Luke 11:45-54

Discussion Question

In verses 37 to 54, Jesus condemns two classes of religious leaders.  He points out specific practices that have hindered belief in him. 

Why did these specific practices of the lawyers (scribes) hinder belief in Jesus?

Discussion Summary

“Woes” or judgments were next pronounced upon a new class of religious leaders.  Jesus was identifying the problems that the doctors of the law, the experts in the Hebrew Bible had which hindered their belief in him.

Verse 46: 

Religious practice had become so exacting that it was perceived in a negative rather than in a positive way.  Jesus’ way was different as he said in Matthew 11:29,30 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and by burden is light.”

Verses 47-51: 

The prophets of the Hebrew Bible had warned that religious practice meant little in God’s sight if the people’s hearts were not right.  The religious leaders did not listen to the prophet’s words, instead they built elaborate graves for them after they had died.  In effect, they were applying the prophets’ messages to the past.  They were not celebrating their life but celebrating their death.

Verses 52-55: 

The religious leaders had great knowledge of the Hebrew Bible.  They should have been sharing that knowledge with the people.  Two examples of proper sharing of knowledge are found in Nehemiah 8:5,6 and Malachi 2:7.   Instead, the religious leaders discouraged the people from believing in Jesus’ miracles and words.


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