Luke 11:29-36 How to Respond to God’s Word) This generation (genea) is a wicked (poneros), generation (genea) - Generation (genea) is used by Jesus to refer essentially to the entire nation and characterizing their character as actively wicked! In Mt 12:39 Jesus called them "An evil and adulterous generation." Earlier in Luke Jesus had characterized them with this description “You unbelieving and perverted generation." (Lk 9:41) Luke 11:29 is Jesus' final statement on Israel. This is Jesus' final verdict on Israel. Yes, the "crowds were amazed" (Lk 11:14) at the many miracles Jesus was performing, but it was as Jesus was a great "carnival act" to see, but not a Messiah to be believed in. And thus Jesus crashed the gravel down in His judgment of them as a wicked generation. And with this declaration, Jesus was not just speaking of a few Jews but of the majority of their generation. And as discussed above, Jesus was not addressing a generation that was overtly immoral in their conduct (contrast what is transpiring now in America where sin is beng flaunted, actively pursued and even praised!). No, these Jews were moral, like the Law keeping Pharisees. However Jesus saw through to their hearts and what He saw on the inside was that they were spiritually wicked to the core! And tragically, as discussed above, in their moral deception they were in an even more deadly condition, for they would think of themselves as having no need for the Gospel of Jesus, no need for repentance. Their "religion" blinded them to their need for a genuine "relationship" with God through belief in the Messiah, Whom they hated because He called them out for their "religiosity!" Religion and morality cuts people off from salvation by giving them the illusion of a right relationship to God. This is why as we discussed earlier, it is better to be immoral than moral, to feel the full weight of your guilt than to think you could do some meritorious act to assuage your guilt. Self-righteous people are difficult to call to repentance because in their mind they are thinking of what are they going to repent?! MacArthur on a wicked (poneros) generation (genea) - An attempt to clean your life up without Christ coming to dwell there is to be exposed to an even greater danger. That statement, “The last state of that man becomes worse than the first,” (Lk 11:26) is very definitive. In the end, being moral is more dangerous than being immoral. There is no benefit in reformation without regeneration. And this is exactly what the Jews did...And that’s why in Lk 11:29 Jesus began to say, “This generation is a wicked generation.” They wouldn’t see it that way at all. They thought they were a righteous generation and that’s why they hated Jesus. They were moral but filthy. They were void of the purifying presence of God. They were damned by morality, damned by religion, damned by reformation! (The Danger of Moral Reformation) Steven
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MacArthur explains that in asking for a sign to prove He was not operating by the power of Beelzebul "they were saying their unbelief and their rejection of Jesus Christ and their conclusion that He was satanic rather than divine was His fault, not theirs....that their righteous assessment of the data, that their insight into what He had said and what He had done led them to this conclusion alone, that He did what He did by the power of Satan and they concluded that because they were wise and they were insightful and they were spiritually sensitive and they had great discernment. And if they didn’t believe that He was from God, it was His fault. This is blasphemy upon blasphemy. They were blaming Jesus for their conclusion. They were saying Jesus left them no other option than to conclude that He was satanic. This is a blasphemy that is inconceivable. They were a wicked generation because they were blasphemers and their blasphemy went all the way to the extreme of rejecting everything He said and everything He did, or concluding that it only proved He served Satan. (The Last Sign) NET Note - The mention of a sign alludes back to Luke 11:16. Given what Jesus had done, nothing would be good enough. This leads to the rebuke that follows. Michael Andrus - People often imagine they would believe in Jesus if they saw the kind of miracles he performed when here on earth, but frankly this very account is evidence that undisputed miracles do not necessarily produce faith. The problem with most skeptics is not a lack of evidence but rather a Satanic blindness to the truth. They do not have true intellectual problems with the gospel; they have moral problems with it; they don’t want God telling them how to live. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16, the rich man dies and in the afterlife is desperate to have his brothers, still living, spared the torment he is experiencing. He begs God to send Lazarus to warn them not to join him in Hades, but Jesus says, “if they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” And, sure enough, when a few months later someone did rise from the dead, namely Jesus Himself, they remained unconvinced and even became hardened in their opposition to Jesus’ followers. I strongly suspect the same would be true today. You have heard me say before that miracles have never been common. In fact, by definition they cannot be common because if they were they wouldn’t be miracles! There were only three great periods of miracle even in biblical times—the time of Moses, the period of the great OT prophets, and the time of Jesus and the Apostles. There were few, if any, miracles during the time of the Patriarchs, or during David and Solomon’s time, or in the post-exilic period. And miracles were not even that common when Jesus and the disciples were ministering. Rod Mattoon - A sign was a confirming miracle which gave evidence that a spoken message was genuine and truthful. There was nothing wrong in seeking a sign, some proof, or evidence that Jesus was the Son of God. That was not the problem here. The problem was the fact that these folks were not satisfied with all they had seen and heard. They were seeking more and more thrills. The Jews had the greatest sign they could have, God in the flesh. What more did they want? He demonstrated His great love and power by feeding the hungry, calming the seas and tormented men, healing the sick, and breaking up funeral processions by raising the dead. They were throwing away their opportunity to believe in the Lord. Jesus (Treasures from the Scriptures) Yet no sign (semeion) will be given to it but the sign (semeion) of Jonah - Notice the word "yet" which shows God's grace to give the Jews the final sign, but not the kind of sign they were demanding (like doing something incredible with the heavenly bodies, etc). They were testing Jesus (Lk 11:17), in effect taunting Him and even in the face of their wicked behavior, He graciously agrees to give them a sign! And this sign of course is the "sign" of His resurrection, the greatest miracle the world has ever seen. THOUGHT - Are you looking for a sign? Are you waiting for the Lord to show you a sign? We live in an age of such religious deception and perversity that men and women are taught from the pulpits to do so. Such a generation is described by the Son of God in this passage of holy scripture as a wicked, perverse and adulterous generation. Any faith that is based upon a sign, the observation of a miracle, the proof of logic, a feeling of something spiritual, an experience, or anything else other than the revelation of God in holy scripture is a false faith. True, God-given, saving faith has for its foundation the Word of God alone. That is the message of the text before us. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Ro 10:17) May God give us grace to believe him, not our experiences! him, not our feelings! him, not our reason! him, not signs and wonders! (Don Fortner) A T Robertson on the sign of Jonah (ei mē to sēmeion Iōnā). - Luke does not give here the burial and resurrection of Jesus of which Jonah's experience in the big fish was a type (AS DOES MATTHEW - Matthew 12:39ff.), but that is really implied (Plummer argues) by the use here of "shall be given" (dothēsetai) and "shall be" (estai), for the resurrection of Jesus is still future. The preaching of Jesus ought to have been sign enough as in the case of Jonah, but the resurrection will be given. Luke's report is much briefer and omits what is in Matthew 12:41+. R. Kent
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MacArthur - Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites because of his miraculous deliverance from certain death, which convinced them that he spoke for God. His experience is analogous to that of the Son of Man, who would be a similar sign to His generation. Both proclaimed judgment and called for repentance. Jonah was swallowed by a deadly sea creature; Jesus was swallowed into the grave. Jonah was miraculously delivered from certain death; Jesus was actually raised from the dead. Jonah’s deliverance from the clutches of death ushered him into a great and powerful ministry, as the Lord’s resurrection did for Him. The final and greatest sign, then, was Christ’s resurrection. But even this most powerful and convincing sign, like all the rest the Lord performed, failed to persuade those whose hearts were hardened against Him (John 12:37). The final sign highlighted the wretchedness of sinful unbelief. The leaders of Israel, who knew He was dead and came to life, bribed the soldiers to lie (Matt. 28:11–15). (See Luke Commentary) Rescued Jonah and Resurrected Jesus are signs. --William Hendriksen John Martin on sign of Jonah - This sign has been interpreted in at least two ways: Many say it was the physical appearance of Jonah, for perhaps his skin was bleached white by the sea monster's inner juices. However, nothing in the context hints at this. "The sign of Jonah" must have been the words (cf. "preaching," Lk 11:32) Jonah spoke about his miraculous preservation by God when he was at the point of death. The people of Nineveh believed what Jonah said, even if they had no physical evidence. Jesus' words. (See The Bible Knowledge Commentary) QUESTION - What is the sign of Jonah? watch video ANSWER - The phrase “sign of Jonah” was used by Jesus as a typological metaphor for His future crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Jesus answered with this expression when asked by the Pharisees for miraculous proof that He was indeed the Messiah. The Pharisees remained unconvinced of Jesus’ claims about Himself, despite His having just cured a demon-possessed man who was both blind and mute. Shortly after the Pharisees accused Jesus of driving out demons by the power of Satan, they said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here” (Matthew 12:38–41). To fully appreciate the answer that Jesus gave, we must go to the Old Testament book of Jonah. In its first chapter, we read that God commanded the prophet Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and warn its people that He was going to destroy it for its wickedness. Jonah disobediently ran from the Lord and headed for the city of Tarshish by boat. The Lord then sent a severe storm that caused the crew of the ship to fear for their lives. Jonah was soon thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish where he remained for “three days and three nights” (Jonah 1:15–17). After the three-day period, the Lord caused the great fish to vomit Jonah out onto dry land (Jonah 2:10). It is this three days that Jesus was referring to when He spoke of the sign of Jonah. Jesus had already been producing miracles that were witnessed by many. Jesus had just performed a great sign in the Pharisees’ presence by healing a deaf man who was possessed of a demon. Rather than believe, they accused Jesus of doing this by the power of Satan. Jesus recognized their hardness of heart and refused to give them further proof of His identity. However, He did say that there would be one further sign forthcoming, His resurrection from the dead. This would be their final opportunity to be convinced. Jesus’ paralleling of the Pharisees with the people of Nineveh is telling. The people of Nineveh repented of their evil ways (Jonah 3:4–10) after hearing Jonah’s call for repentance, while the Pharisees continued in their unbelief despite being eyewitnesses to the miracles of Jesus. Jesus was telling the Pharisees that they were culpable for their unbelief, given the conversion of the people of Nineveh, sinners who had received far less evidence than the Pharisees themselves had witnessed. But what are we to make of the phrase “three days and three nights”? Was Jesus saying that He would be dead for three full 24-hour periods before He would rise from the dead? It does not appear so. The phrase “three days and three nights” need not refer to a literal 72-hour period. Rather, according to the Hebrew reckoning of time, the days could refer to three days in part or in whole. Jesus was probably crucified on a Friday (Mark 15:42). According to the standard reckoning, Jesus died at about 3:00 PM (Matthew 27:46) on Friday (day 1). He remained dead for all of Saturday (day 2) and rose from the dead early on Sunday morning (day 3). Attempts to place Jesus’ death on Wednesday to accommodate a literal 72-hour period are probably unnecessary once we take into account the Hebrew method of reckoning of each day as beginning at sundown. So it seems that the expression “three days and three nights” was used as a figure of speech meant to signify any part of three days. God would often use signs (or miracles) in the Bible to authenticate His chosen messenger. The Lord provided Moses with several miraculous signs in order to prove to others that he was appointed by God (Exodus 4:5–9; 7:8–10;19-20). God sent down fire on Elijah’s altar during Elijah’s contest with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:36–39). He performed this miracle to prove that the God of Israel was the one true God. Jesus Himself would perform many miracles (or “signs”) to demonstrate His power over nature (Matthew 4:23; Mark 6:30–44; Luke 8:22–24; John 6:16–24). The “sign of Jonah” would turn out to be Jesus’ greatest miracle of all. