Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath and upsets the synagogue leader. There seems to be no surprise that Jesus could effect the healing of this woman, only that it was done on the Sabbath. The leader actually suggests anyone who wants to be healed should come back on a day other than the Sabbath. Jesus immediately responds to reveal his hypocrisy. Here’s the cool part in verse 17: “all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.”
Luke 13:10-17Interpreting the Times
Unable to see the turbulent spiritual battles in front of them, Jesus tells us (“he said to the crowd”) to look at the evidence in front of us. The NIV Study Bible notes provide this insight:
Luke 12:54-59Despite the insistence of the Pharisees, despite the Roman system and even despite the pressure of family, a person must accept God on his terms. The signs of the times called for immediate decision–before judgment came on the Jewish nation. NIV Study Bible, Zondervan, p.1732
Warnings and Encouragements
The crowds have gathered again and Jesus teaches on several key concepts in these 12 verses:
- hypocrisy of the Pharisees
- fear him who has authority to throw you into hell
- good or bad news for those who publicly acknowledge or disown Jesus
- blasphemy against the Holy Spirit
- support from the Holy Spirit
That’s a lot of ground to cover! Jesus provides theological details within the context of loving God above all others while giving us a peek into the triune nature of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Luke 12:1-12Woes on the Pharisees and the Experts in the Law
Woe to those who held positions of leadership, the ones who were directing God’s chosen ones down a path that would lead to destruction. The timing of Jesus ministry is wrapped up in the history of our Jewish ancestors: their system was broken. God provided laws to create order and discipline; the Pharisees added layer upon layer, ultimately to create an exclusive society that was removed from serving God. Read these words carefully and look insightfully as we consider our own systems.
Matthew 23:13-32, Luke 11:37-54Jesus accused of serving Beelzebul
“Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined…” Jesus provides strong teaching to those who accuse him of serving the “prince of demons” by explaining the impossibility of such an accusation. This passage includes some significant themes to unpack as Jesus preaches unity wrapped in the context of “those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
Today’s passage is another perspective on the accusation that Jesus was acting under the authority of Beelzebul (Satan). The reference in Matthew and Mark point to the Pharisees and teachers of the law (See insight posted here); Luke simply states “some of them said.” This post will focus on the passage in Luke where the name Beelzebul is used 4 of 9 times in the New Testament (NIV).
Luke 11:14-28The good shepherd and his sheep, Jews divided
Jesus is the gate, the good shepherd. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;” Jesus came to provide life to the full. The good shepherd is willing to lay down his life for the sheep, not so with the hired hand. In this passage Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees; some hear the lesson while others think he is insane. Odd isn’t it? Same story, same words, diametrically opposed reactions. Some things never change.
John 10:1-21Healing of a man born blind – Part 3
Jesus found the man who the Pharisees threw out of the synagogue and preaches on spiritual blindness. Some of the Pharisees heard this lesson and begin to wonder if they are blind too for they cannot seem to understand that Jesus is the Son of Man.
John 9:35-41Healing of a man born blind – Part 2
The Pharisees inquisition and excommunication of the man. Perhaps that’s a better title! The Pharisees decide to check into this matter by talking to the man who was healed, then to his parents (though his parents are not exactly the model leaders in the community). The man is questioned a second time and provides a lesson for the Pharisees that results in him getting thrown out of the synagogue. This is an amazing passage, especially this quote:
One thing I do know.
I was blind but not I see!
Sometimes it’s just that simple. What is amazing is that the Pharisees resolutely agree NOT to see, “and they threw him out.”
John 9:13-34Conflict over Jesus’ claim to be the light of the world
Jesus speaks to the people in the temple courts again, this time he says “I am the light of the world” and the Pharisees respond that Jesus is making an invalid claim because of a lack of witnesses. It’s like they’re speaking two different languages or having two completely separate conversations. The content of what is being said is ignored because of disagreement over petty arguments. Jesus continues to teach because some people are listening.
John 8:12-20
The Pharisees and Sadducees demand a sign
This brief encounter with the Pharisees and Sadducees reminds us not to test God.
Matthew 15:39-16:4, Mark 8:9b-12