Jesus Weighs In Against the Pharisees and the Lawyers

This meditation is based on a passage for October 27, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Luke 11:37-52

Reflection and Question: We don’t call this kind of person “Pharisee” any more but we still have them. They are the devout folk who are proud of doing everything decently and in order. We still have lawyers of course. Jesus weighs into both these familiar kinds of people to remind us all that little things in this life can also become idols which distract us from the specific way Jesus expects us to be and the things that Jesus expects us to do. There is no mistaking what is central for Jesus: God’s justice and love and our commitment to them. When has Jesus cried, “Woe to you!” and meant you?

Prayer: Jesus, our Savior, we know that Your words are just as much for us as for those at dinner that night. We expect sympathy when we say with them, “When you say these things you insult us too.” As You brush our whining away, have mercy. Amen.