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead would be God’s chief sign that Jesus was Israel’s long-awaited Messiah (Acts 2:23–32) and establish Christ’s claims to deity (Romans 1:3–4).GotQuestions.org Related Resources: from Gotquestions.org Did Jonah die while he was in the belly of the fish (Jonah 2)? What can we learn from the life of Jonah? Was Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? Why was Jonah angry that the Ninevites repented (Jonah 4:1-2)? Why did Jonah try to go to Tarshish instead of Nineveh? Luke 11:30 "For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. KJV Luke 11:30 For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. For just as Jonah...so will the Son of Man Lk 24:46,47; Jonah 1:17; 2:10; 3:2-10; Mt 12:40-42 Luke 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 11:29-32 The Last Sign - John MacArthur Related Passages: Jonah 3:2-10 “Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and proclaim to it the proclamation which I am going to tell you.” 3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three days’ walk. 4 Then Jonah began to go through the city one day’s walk; and he cried out and said, “Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” 5 Then the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them. 6 When the word reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne, laid aside his robe from him, covered himself with sackcloth and sat on the ashes. 7 He issued a proclamation and it said, “In Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let man, beast, herd, or flock taste a thing. Do not let them eat or drink water. 8 “But both man and beast must be covered with sackcloth; and let men call on God earnestly that each may turn from his wicked way and from the violence which is in his hands. 9 “Who knows, God may turn and relent and withdraw His burning anger so that we will not perish.” 10 When God saw their deeds, that they turned from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity which He had declared He would bring upon them. And He did not do it. JESUS' RESURRECTION: THE SIGN TO THIS GENERATION For just as Jonah became a sign (semeion) to the Ninevites - Imagine the vitriol this reminder stirred up in the minds of the Jewish leaders who hated the Gentiles! Jonah was in the belly of the sea monster for three days until "the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah up onto the dry land." (Jonah 2:10, cf Jonah 3:4, 10). And how did the Ninevites respond? Jonah 3:5 says "Then the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them." They believed Jonah's message from the true God, not because they had the Scripture, but because God had done a miracle which they believed only He could do and which attested that the messenger had to be from Him. This was the sign of Jonah. As an aside, Jesus' reference to Jonah authenticates this OT book, which many have considered to be a myth! In Matthew Jesus explains the sign of Jonah for just as JONAH WAS THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS IN THE BELLY OF THE SEA MONSTER, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41“The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment, and will condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 42“The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation at the judgment and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. (Mt 12:40-42+) “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” And He left them and went away. (Matthew 16:4+) So will the Son of Man be to this generation (genea) - Which generation? In context the wicked generation! Just as Jonah was all but dead in the belly of the sea monster, after three days he came fourth alive. So too Jesus would be in the "belly" of the earth, He would come forth alive after three days. The Resurrection of Christ was the greatest "sign" ever given as it was the seal authenticating that His sacrifice on the Cross was acceptable to His Father. Jesus explained His sign in Luke 24 “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day,and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.(Lk 24:46,47+) Did the Jews react the way the pagan, Gentile Ninevites did when they heard about the sign of Jonah? No, they (who considered themselves spiritually superior to the pagan Gentiles) persisted in their stubborn unbelief and spread a lie that the "sign of Jonah" was a sham and Jesus was not resurrected by that His body was stolen: Now while they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ 14 “And if this should come to the governor’s ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble.” 15 And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews, and is to this day. (Mt 28:11-17+) Michael Andrus - Think back to the Jonah story and how at first he refused to go to Nineveh and preach God’s judgment. His excuse was that God is too merciful. He knew God would forgive them if the Ninevites repented, and he didn’t want them spared. But after the very unpleasant experience of being swallowed by a great fish, Jonah decided that obedience was the wiser path, and he went and preached. Sure enough, Ninevah repented; sure enough God spared them. Here’s Jesus’ point: If pagan Nineveh repented after hearing a simple message of judgment from a foreign prophet, who actually hated them and performed no miracles in their presence, how much more should this generation repent when God has sent them “something [someone] greater than Jonah,” his very Son, who loved them and did stunning miracles before their very eyes. Below is a table from William Hendriksen's commentary on Luke: Comparison Between Those Whom Jesus Addresses, and Ninevites Scribes and Pharisees and their followers: Ninevites: See Jonah It is the Son of God himself, “one greater than Jonah,” who addresses them again and again, and bids them to be converted (Lk 5:32; 13:3; etc.) It was a minor prophet who preached to them. This Christ is completely sinless (Jn 8:46), filled with wisdom and compassion (Mt 11:27–30; 15:32; 1 Co 1:24). This prophet was a sinful, foolish, and rebellious person (Jonah 1:3; 4:1–3, 9b). He presents the message of grace and pardon, of salvation full and free (Lk 19:10; Jn 7:37). His message was one of doom. Though a call to repentance and conversion was certainly implied, the emphasis was on “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown” (Jonah 3:4). This message is being fortified by miracles in which prophecy is being fulfilled (Lk 4:16–21; cf. Isa 35:5, 6; 61:1–3). There were no miracles or other authenticating signs to confirm Jonah’s message. It is being brought to a people who have enjoyed ever so many spiritual advantages (Dt 4, 7, 8; Ps 147:19, 20; Is 5:1–4; Am 3:2a; Ro 3:1, 2; 9:4, 5). Jonah’s message was addressed to a people with none of the advantages that scribes, Pharisees, and their followers had enjoyed.
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MacArthur points out that in Mt 5:15 Jesus "used the subject of light and darkness to illustrate the testimony of the disciples and how the disciples were giving forth light. But even though there was light, people couldn’t see it because they didn’t have sight. He was talking about the disciples. Here He uses the same metaphors, the same similes, the same word pictures, only He’s referring not to the testimony of the disciples but to His own testimony, His own witness....The simple truth is this, light is everywhere but blind people can’t see it." (Luke 11:33-36 A Question of Sight) So what is the context for the focus on light in Lk 11:33-36? Jesus' entire ministry of miracles and teaching was one of bringing spiritual light to the spiritual darkness that dominated the land of Israel. If we go back to Lk 11:14 we see the spiritual light in the form of Jesus' casting out the demons, a "light" which amazed the crowds, but ultimately a "light" which was rejected by most, to the point that they accused Jesus of being possessed by a demon! In a sense they were forced to make that blasphemous accusation, because the miracles were clearly indicative of irrefutable supernatural power over the forces of darkness. And so they were forced to say His miraculous power was Satanic, for the only alternative was to say He was empowered by God and ultimately that He was God. In summary, the spiritual light of His ministry was a clear sign that He was the Messiah. Now when the Jews asked for a sign in Lk 11:16 they were in effect asking for more light. They were implying that with casting out the demon (and all His other miracles), He was not giving them enough "light" but now they needed a sign (like a flashing red stoplight). And what did Jesus call them because of their desire for a sign? A wicked generation (Lk 11:29). They were not immoral but even worse were moral and religious. They were not wicked because of their "morality" but wicked because they sought a sign! How wicked were they? Light was all around them and they could not see it (or refused to see it. And so Jesus promised them only one more sign, the sign of Jonah, ultimately the sign that demonstrated He had the power over death. But even then the leaders bribed the soldiers to lie about the empty tomb and say His body was stolen. They refused the greatest light any man could be given, the light of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead! They were supremely wicked! (Paraphrased from MacArthur) It was never an issue of light. It was always an issue of sight! MacArthur goes on to explain "It was never an issue of light. It was always an issue of sight. And it is today. You say you don’t have enough information about Jesus, you don’t know what to conclude about Jesus. I remember one night when Larry King said to me, “I wish I had your faith.” Faith comes by hearing the message about Christ. There’s plenty of light; the issue is sight. And so Jesus concludes this discussion in Luke 11:33–36 by talking about the difference between light and sight. They were wicked because they were laying the responsibility for their unbelief at the feet of Jesus and simply saying, “You didn’t make Your point. We didn’t have enough light. We came to the conclusion we came to because that’s all the information You gave us. You left us in the dark.”But that wasn’t really the issue. They were blind willfully because they hated His message. They hated the indictment of their sin and hypocrisy and false religion and self-righteousness. They hated the idea that He called on them to acknowledge themselves as poor, prisoners, blind and oppressed (cf Lk 4:18+), sinners under the judgment of God headed for eternal punishment who needed to repent and be saved. They hated that message. And so it skewed their ability to see the truth. " (Luke 11:33-36 A Question of Sight) NIV Study Bible - Jesus had publicly exhibited the light of the Gospel for all to see, but "a wicked generation" (Lk 11:29) requested more spectacular signs. The problem was not with any failure on Jesus' part in giving light; it was with the faulty vision of his audience. So what is Jesus saying? His point is that He had light (of course He was the Light, see Scriptures below) and did not try to hide His light (His miracles and His teaching) but placed His light in the open for all the Jews to see. As He has already explained, the Jews had far more spiritual light than the Ninevites of Jonah's day and the Queen of Sheba, but even those with this lesser amount of light still believed. Had God not given them spiritual light, they could never have understood the spiritual truth about God. And so for the three years of Jesus' ministry, the nation of Israel was flooded with spiritual light! So the problem of the wicked generation was not enough light but no sight! The sad truth is they loved darkness, because they could hide (or thought they could hide) their sin in the darkness (See Related Passages above - John 3:19-20). JESUS AS LIGHT The Scriptures repeatedly allude to Jesus as the Light of God or from God. According to tradition, Light was one of the names of the Messiah. John 8:12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 1:9; There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 1 John 1:5; This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. Daniel 2:22 “It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, And the light dwells with Him. Psalms 36:9 For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light. Luke 1:78 Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, Isaiah 9:1 But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. 2 The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. Isaiah 42:6 "I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness, I will also hold you by the hand and watch over you, And I will appoint you as a covenant to the people, As a light to the nations, Isaiah 49:6 He says, "It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth." Malachi 4:2 "But for you who fear My name the Sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. Lighting (681)(hapto/haptomai) means to touch but in the active voice as here refers to lighting or kindling a fire, causing illumination to take place (cf Acts 28:2, Lk 8:16, Lk 11:33, Lk 15:8, 22:55). Lamp (3088) (luchnos/lychnos from leukos = brilliant, shining white) refers to a portable lamp fed with oil, not a candle. Friberg - (1) literally lamp other than a candle, light (Mt 5.15+); figuratively, of the eye as the organ that admits light and enables understanding (Mt 6.22); (2) metaphorically, of people or things that enable spiritual understanding: of prophecies ( 2Pe 1.19); of John the Baptist (Jn 5.35); of Christ (Rev 21.23); of the lives of believers (Lk 12.35) (Borrow Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament) Basket (Peck-measure) (3426) (módios) refers to a Roman measuring basket of various sizes to measure dry material and was large enough to cover a light. Modios is a Latin word for a unit of dry measure equal roughly to 8 dry quarts or 1 peck. These containers, which held 2 to 7 gallons, were common household items in those times. Jesus uses the peck-measure (or grain-measure) to indicate a familiar object which is found in every house. Friberg says modius, was one-peck measure, a Roman grain measure holding 16 sextarii, equivalent to 2 English gallons or about 1 peck (Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament) Modios is used on in Mt 5:15, Mk 4:21, Lk 11:33 and not in the Septuagint. James Smith - SINGLENESS OF EYE AND FULLNESS OF LIGHT Luke 11:33–36 “Earth’s crammed with Heaven, And every common bush afire with God; But only he who sees takes off his shoes, The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries, And daub their natural faces unaware, More and more from the first similitude!” –—BROWNING. “Light is sweet, and it is a pleasant thing for the eyes to behold the sun.” So is it also with the light of truth that beams from the Son of Righteousness. It is in His light that we see light clearly. Blessed are such eyes that see. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who is here teaching us the blessedness of the single eye, bad in Himself in a pre-eminent degree the single eye; so His whole body was full of light. His light was not put in a “secret place” nor “under a bushel” (v. 33), but was “lifted up” on the lampstand of the Cross that all in the house of this world may see it. “There was the true Light which lighteth every man coming into the world” (John 1:9, R.V.). Ye are the light of the world; let your light so shine. In examining this portion we would note— I. The Medium. “The light (lamp) of the body is the eye” (v. 34, R.V.). The eye is— 1. PASSIVE. It does not, and cannot, create the light, neither can it form or transform any object. It is simply a receiver and a reflector of outward objects to the inner consciousness of man, a channel through which visible things are revealed to the invisible spirit. 2. VERY SENSITIVE. A little thing mars the vision of the eye. It is very easily offended. So with a tender conscience. They are blessed indeed who are as careful about their conscience as they are about the apple of the eye (Acts 24:16). Oh, that our spirits were as sensitive to the things of the Spirit of God! II. The Means. “LIGHT.” The light was made for the eye, and the eye for the light. The successive waves of light that lash with infinite tenderness upon the eye prove the divine adaptation of the one to the other. But light is not more suitable to the eye than Christ is to the soul of man. There is a deep meaning in the words of Goethe, “Were thine eye not sunny, how could it ever see the sun?” So were thy soul not God-like, how could it ever enjoy God? No one would be foolish enough to say “I have an eye of my own, I don’t need the light.” The eye is utterly useless without the light, so the spirit of man is utterly helpless and powerless to discern the things of God apart from the revelation of the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 2:14). The true Light now shineth. Oh, that the eyes of the understanding might be opened (Luke 24:31, 32). III. The Manner. Christ is the Light of the World, but there are two ways of looking at or dealing with this Light. These are represented by the “single eye” and the “evil eye,” the pure and the impure, the honest and the deceitful, the new heart and the old. 1. THE SINGLE EYE and its effects. The single eye is one that has been anointed with the heavenly eyesalve (Rev. 3:18). The blood-washed spirit that looks through this eye has been reconciled to God, and seeks to know the truth as it is in Jesus. There is now no mixed motives in the life, no mingling of self-interest with the kingdom of God. The whole forces of the soul are now concentrated in “this one thing I do, forgetting the things that are behind, I press on toward the mark.” Such an eye fills the whole body with light, because the Spirit of God takes the things which are Christ’s, and reveals them to those who have the pure eye for the glory of His Name. If our motives are single, one with Christ’s, then we shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of His life within us. To be filled with the Holy Spirit of Truth is to be filled with light. The spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened” (Eph. 1:17, 18). 2. THE EVIL EYE and its effects. The evil eye is the coloured lens of an unclean heart. The eye of prejudice can only see objects in a contorted fashion. The unrenewed heart of man can no more appreciate the light of revelation than the blinking owl of the night can enjoy the sunshine. The “evil eye” is like the eye of the hawk, always staring downward when flying upward. Remember Lot’s wife. “If thine eye be evil, thy whole body is full of darkness.” The darkness within is an evidence of an evil and doubting heart. We look to Christ with an evil eye if we look to Him only that self may be honoured and gratified; as Keble put it: “We see far in holy ground If duly purged our mental view.” IV. The Message. “Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness” (v. 35). If the light that is in us is not a revelation from God it is but the flickering “spark of our own kindling,” a light that is certain to deceive. The light that was in the Church of Laodicea was darkness, for although they said that they had need of nothing, yet was Christ, the Light, outside (Rev. 3:17–20). There is no darkness so great as the darkness that is mistaken for light (Matt. 6:23; Prov. 16:25). Woe unto them that put darkness for light (Isa. 5:20). “When the pilot is drowned, the light quenched, and the captain taken prisoner, what hope is left for the crew?” While ye have the light, believe in the Light (John 1:9). J C
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MacArthur - Some day in the judgment, in the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:11-15-note) when the final verdicts are made and the ungodly from all of human history...will be thrown into the Lake of Fire to suffer forever for their rejection of the truth in Jesus Christ. This woman will stand up symbolically to condemn them with much less opportunity, much less personal experience and exposure. She heard the truth and believed. It’s always dangerous to hear it and not believe it. And for them, the severest judgment awaits. (The Last Sign) The same idea is shown in Hebrews 11:7, when Noah condemned the world. By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
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MacArthur comments - Again it’s a comparison of opportunity and response. The Ninevites had so little. One prophet and a self-confessed sinful foolish rebellious prophet, one prophet with one miraculous experience and the whole city repents, hundreds of thousands of people. They had none of the privileges, none of the advantages the Jews who heard the sinless Son of God and saw miracle after miracle had. Ah, but then Jesus said in Luke 16, “If they don’t believe Moses and the prophets, they won’t believe though one is raised from the dead.” The Ninevites repented and God’s judgment was prevented for 150 years, through really three generations (See Why Was Nineveh Destroyed?). The Jews rejected the truth in their midst and that generation was destroyed in 70 A.D. by the Roman holocaust. The Jews had the living God in their midst, perfect holiness, perfect wisdom, perfect clarity, perfect love, perfect grace, wielding astonishing power unmistakably proving He was Israel’s God and they hated Him. And so at the judgment the Gentile Ninevites who believed stand as symbols of condemnation over a greater privileged Israel because they repented at the preaching of Jonah. And behold indeed, something greater than Jonah is here. Jesus saying, “It’s Me … It’s My message, it’s My Kingdom.” (The Last Sign) Steven
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MacArthur explains that "Every time you hear some liberal theologian deny some truth of Scripture because he’s come to some profound, historic understanding and he’s been lifted above the errors of the Bible, you know what he thinks is light is actually darkness. Every false religion, every form of heresy, every system in the world apart from the true gospel of Jesus Christ is nothing but another form of darkness. But the sad reality of it is the people think it’s light. There are people who think Jewish Cabala is light—it’s darkness. There are people who think that Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witnesses have the light—it’s darkness. And Jesus is saying to these Jewish leaders, You better be careful, you better watch out that the light you think is in you is not in fact darkness. This is so hard to deal with. When a person thinks they have the light, they come to a very dangerous place. This is why Satan disguises himself as an angel of … light. That’s his great deception, to make people think they found the light when in fact it’s the darkness. Listen to the words of Paul, Romans 1:21-22-note, “Even though they knew God, or had the knowledge of God available to them, they didn’t honor Him as God, didn’t give thanks, they became empty in their speculations, their foolish heart was darkened.” These are people who reject the truth. “Their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise they became fools” (morons in the Greek). Their heart was darkened and they congratulated themselves on their wisdom. They’re fools. This is the deepest darkness of all. This is the deception that makes the sinner think that darkness is light. All unconverted sinners are in the darkness without exception. But it seems to me that most of them think they’re in the light, particularly those in religion. That’s why Jesus says you better take another look, watch out, you better look again. What you think is light is darkness. (Luke 11:33-36 A Question of Sight) (Bolding added) Jesus alluded to this spiritual blindness to Biblical truth in Matthew (quoting Isaiah's prophecy) Therefore I speak to them in parables (which are riddles if not explained); because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, ‘YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; (Mt 13:13-14 from Isa 6:9) MacArthur explains "Jesus says I talk in parables because they will not hear; they will not see; they have closed their eyes. They will not listen; they will not understand. They will not repent. And because they will not, now they cannot. And so now I speak in parables....What started out as a willful rejection of the truth in Isaiah’s day became a judgment of God, confirming them in their unbelief. And it’s stark and frightening. In Isaiah 29:10, “The Lord has poured over you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes. He has covered your heads. You wouldn’t and now you couldn’t.” In Isaiah 44:18, “They do not know nor do they understand, for He, God, has smeared over their eyes so they cannot see in their hearts so they cannot comprehend.” What a frightening judgment. And by the way, that judicial hardening, that judicial blindness, judicial deafness is reiterated all through the New Testament. All of the NT passages go back to that same Isaiah passage to explain how that if someone goes far enough in willfully not seeing and hearing, God locks them in that condition as a judgment. Jesus here is then warning us and saying, watch out, watch out that your willful blindness doesn’t become judicial blindness, that because you won’t see, you can’t see. Watch out. Don’t interpret the darkness as if it were light. And this isn’t just Israel. This is a universal issue. In writing to the church in the book of Revelation 3:17-18 "Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see." There are people sitting in "Christendom," sitting in churches today, who can’t see either, and you better be careful because it goes from I won’t see to I can’t see. Watch out for the state of your heart and your openness to see the truth. If you want to see the light, you have to turn from sin and repent and ask God to forgive and cleanse and open your spiritual eyes." (Ibid) (Bolding added) Life Application Study Bible - The lamp is Christ; the eye represents spiritual understanding and insight. Evil desires make the eye less sensitive and blot out the light of Christ's presence. If you have a hard time seeing God at work in the world and in your life, check your vision. Are any sinful desires blinding you to Christ? (See Luke Application Study Notes) David Thompson applies Jesus' command to all of us -- The verb “watch out” means to look, behold and contemplate. We need to carefully check ourselves to see that we are actually taking in light things and not dark things. What Jesus Christ is saying is watch your inside. Look at yourself and see what is really going on inside you. Don’t look at what you are projecting, look at what is “in you.” Look inside and make certain you are not dark. Do an honest, personal introspection of self. Christ is challenging each individual to conduct an honest self-examination of one’s own true spiritual condition. This is the real problem of the Pharisee. A Pharisee loves to look at and judge others, but he does not want to look at and judge himself (Luke 11:39). Every God-honoring believer will be doing a constant analysis of himself to see what is really there. Every Christ-like believer will be judging himself so that he does not have to be judged. We all have 168 hours per week with which to work. Do we use those hours for godliness or worldliness? Watch out (4648) (skopeo from skopos = distant mark looked at, goal or end one has in view; English "scope" as in microscope or telescope) means to "spy out", to look at, to observe, to contemplate, to mark ( to fix or trace out the bounds or limits of). Skopeo implies mental consideration and so conveys the picture of attentively fixing one's attention upon something with desire for or interest in. The idea can be to "aim at". Skopeo - 6v - keep your eye on(1), look(2), looking(1), observe(1), watch(1). Lk. 11:35; Rom. 16:17; 2 Co. 4:18; Gal. 6:1; Phil. 2:4; Phil. 3:17 Darkness (4655)(skotos from skia = shadow thrown by an object. Skia it can assume the meaning of skotos and indicate the sphere of darkness) is literally that sphere in which light is absent. Friberg on skotos - (1) literally, as an enveloping sphere where light (phos) is absent darkness, gloom, obscurity (Mt 27.45); in relation to the world, as the primitive chaos before light was created (2Co 4.6); idiomatically literally the outer darkness, i.e. the place of punishment, as the region of future exclusion from the kingdom of God (Mt 8.12); (2) figuratively, as an absence of moral and spiritual renewal ignorance, lack of understanding ( Acts 26.18); metaphorically, as the domain under the authority of the devil and demons realm of evil, evil world (Lk 22.53; Ep 6.12) (Borrow Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament) Luke's uses of skotos -Lk. 1:79; Lk. 11:35; Lk. 22:53; Lk. 23:44; Acts 2:20; Acts 13:11; Acts 26:18; ILLUSTRATION OF LIGHT THAT IS DARKNESS - On April 15, 1991 the San Francisco Chronicle had a banner headline in its "Nation" section that read, "Jewish sect is expecting its Messiah by Sept. 9". According to some leaders within the Hasidic sect, the "miraculous" Allied defeat of the Iraqi army is more than just a military victory. It is the sure sign that the long awaited Jewish Messiah will reveal himself before the Jewish New Year, September 9, sending the Jewish people back to Jerusalem "on clouds of glory." The article went on to say, "Although Christians believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament, Orthodox Jews are still waiting for the righteous king of Israel to reveal himself." They also see September 9 as the first coming of the Messiah, in which Jews will gather back in Israel, the temple will be rebuilt, and he will inspire the nations of the world to make peace and to recognize him and his teachings. It continues to be apparent that when the Jewish people look at Jesus they reject Him as their Messiah and look for another. (Ron Ritchie) Below is his outline for Luke 11:14-36 - Whom do you see when you look at Jesus? I. Some See a Servant of Satan Luke 11:14-26 II. Some See a Beautiful Son Luke 11:27-28 III. Some See a Miracle Worker Luke 11:29-32 IV. Some See the Light of the World Luke 11:33-36 Luke 11:36 "If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays." BGT Luke 11:36 εἰ οὖν τὸ σῶμά σου ὅλον φωτεινόν, μὴ ἔχον μέρος τι σκοτεινόν, ἔσται φωτεινὸν ὅλον ὡς ὅταν ὁ λύχνος τῇ ἀστραπῇ φωτίζῃ σε. KJV Luke 11:36 If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light. NET Luke 11:36 If then your whole body is full of light, with no part in the dark, it will be as full of light as when the light of a lamp shines on you." CSB Luke 11:36 If, therefore, your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be entirely illuminated, as when a lamp shines its light on you." ESV Luke 11:36 If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light." NIV Luke 11:36 Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you." NLT Luke 11:36 If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light." NRS Luke 11:36 If then your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be as full of light as when a lamp gives you light with its rays." YLT Luke 11:36 if then thy whole body is lightened, not having any part darkened, the whole shall be lightened, as when the lamp by the brightness may give thee light.' GWN Luke 11:36 If your whole body is full of light and not darkness, it will be as bright as a lamp shining on you." NKJ Luke 11:36 "If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light." NAB Luke 11:36 If your whole body is full of light, and no part of it is in darkness, then it will be as full of light as a lamp illuminating you with its brightness." MIT Luke 11:36 If, therefore, your whole being experiences the brilliance of light—not having any part darkened—it will be fully bright as when a flash of lightning illuminates you. NJB Luke 11:36 If, therefore, your whole body is filled with light, and not darkened at all, it will be light entirely, as when the lamp shines on you with its rays.' ASV Luke 11:36 If therefore thy whole body be full of light, having no part dark, it shall be wholly full of light, as when the lamp with its bright shining doth give thee light. DBY Luke 11:36 If therefore thy whole body is light, not having any part dark, it shall be all light as when the lamp lights thee with its brightness. BBE Luke 11:36 If, then, all your body is light, with no part of it dark, it will be completely full of light, as when a flame with its bright shining gives you light. NIRV Luke 11:36 "Suppose your whole body is full of light. And suppose no part of it is dark. Then your body will be completely lit up. It will be as when the light of a lamp shines on you." RSV Luke 11:36 If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light." If therefore your whole body is full of light Ps 119:97-105; Pr 1:5; 2:1-11; 4:18,19; 6:23; 20:27; Isa 8:20; 42:16; Hosea 6:3; Mt 13:11,12,52; Mark 4:24,25; 2 Cor 4:6; Eph 4:14; Col 3:16; 2 Ti 3:15-17; Heb 5:14; James 1:25; 2 Peter 3:18 Luke 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 11:33-36 A Question of Sight - John MacArthur THE PRECIOUSNESS OF SIGHT These titles are from John MacArthur's outline The presence of light - Luke 11:32 The problem of sight - Luke 11:33 The pretense of sight - Luke 11:34 The preciousness of sight - Luke 11:35 If therefore your whole body is full of light (photeinos), with no dark (skoteinos) part in it, it will be wholly illumined (photeinos) - IF is a first class condition which assumes the following to be true. Jesus states for those who turn from their blinding sin and unto God, the Spirit of truth and the Word of truth (the Gospel) enables them "to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me (Jesus for He is speaking to Paul)." (Acts 26:18+) And when that happens, their whole body becomes full of light with no dark part because it is wholly illumined by the Gospel. They had tauntingly ask Jesus for a sign in Lk 11:16+ and He graciously told them they would have one more sign, the sign of Jonah (Lk 11:29+). As John 12:37 said Jesus "had performed so many signs before them, yet they were not believing in Him" which is why "He went away and hid Himself from them." John's words should frighten everyone who continues to deny the truth of the Gospel, because there may come a day when they will no longer be able to believe the Gospel. Jesus will have hidden Himself from them! John's description goes on to record Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him (same verb homologeo in Ro 10:9-10!), for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God. (John 12:42-42, cf John 5:44, 9:22, Jn 2:23-25) MacArthur comments on this passage - That will send you to hell. And what was it that damned them? They knew; it was obvious. But people, religious people and their religious system, and the approval of their religious leaders was more important to them than the approval of God. False religion damns—even Judaism, even false Christianity. The light is everywhere...The problem isn’t light; the problem is sight. And the deadly danger is to have the pretense of sight and to miss the preciousness of the true sight when the scales of sin come off your eyes and everything becomes clear. This is God’s gift to the penitent who puts his trust in Christ. God knows your heart. He knows where you are. Before you reach the point where your blindness becomes permanent, this is the time to plead for your sins to be forgiven, scales to come off your eyes, embrace Christ. (Luke 11:33-36 A Question of Sight) Henry Morris of "Defender's Study Bible" has an interesting note: "A mental belief in the facts concerning Christ is not sufficient for salvation. Open confession is an evidence of saving faith (Ro 10:9,10)." Steven
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MacArthur on aristao - This is the word for lunch. So it was the meal after a few hours of work; and a significant meal, a meal that took some time. And so in the typical fashion it wasn’t a snack, it wasn’t on the run, and this required an invitation, and He went in and did what you do at a prolonged meal, to have a prolonged conversation—you recline at the table, extending yourself toward the table, your feet away from the table in a sort of comfortable posture on a kind of couch—you get ready for an extended meal and conversation." Steven
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MacArthur - Confusing Man's Traditions with God's Commandments) MacArthur adds that they would wash their hands ceremonially if by chance they had "touched a Gentile that day or touched something a Gentile touched, or touched something an unclean person touched, or touched something else unclean (Ed: like a dead animal). This ritual was to symbolize their holiness and their desire to be clean from all the defilements of the world. And the Mishnah actually describes how this was to be done. It even gets down to the amount of water. You were to use enough water to fill one and a half egg shells, and it was to be poured across the tips of the fingers, running down to the wrist, and then the hands were to be washed, symbolizing this bathing/cleansing. (How to Evangelize Religious People ) See an interesting Jewish article on the ritual of handwashing (sample quote) = "A benediction is recited over the washing of the hands: “Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with Thy commandments and has commanded us concerning the washing of the hands.” Notice how the benediction falsely ascribes this ritual to a commandment from God! When you are deceived, you don't even know it! Edersheim, the great Jewish scholar, writes, "Water jars were kept ready to be used before every meal. The minimum amount of water to be used was a quarter of a log, which is defined as enough to fill one and a half eggshells. The water was first poured on both hands, held with the fingers pointed upward. It must run down the arm as far as the wrist and drop off from the wrist, for the water itself was now unclean having touched the unclean hands. If it ran down the fingers again, it would render them unclean. The process was repeated with the hands held in the downward direction, the fingers pointing down, and finally, each hand was cleansed with being rubbed with the fist of the other, and a strict Jew would do this before every meal and between every course in every meal." (Quoted from MacArthur's sermon Confusing Man's Traditions with God's Commandments) Manners and Customs of Bible Lands - CUSTOMS AT MEALTIME -- Eastern habits, connected with the eating of a meal, are such a decided contrast to Western habits, that much care should be given to the study of them, if the many references in the Bible to eating, are to be interpreted accurately. Washing Of Hands Before Eating - Orientals are careful to wash their hands before a meal, but they would think that the Occidental way of washing in the water already made dirty by the hands, to be very untidy and disgraceful. The servant or whoever takes his place, pours water on the hands to be washed as they are held over a basin. Often the basin has a concave cover with holes, so as to allow the dirty water to run through and thus be out of sight. The method of eating without knives, forks, or spoons, makes this washing a necessity. That this method of washing was in vogue in the days of the prophets is seen by the way Elisha was characterized by the king's servants: "Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah" (2Kings 3:11). Elisha had served as Elijah's servant, and pouring water, so that his master could wash his hands, was an important part of his duties. When the Pharisees complained against the disciples of Jesus, because they ate bread without washing their hands (Matt. 15:1, 2; Mark 7:1-5), it was concerning a lengthy ceremonial washing of hands that they spoke. The Jewish hierarchy of that day had given forth a positive injunction as to exactly how this ablution should be done. It was not a law of Moses but a tradition of the elders. Jesus refused to sanction it as a rule that was binding. It was not the custom of washing hands before eating that Jesus objected to, but the authority the rabbis claimed to have in telling the people the exact and detailed manner in which it must be done. (Scroll to page 70 in Manners and Customs Pdf) See Wikipedia article - Ritual Washing in Judaism Ablution in the Jewish Encyclopedia (click for full article) - For the purpose of actual or ritual purification, ablutions or washings form an important feature of the Jewish religious ceremonial. Judaism is in thorough accord with the proverb, "Cleanliness is next to godliness" (see Mishnah, Soṭah, ix. 15): indeed, it goes further; for it holds practically that cleanliness is godliness itself. There are three kinds of Ablution recognized in Biblical and rabbinical law: (1) Washing of the hands, (2) washing of the hands and feet, and (3) immersion of the whole body in water. Surprised (astonished, amazed)(2296) see previous note on thaumazo. This is the same verb Luke used to describe the reaction of the crowd when Jesus cast out the demon (Lk 11:14+). Ceremonially washed (907)(baptizo from bapto = cover wholly with a fluid) literally means is to submerge, to dip or immerse as in water. A study of the 77 NT uses (See below) reveals that most of the uses of baptizo in the Gospels and Acts are associated with literal water baptism. Here we see the Pharisee's teaching of "ceremonially baptizing" your hands before a mean. The ritual was not about hygiene but hypocrisy! Mishnah (Yadaim 1:1-2) 1:1 A [To render hands clean] a quarter-log of water do they pour for hands, B for one, C also for two. D A half-log [is to be used] for three or four. E A log [is to be used] for five and for ten and for a hundred. F R. Yose says, “And on condition that for the last among them, there should not be less than a quarter-log.” G They add [to the water used] for the second [pouring], but they do not add [to the water used] for the first [pouring of water over the hands]. 1:2 A With all sorts of utensils do they pour [water] for hands, B even with utensils made of dung, utensils made of stone, utensils made of [unbaked] clay. C They do not pour [water] for hands either with the sides of [broken] utensils, or the bottom of a ladling jar, or with the plug of a barrel. D Nor should a man pour [water] for his fellow with his cupped hands. E For they draw, and they mix [water with the ash of the red cow], and they sprinkle purification water, and they pour [water] for hands only with a utensil. F And only utensils afford protection with a tightly fitted cover, and nothing affords protection from the power of a clay utensil [in the Tent of a corpse] except utensils. Luke 11:39 But the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness. KJV Luke 11:39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter Mt 23:25; Gal 1:14; 2 Ti 3:5; Titus 1:15 but inside of you Lk 16:15; Ge 6:5; 2 Chr 25:2; 31:20,21; Pr 26:25; 30:12; Jer 4:14; Mt 12:33-35; 15:19; John 12:6; 13:2; Acts 5:3; Acts 8:21-23; James 4:8 you are full of robbery and wickedness. Ps 22:13; Ezekiel 22:25,27; Zephaniah 3:3; Mt 7:15 Luke 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 11:37-44 How to Evangelize Religious People - John MacArthur Related Passage: Matthew 23:25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence Luke 16:15+ And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God. Jeremiah 4:14 Wash your heart from evil, O Jerusalem, That you may be saved. How long will your wicked thoughts Lodge within you? JESUS' CONFRONTS FALSE RELIGION But the Lord said to him - Jesus knew that failing to ceremonially wash would incite a reaction from the Pharisee. He allowed the confrontation because He wanted to highlight the foolishness of their empty ritual and worthless religion. Your dishes may be clean, but your hearts are filthy! Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter - Now think about what Jesus is saying to the Pharisee. Everyone knows a good host would not dare put a cup out that did not have even the outside spotless and the same for a plate. You could turn this host's plate over and look at the bottom and it would be clean! But when we drink from a cup or eat off of a plate, we are not generally concerned with the outside but we are definitely concerned with the inside. You can see how Jesus is leading this Pharisee to apply the same logic to our body and soul. External cleanliness is fine, but internal cleanliness is crucial. And this is where Jesus calls out the Pharisee, not on the external but on the internal. Nelson's NKJV Study Bible - The Pharisees washed the outside of cups, making sure that the cups had not become unclean through contact with a dead insect (see Lev. 11:31-38). The Pharisees had clean dishes but dirty hearts! but inside of you, you are full (gemo) of robbery (harpage) and wickedness (poneria) - Jesus introduces a striking picture meant to prick and convict the hearts of these religious Pharisees. They had clean dishes but dirty hearts! Jesus uses full (gemo) to describe their soul as full of robbery and wickedness. and He uses the present tense indicating that they are continually filled. This is their condition or state. What a horrible, albeit accurate, description of the souls of this "super religious" sect. Imagine you are a guest in someone's house and you respond to them with words like Jesus did! Jesus is saying in essence that their symbolic charade lacked spiritual substance, as did their entire religious system! In fact it is a characteristic of most false religions, that the more symbols and symbolic acts they employ, the less spiritual reality there is. And what does all the external symbolism hide? It hides the sinful state of their heart. We see this symbolism (pomp and circumstance) in Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Mormonism, etc, but it is all for naught because it does nothing the for internal wickedness of their heart. But the deadly deception of their symbolism, is that it makes them think that that they are "okay" inside, that they are somehow compensating for the wickedness of their heart. The tragedy is that they are deceived and unless they repent and believe in Jesus Christ, they are destined for eternal punishment. The Pharisees could keep the external rules fastidiously, but they had no rule over their hearts and the internal wickedness which filled their soul. The Pharisees were concerned with what one does, while Jesus points out they lacked concern for what one is. Being is more critical than doing! THOUGHT- As we read about the Pharisees, we all do well to examine our own heart, because just as the Pharisees were professors of religion without possession of relationship with God, so too are many in the church today. They claim to know Christ and yet continually compromise and live more like the devil. In short while they say they believe they show no fruit indicating genuine belief. This is a deadly deception which will take a person to hell unless they repent and come to their senses and truly believe in Christ (cf 2 Ti 2:24-26+). (See Profession of Faith and Can a person believe in some sense but not be saved?) MacArthur paraphrases Jesus' words - “You know what your problem is, you clean the part of the plate that nobody eats from. You clean the part of the plate that doesn’t matter. You clean the outside of the cup and the outside of the platter. It is pointless. All your symbolic stuff doesn’t touch the inside that’s filthy and putrid.” And then He says it, Lk 11:39, “Inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness.” Would you call that a direct approach? That is the direct approach. In your heart you are wicked. You say, “How could He say that?” Well, first of all, He is omniscient, so He knows. But more than that, He understands religion that is false is always a cover-up, always. Again, Matthew 23:25, “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, you clean the outside of the cup and dish, inside you’re full of robbery and self-indulgence. First clean the inside of the cup and the dish so that the outside of it may become clean also.” You see, they loved sin on the inside. In John 3:19, Jesus said, “You men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are” … What?… “are evil.” Their soul was feeding on pride. Their soul was feeding on lust. Their soul is feeding on deception. (How to Evangelize Religious People ) Jesus accuses the Pharisees not just of plundering people's possessions but of the far worse crime of "stealing" their souls. In Matthew Jesus describes their robbery of people's souls declaring "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel about on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves." (Mt 23:15). Steven Cole on applying this section - Before we look specifically at the theme, take note that Jesus accepted social invitations from unbelievers. But, also note that He did not hesitate to confront unbelievers with their sin! He deliberately provoked this confrontation by doing something that surprised His host. But we need to be careful about how we apply this. Jesus was in a cultural context that understood the bold language of the prophets. Also, He is the Lord and as such has both the insight and authority to speak in this manner. Paul instructs us, “Walk with [NASB, margin] wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person” (Col. 4:5, 6). The metaphor of salt implies that we can and should be provocative, but we also must speak in a gracious and sensitive manner. But in every social contact with unbelievers, keep your purpose clear. You’re there to be the instrument of the Holy Spirit in convincing the person about sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to proclaim the good news of God’s grace in Christ. (Luke 11:37-54: Why Jesus Hates Legalism) MacArthur quips that "this approach of Jesus is utterly contrary to every evangelistic strategy you hear being applied today. But where are you going to go if you don’t get to the core of the issue? You can only get to the cross when you’ve gone through this kind of exposure. They love symbols on the outside; they love sin on the inside." (How to Evangelize Religious People ) Full (1073)(gemo) means to be full of something, to contain, to be stuffed, to be filled fullGilbrant - In the New Testament, as in the Septuagint, gemō is used both in the literal sense of something which is filled to capacity and in a metaphoric sense. The metaphoric usage of gemō is most common in the New Testament. For example, Jesus portrayed the scribes and Pharisees, who were so careful to maintain proper outward appearances, as being “full” of robbery and self-indulgence (Mt 23:25; Lk 11:39), and as being “full” of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness (Mt 23:27). The Book of Revelation often uses gemō in describing events of the end times. For example, the four living creatures before the throne of God are “full” of eyes in front and behind (Rev 4:6,8) who possess golden bowls “full” of incense, described as the prayers of the saints (Rev 5:8). The living creatures also possess golden bowls “full” of the wrath of God (Rev 15:7) to be poured out upon the wicked. (Complete Biblical Library) The last NT use in Rev 21:9 describes "the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues" which is the final pouring out of God's righteous wrath on a sinful, God hating world. Gemo - 11x read passages to see what they are full of - interesting! - Mt. 23:25; Mt. 23:27; Lk. 11:39; Ro 3:14; Rev. 4:6; Rev. 4:8; Rev. 5:8; Rev. 15:7; Rev. 17:3; Rev. 17:4; Rev. 21:9 Gemo - 5x in the Septuagint - Gen. 37:25; 2 Chr. 9:21; Ps. 10:7; Ps. 14:3; Amos 2:13 The Septuagint uses gemo refers to a heavy load of material goods in a camel caravan (Ge 37:25), a ship’s cargo of precious goods (2 Chr 9:21), a mouth which is full of cursing and bitterness (Ps 10:7), and a wagon load of straw (Amos 2:13). Robbery (724)(harpage from harpazo = to seize and carry off with force, of the "Rapture" 1 Thes 4:17! from the root harp---, seen in Eng., "rapacious;" an associated noun, with the same spelling, denoted a rake, or hook for drawing up a bucket) means robbery, pillage, plunder, extortion, that which has been stolen such as loot or prey. In the New Testament harpagē is that which was gained unlawfully by the Pharisees and which was gained by extortion. (See Matthew 23:25.) In Hebrews 10:34 it is used of that which was taken from the Christians illegally and for which they were compensated by a better possession. Note that in Luke 11:39 it can refer to the desire in the heart of a man to indulge in gain that comes from greediness. Friberg on harpage - (1) as an action of carrying off someone's belongings by force robbery, plundering (Heb 10.34); (2) concretely what has been seized, plunder, booty (probably Mt 23.25); (3) as an attitude greediness, covetousness (Lk 11.39). Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament Harpage - 3x - Mt 23:25, Lk 11:39, Heb 10:34. Used 5x in 5v in the Septuagint - Lev. 6:2; Eccl. 5:8; Isa. 3:14; Isa. 10:2; Nah. 2:12. In the Septuagint harpage described that which was stolen from the poor and was in the house of the robber (Isa 3:14). The lion when taking care of its young and filling its den with prey is said to fill its dwelling place with “spoil” (Nah2:12). Wickedness (4189)(poneria from poneros from pónos = labor, sorrow, pain and and poneo = to be involved in work, labor) refers to depravity, to an evil disposition, to badness or to an evil nature. Poneria is used in the NT only in the moral and ethical sense and refers to intentionally practiced ill will. Poneria describes the state of lacking moral or social values (baseness, sinfulness, maliciousness, malevolence). Poneria is active malice. Poneria is malevolence, not only doing evil, but being evil. Webster defines malevolence as the condition which arises from intense often vicious ill will, spite, or hatred. Poneria is used only two other times in Gospels - Matthew 22:18 Mark 7:22. Peter uses poneria in his confrontation of the Jewish audience boldly declaring "“For you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning (apostrepho) every one of you from your wicked (poneria) ways.” (Acts 3:26). Poneria describes our demonic enemies as "spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Eph 6:12-note). Poneria - 7v - malice(1), wicked ways(1), wickedness(5). Matt. 22:18; Mk. 7:22; Lk. 11:39; Acts 3:26; Rom. 1:29; 1 Co. 5:8; Eph. 6:12 Luke 11:40 "You foolish ones, did not He who made the outside make the inside also? KJV Luke 11:40 Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? You foolish ones 12:20; 24:25; Ps 14:1; 75:4,5; 94:8; Pr 1:22; 8:5; Jeremiah 5:21; Mt 23:17; Mt 23:26; 1 Cor 15:36 did not He who made the outside make the inside also Genesis 1:26; 2:7; Numbers 16:22; Ps 33:15; 94:9; Zechariah 12:1; Heb 12:9 Luke 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 11:37-44 How to Evangelize Religious People - John MacArthur FOOLISH PHARISEES! You foolish (aphron) ones - Foolish ones (aphron) is one who does not use his rational powers, one not employing his understanding especially as it relates to practical matters, in this context the practical matter of entrance into the Kingdom of God. Aphron means lack of good judgment and can refer to folly in action. What a way to address one's host! Unless, as in this case, it was the truth. How could He possibly win then to faith in the Gospel unless they had full understanding of their lost, sinful condition. This is sadly not the approach many take today in presenting the Gospel, but if you read Paul's pattern in Romans, he emphasized first the bad news (Romans 1-3) and then the good news of the availability of justification by faith (Romans 3-5). Yes, Jesus said not to call anyone a fool (Mt 5:22+), but that was a different context (where one was using it as a coarse, disparaging epithet) and it was also a different word (moros). The word Jesus uses here (aphron) conveys the sense of one who is unwise or imprudent which is an accurate description of the mindset of most of the Pharisees. Paul used aphron in his letter to the saints at Ephesus exhorting them "So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Eph 5:17+) To be sure, the Pharisees did not understand the will of God! Jesus calls the ritualistic Pharisees fools because they thought that, by doing something external, they could gain favor with God (self-righteousness). That line of reasoning then and now is imprudent and unwise and will end up taking one straight to hell. William
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MacArthur explains this verse this way - All your symbolic alms giving, all your symbolic prayers, all your symbolic fasts are hypocritical as long as you keep plundering people, pillaging people, raping people, both body and soul. Give that which is within. Give your heart. Give your life and then all things are clean for you. (ED: AKA "BE" BEFORE YOU "DO!") (How to Evangelize Religious People) Charity (Alms) (1654)(eleemosune from eleemon = merciful from eleos = mercy, kindness, compassion) signifies mercy or pity and came to be applied particularly in giving alms because it refers to the actual helpful action of the pity. Stated another way alms represents money given out of mercy for the poor. Eleēmosúnē is the expression of mercy to be contrasted with oiktirmós, which conveys more the expression of sentiment than the outward manifestation of character. Clean (2513)(katharos) literally describes that which is free of dirt and thus clean. It describes that which is free from admixture or adulteration and thus is pure. From a biblical standpoint the concept of cleansing is deeply rooted in both the Old and the New Testaments.The Levitical laws placed heavy emphasis on ceremonial cleansing and thus contact with any unclean animal, substance, person, or place was strictly forbidden. By the time Christ came this preoccupation with ceremonial cleanness had unfortunately displaced true worship with many of the Jews, most notably the Pharisees. It is not surprising then that the New Testament focuses mainly on an inward cleanness (heart, conscience), rather than on an external or ceremonial cleanness. Katharos is an adjective that figuratively is used in both the OT and the NT to describe the state of one's heart. When a person is pure in heart and mind, his or her perspective on all things is pure, and that inner purity produces outer purity. Katharos has to do with attitudes, integrity, and singleness of heart as opposed to duplicity and double mindedness. Here are some related uses of katharos Matthew 5:8 (note) "Blessed are the pure in heart (see representative uses in the Septuagint below), for they shall see God. John 13:10 Jesus said to him, "He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you." Titus 1:15 (note)To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. Luke 11:42 "But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. KJV Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb Lk 18:12 yet disregard justice and the love of God Deuteronomy 10:12,13; 1 Samuel 15:22; Pr 21:3; Isa 1:10-17; 58:2-6; Jeremiah 7:2-10; Jeremiah 7:21,22; Micah 6:8; Malachi 1:6; 2:17; John 5:42; Titus 2:11,12; 1 John 4:20 without neglecting the others. Leviticus 27:30-33; 2 Chr 31:5-10; Nehemiah 10:37; Eccl 7:18; Malachi 3:8 Luke 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 11:37-44 How to Evangelize Religious People - John MacArthur Related Passage: Leviticus 27:30 (USES TO SUPPORT TITHING HERBS) ‘Thus all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S; it is holy to the LORD. Luke 18:12+ (A PRIDEFUL, SELF-RIGHTEOUS PHARISEE) ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ Jesus Pronouncing Woes on Religious Leaders THE FIRST WOE: TITHING WITHOUT JUSTICE AND LOVE But - What is Jesus contrasting? He has just described giving from an inside (heart) that is clean. The heart of the Pharisees was in stark contrast. It was an evil heart, a spiritually darkened, spiritually bankrupt heart. They were going through the motions so to speak. They invented external things they could observe to hide the truth that they had no power to keep the precepts that God desired men to obey (by the power of the Spirit). They had symbol but no substance. They were religious hypocrites. Sham shysters. THOUGHT- Do we ever do that in Christianity? Certainly a number of denominations have routines that are part of their worship service. While in many cases there is substance behind the ritual (e.g., reciting the Lord's Prayer as a congregation), what was meant to be substance can too often become only empty ritual. This principle is true in our individual lives. We have our morning devotional, but there are many days when it seems more like an empty ritual than a meeting with the King. Father, by Thy Holy Spirit and Thy Holy Word, and for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus, deliver us from falling into the subtle trap of a ritualistic relationship with Thee. Amen Woe (ouai) to you Pharisees! - NLT paraphrases it "What sorrow awaits you Pharisees!" Jesus gives the first of 6 woes in this section (Mt 23:13-29 has 7 woes!). Can you imagine Jesus' host, by this time he must have been totally rattled!
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MacArthur says yes, "they ought to have tithed. Jesus says, “You ought to have done that, the reasonable tithe, the required tithe, you ought to have done that.” But tithing herbs is "over the top" and I agree. Lev. 27:30 ("the seed of the land") was used to support the tithing of herbs and spices. What is interesting is that their own extra-biblical writings in the Mishnah said that rue is exempt from any tithe. These men were not even paying attention to their own traditions! They were fastidious with their minutia on the outside and oblivious to justice and love that came from the inside, from the heart. Rue is a strong-scented herb - see Wikipedia. The tithing of various herbs was based on Lev. 27:30 "‘Thus all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S; it is holy to the LORD." Though tithing of grain, fruit, wine, and oil was demanded (cf Nu. 18:12; Dt. 14:22-23), the scribes had expanded the items required to be tithed to include even the smallest of herbs. Yet disregard justice and the love of God - The Pharisees were disregarding the spirit of the Law. And frankly they had no power to do otherwise because they were so corrupt inside. These are attitudes and actions which emanate from within, for a heart that is clean. These were basic things that the prophets also had warned about... Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? Zechariah 7:8-10 Then the word of the LORD came to Zechariah saying, 9 “Thus has the LORD of hosts said, ‘Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother; 10 and do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.’ Love God—and do what you please. If you love, what He wants will please you. -- Augustine The first great commandment AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.' (Mark 12:30) The Pharisees did not keep this commandment. They could not, because their heart was unclean! But these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others - NLT paraphrases it "You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things." NIV - "You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone." They should have practiced the far more important matters of justice and the love of God. Tithing of tiny herbs could be done, but not in lieu of justice and love of God. The Pharisees were clever and would tell even their own parents that they could not help them financially because their money had been devoted to God (Mark 7:11+ see Dictionary article, another or Korban). Technically, they were tithing, but practically, they were neglecting to love their own parents! Steven
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MacArthur - They loved status. O do religious leaders love to be somebody—hypocritical, self-righteous, proud, loveless, without justice or mercy, pillaging and raping the possessions and souls of people, covering their wretched sin. What do they want? They want to be loved and admired and accorded reverence and have elevated position and be venerated and be admired and have all kinds of titles and to be distinguished from everybody else by all the stuff they wear, so that somehow you think they’re holy. “Woe to you for wanting to be up in front where everybody can see you. Woe to you for all your elaborate titles, terms of exaltation....And this applies not only to Pharisees but all across the board, even into the modern time to all religious hypocrites. And that means all religious people apart from the true gospel of Jesus Christ.” (How to Evangelize Religious People)
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MacArthur - The false religionists are going to be judged not only for their own iniquity but for the corruption and defilement of all those who followed them. “Woe to you, not for your own evil, but for the evil you transmit to others for impacting your nation the way you have, for all the people who have been defiled for your hypocrisy, who have bought into your false religion....The Old Testament had laws about touching a dead body. Leviticus 21, you couldn’t touch a dead body. You were considered ceremonially defiled. If you did touch a dead body, the ninth chapter of Numbers says you couldn’t observe the Passover without going through a seven-day purification. That seven-day purification is described in the nineteenth chapter of Numbers. So God kept people away from corpses, certainly for protection from illnesses. But there was symbolic cleansing to remind people of what they needed to do in their hearts. The Jews, of course, understood that they could not touch a dead body. They extended it even beyond a dead body and decided you couldn’t touch a grave’cause if you touched a grave you’d be ceremonially defiled, you’d have to be disassociated from the people, you’d have to go through a very elaborate, costly, time-consuming, seven-day purification ceremony. So every grave in Israel was marked so the people didn’t touch them inadvertently or step on them. Jesus just uses this familiar thing and says, “You know, you’re liked unmarked graves. People have no idea that they’re walking all over you and being defiled all the time. People come in contact with you and they don’t know it, but you’re not making them holy—you’re making them unholy. You’re defiling them.” What a terrible description of someone, but that’s how it is with those in false religions—they are unmarked graves. And you touch them and you’re defiled. And your defilement is not just ceremonial, it is spiritual. And it’s not just your body; it’s your soul. And it’s not just a ritual defilement, it’s a real defilement. And they were making twice the sons of hell as they themselves. (How to Evangelize Religious People ) ILLUSTRATION - [A certain college] had a student demerit system for everything. Students received demerits for walking on the grass. At night, boys and girls were required to walk at least three feet apart on campus. A certain number of demerits led to a letter to the pastor, then a second level to pastor and parents, and then finally to expulsion. In other words, three strikes and you were out! One student apologizing to a professor for a prank pulled in class asked for forgiveness but received a lecture that he would never amount to anything and never be a success in ministry. The professor refused to talk with him after his confession. Something is wrong when grace is elevated as the central message of God’s Word and little grace is evidenced in actual practice. While these rules may have been well motivated, many of the students suffered great emotional damage. It is difficult to appreciate grace and forgiveness while living the Christian life in such a scorecard environment. Legalism is like carbon dioxide suffocation; it kills slowly and sometimes very subtly. (Darrell Bock) Luke 11:45 One of the lawyers said to Him in reply, "Teacher, when You say this, You insult us too." KJV Luke 11:45 Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. when You say this, You insult us too 1 Kings 22:8; Jeremiah 6:10; 20:8; Amos 7:10-13; John 7:7,48; 9:40 Luke 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 11:45-52 Kingdom Obstructionists - John MacArthur AN EXPERT IN THE LAW CHIMES IN WITH A REPROACH One of the lawyers (nomikos) said to Him in reply - Little did he know that his rebuking comment would come back like a boomerang with three more woes! Leon Morris on lawyers (nomikos) - The lawyers, as we have noticed before, were men who gave themselves over to the study of the Old Testament Law. They were religious men and many of them were Pharisees. There was a difference in that the lawyer was a member of a learned profession and the Pharisee of a religious party. There was a link in that the essential Pharisaic position was based on a close study of the Law. (Borrow The Gospel According to St. Luke: An Introduction and Commentary)
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MacArthur - The apostate religious leaders’ future actions would prove the truth of Jesus’ assertion that they were no better than their fathers....Their mistreatment of the gospel preachers would conclusively demonstrate Christ’s point that the scribes and Pharisees were as wicked and godless as their ancestors. In fact, they were much worse. (see Luke Commentary) I will send (apostello) to them prophets (prophetes) and apostles (apostolos) - These men are sent out by the Father whereas in Mt 23:34 He says "I send," reflecting the interrelationship in the Trinity. And some of them they will kill and some they will persecute (dioko) - The "prognosis" for the prophets and apostles was not good in earthly terms - murder for some, and persecution for others. This prediction in fact began to come to fruition during the book of Acts when James was the first apostle martyred (put to death with a sword = Acts 12:2-3+, cf Stoning of Stephen = Acts 7:1-50, 51,52, 53-60+). According to extra-biblical sources eventually all of the apostles were martyred and John was banished to the island of Patmos Patmos, because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus." (Rev 1:9+) Josephus records the murder of Jesus' own half-brother James, the author of the epistle of James. (Here is an excerpt from Antiquities 20. Chapter 9.1 = "Festus was now dead, and Albinus was but upon the road; so he assembled the Sanhedrim of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others, [or, some of his companions]; and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the law, he delivered them to be stoned"). Jesus' prophecy of persecution proved true in the life of the apostle Paul and his helpers who met with fierce opposition in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:45, 50), Iconium (Acts 14:2), Lystra (Acts 14:19), Thessalonica (Acts 17:5), Berea (Acts 17:13), Corinth (Acts 18:12; 20:3), Jerusalem (Acts 21:27; 23:12), and Caesarea (Acts 24:1–9). Jesus warned again and again that persecution would befall His emissaries.. “But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be hated by all because of My name.(Lk 21:16,17) “They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. (John 16:2) (Jesus prophecy to Peter) “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.” Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He *said to him, “Follow Me!” (John 21:18, 19). (Tradition says Peter was crucified upside down - see painting portrayal but see discussion of the evidence). “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Mt 5:11-12-note) "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of My name. (Mt 24:9) I will send (649)(apostello from apo = from, away from + stello = to withdraw from, avoid) means to send off, to send forth, to send out. The idea is to send off on a commission to do something as one’s personal representative, with credentials furnished. Jesus uses this very verb in His sending out the apostle Paul (Acts 26:17). Apostello in Luke and Acts - Lk. 1:19; Lk. 1:26; Lk. 4:18; Lk. 4:43; Lk. 7:3; Lk. 7:20; Lk. 7:27; Lk. 9:2; Lk. 9:48; Lk. 9:52; Lk. 10:1; Lk. 10:3; Lk. 10:16; Lk. 11:49; Lk. 13:34; Lk. 14:17; Lk. 14:32; Lk. 19:14; Lk. 19:29; Lk. 19:32; Lk. 20:10; Lk. 20:20; Lk. 22:8; Lk. 22:35; Acts 3:20; Acts 3:26; Acts 5:21; Acts 7:14; Acts 7:34; Acts 7:35; Acts 8:14; Acts 9:17; Acts 9:38; Acts 10:8; Acts 10:17; Acts 10:20; Acts 10:36; Acts 11:11; Acts 11:13; Acts 11:30; Acts 13:15; Acts 15:27; Acts 15:33; Acts 16:35; Acts 16:36; Acts 19:22; Acts 26:17; Acts 28:28 Prophets (4396)(prophetes from próphemi = literally to tell beforehand in turn from pró = before, in front of, forth, on behalf of + phemí = speak, tell) is primarily a forth-teller or one who speaks out God’s message, primarily to their own generation, usually always calling the people to God's truth for them at that moment, often using the phrase "Thus saith the Lord." In a word a prophet is Heaven's (God's) "mouthpiece" on earth. Indeed every believer is called to be God's "mouthpiece" on earth. Would you say you are committing to live your life as His "mouthpiece?" Prophetes in Luke and Acts - Lk. 1:70; Lk. 1:76; Lk. 3:4; Lk. 4:17; Lk. 4:24; Lk. 4:27; Lk. 6:23; Lk. 7:16; Lk. 7:26; Lk. 7:39; Lk. 9:8; Lk. 9:19; Lk. 10:24; Lk. 11:47; Lk. 11:49; Lk. 11:50; Lk. 13:28; Lk. 13:33; Lk. 13:34; Lk. 16:16; Lk. 16:29; Lk. 16:31; Lk. 18:31; Lk. 20:6; Lk. 24:19; Lk. 24:25; Lk. 24:27; Lk. 24:44; Acts 2:16; Acts 2:30; Acts 3:18; Acts 3:21; Acts 3:22; Acts 3:23; Acts 3:24; Acts 3:25; Acts 7:37; Acts 7:42; Acts 7:48; Acts 7:52; Acts 8:28; Acts 8:30; Acts 8:34; Acts 10:43; Acts 11:27; Acts 13:1; Acts 13:15; Acts 13:20; Acts 13:27; Acts 13:40; Acts 15:15; Acts 15:32; Acts 21:10; Acts 24:14; Acts 26:22; Acts 26:27; Acts 28:23; Acts 28:25 Apostles (652)(apostolos from apo = from + stello = send forth) (Click discussion of apostle) means one sent forth from by another, often with a special commission to represent another and to accomplish his work. It can be a delegate, commissioner, ambassador sent out on a mission or orders or commission and with the authority of the one who sent him. Apostolos in Luke and Acts -Lk. 6:13; Lk. 9:10; Lk. 11:49; Lk. 17:5; Lk. 22:14; Lk. 24:10;Acts 1:2; Acts 1:26; Acts 2:37; Acts 2:42; Acts 2:43; Acts 4:33; Acts 4:35; Acts 4:36; Acts 4:37; Acts 5:2; Acts 5:12; Acts 5:18; Acts 5:29; Acts 5:40; Acts 6:6; Acts 8:1; Acts 8:14; Acts 8:18; Acts 9:27; Acts 11:1; Acts 14:4; Acts 14:14; Acts 15:2; Acts 15:4; Acts 15:6; Acts 15:22; Acts 15:23; Acts 16:4 Will persecute (1377)(dioko from dío = pursue, prosecute, persecute) means to follow or press hard after, literally to pursue as one does a fleeing enemy. It means to chase, harass, vex and pressure and was used for chasing down criminals. Dioko speaks of an intensity of effort leading to a pursue with earnestness and diligence in order to obtain. Dioko in Luke and Acts - Lk. 11:49; Lk. 17:23; Lk. 21:12; Jn. 5:16; Jn. 15:20; Acts 7:52; Acts 9:4; Acts 9:5; Acts 22:4; Acts 22:7; Acts 22:8; Acts 26:11; Acts 26:14; Acts 26:15 Luke 11:50 so that the blood of all the prophets, shed since the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation, KJV Luke 11:50 That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; the blood of all the prophets, shed since the foundation of the world Genesis 9:5,6; Numbers 35:33; 2 Kings 24:4; Ps 9:12; Isa 26:21; Rev 18:20-24 may be charged against this generation Ex 20:5; Jeremiah 7:29; 51:56 GUILTY OF THE BLOOD OF ALL THE PROPHETS So that - term of purpose or result. The purpose of sending the prophets and apostles would prove the veracity of Jesus' judgment regarding their approval of their father's murders. William
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MacArthur - The Lord’s shocking declaration that the blood of all the prophets, shed since the foundation of the world, would be charged against this generation reveals just how much worse the generation alive at that time was than those who killed the prophets. That God’s accumulated wrath would fall on one generation is not unprecedented. The generation alive at the time of the flood experienced the judgment that resulted from generations of wickedness, as will the generation alive during the final eschatological time of the tribulation (Rev. 6–19). This generation, the one alive when Jesus lived, was culpable for the blood of all the prophets, shed since the foundation of the world because it had the most accumulated revelation, yet engaged in the same sins as previous generations. They had the teaching of the prophets in the Old Testament, they had heard John the Baptist, the twelve apostles, the seventy evangelists and, most significant, they had had the unprecedented privilege of hearing the profound truth of heaven from the lips of Jesus, God incarnate. And they had seen His divine power over demons, disease, death, and nature in a massive, unmistakable display of undenied miracles. (See Luke Commentary Nelson's NKJV Study Bible feels that "The judgment here refers specifically to the fall of Jerusalem in a.d. 70, and ultimately to the final judgment of God in the Tribulation (Ed: "Time of Jacob's Distress" - Jer 30:7+)." Charged (1567) (ekzeteo from ek = out or to intensify the meaning + zeteo = to seek) means to seek out, to look for, to search diligently for anything lost. The other NT nuance of ekzeteo used in Luke 11 means to require, to demand, or to exact severely (Luke 11:50, 51. See this meaning in the Lxx uses in - "I will require your lifeblood" = Ge 9:5; 42:22; "shall I not now require his blood from your hand" = 2 Sa 4:11; "his blood I will require at your hand" = Ezek 3:18, 20). So the idea of ekzeteo is that the blood of all the murdered prophets is required of this generation. Ekzeteo - 7v - charged(2), made careful*(1), searches(1), seek(2), seeks(1), sought(1). Lk. 11:50; Lk. 11:51; Acts 15:17; Rom. 3:11; Heb. 11:6; Heb. 12:17; 1 Pet. 1:10 Luke 11:51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the house of God; yes, I tell you, it shall be charged against this generation.' KJV Luke 11:51 From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. from the blood of Abel Genesis 4:8-11; Heb 11:4; 12:24; 1 John 3:12 to the blood of Zechariah 2 Chr 24:20-22; Zechariah 1:1; Mt 23:35 it shall be charged against this generation Jeremiah 7:28 Luke 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 11:45-52 Kingdom Obstructionists - John MacArthur Luke 11:51-54 What's Missing in False Religion, Part 2 - John MacArthur Related Passages: Zechariah 1:1 In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah the prophet, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo saying, Matthew 23:35 so that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. VENGEANCE FOR ALL KILLED FROM A TO Z From the blood of Abel - This murder is described by Moses "Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. 9 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground (Abel's blood cried out for justice). 11 “Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand." (Genesis 4:8-11+) To the blood of Zechariah - Many commentators feel this murder may be the one described in Second Chronicles and since 2 Chronicles was the last book in the Hebrew Bible, that would make it the last murder in the Bible of Jesus' day. Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest; and he stood above the people and said to them, “Thus God has said, ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD and do not prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has also forsaken you.’” 21 So they conspired against him and at the command of the king they stoned him to death in the court of the house of the LORD. 22 Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness which his father Jehoiada had shown him, but he murdered his son. And as he died he said, “May the LORD see and avenge!” (2 Chr 24:20-22) Zechariah was killed between the altar and the house of God - In other words he was slain the the Temple courtyard which included the Brazen Altar. So Abel was killed after a sacrifice and Zechariah was killed at the place of sacrifice. John MacArthur has a different interpretation of the identity of Zechariah - No speculation is needed because Jesus made clear which of the more than two dozen Zechariah's mentioned in the Old Testament He was referring to. In Matthew 23:35 He called him “Zechariah, the son of Berechiah.” This was the prophet Zechariah, the author of the book of Zechariah (Zech. 1:1) whose martyrdom, though not recorded in Scripture, took place near the close of the Old Testament. Evidently Zechariah the son of Berechiah was also killed between the altar and the house of God (cf. Joab, who was executed at the altar itself [1 Kings 2:28–34]). The collective guilt for the deaths of all those righteous martyrs would be charged against that wicked generation that had filled up God’s wrath to the top. (See Luke Commentary)
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MacArthur - As their rejecting Christ reveals, the scribes and Pharisees could not correctly understand the Old Testament, which pointed to Him (John 5:39; cf. Luke 24:27; Rev. 19:10). Their traditions increasingly obscured the truth contained in the Old Testament, turning it into a maze of riddles, allegories, secret meanings, and obscure interpretations, all designed to reinforce their cleverness and sell their false system of self-righteousness. Not only were they unable to enter the kingdom of God themselves, they also hindered those who were entering. That is the most severe condemnation given by our Lord. (See Luke Commentary) William
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MacArthur - Sadly, but predictably, the Pharisees and scribes failed to heed Jesus’ mercifully severe warnings. Instead of repenting of their sins, repudiating their false system of religion, and calling for divine mercy, they became even more aggressively hostile to Him. (Luke Commentary) William
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MacArthur applies this teaching on the Scribes and Pharisees - The church of Jesus Christ must in every time and place be ever vigilant against false teachers who pretend to be moral, love God, and teach truth, yet in reality are sinful, self-seeking fools, devoid of spiritual power, spiritual life, and spiritual truth. Because they are guilty of “speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:30), they are not to be welcomed in the name of tolerance, but rejected as “those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching” of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom. 16:17; cf. 2 Tim. 3:5; Titus 3:10; 2 John 10–11). The strong words of 2 Peter and Jude stand as the warnings to the church. (See Luke Commentary) Plotting (lying in wait - present tense = continually) (1748)(enedreuo from enedra = an ambush - Acts 25:3+, Acts 23:16+) literally means to lie in wait for, to conceal oneself in preparation for a surprise attack, to wait in ambush for someone (as used in the only other NT occurrence = Acts 23.21+ = "lying in wait"). Used in the Septuagint to describe an immoral woman lying in wait to pounce on a man (Pr 7:12). Luke uses enedreuo figuratively meaning the serpentine, sinister religious leaders were continually making make plans "to pounce on" Jesus. Enedreuo is used 18x in 17v in the Septuagint - Dt. 19:11; Jos. 8:4; Jdg. 9:25; Jdg. 9:32; Jdg. 9:34; Jdg. 9:43; Jdg. 16:2; Jdg. 21:20; 1 Sam. 15:5; 2 Sam. 3:27; Job 24:11; Job 38:40; Ps. 10:9; Prov. 7:12; Prov. 26:19; Lam. 3:10; Lam. 4:19; Deuteronomy 19:11 “But if there is a man who hates his neighbor and lies in wait for him and rises up against him and strikes him so that he dies, and he flees to one of these cities, Joshua 8:4 He commanded them, saying, “See, you are going to ambush the city from behind it. Do not go very far from the city, but all of you be ready. Judges 16:2 When it was told to the Gazites, saying, “Samson has come here,” they surrounded the place and lay in wait for him all night at the gate of the city. And they kept silent all night, saying, “Let us wait until the morning light, then we will kill him.”