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Lk 11:14 If the person could not speak, casting out the demon was beyond the capability of the Jews. When Jesus could cast a demon out of a person who couldn't speak, they were amazed because for them it was required for the demon to identify itself. If the person couldn't speak, the demon couldn't identify itself and thus they couldn't cast it out.
Lk 11:15 The refused to believe in the power of God - they looked for any way to avoid the conclusion that God standing before them. Why? Because if He is who He claimed to be, they would be accountable, and they didn't want to be.
The same situation happens today with the so-called "skeptics". Unfortunately, that's an improper label for many of them. We are all called to be skeptics (Acts 17:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:21). But a difference exists between a skeptic (someone who questions and desires explanations), and a cynic (whose goal is to not believe no matter what the facts say - "don't confuse me with facts, my mind is made up"). What a grand goal it would be for more of the church to be skeptics. Many of the problems with erroneous doctrine would disappear, and the cults would have far fewer people to prey on.
But back to the cynic. The people in this story had first hand evidence of Jesus' deity. They just refused to believe it. There is quite a difference between a "doubting Thomas", and someone who has been presented with evidence but refuses to acknowledge it. In the next few verses Jesus will logically take apart their argument, but did it make a difference to them? Probably not. Their answer is not recorded for us, but they didn't acknowledge their logical error.
Some people just won't believe no matter what you say. But it's not our job to convert anyone. It's only our job to present the Gospel. What people do with it is up to them. If they reject Jesus as Lord, fine. It's their choice.
Lk 11:16 A sign? He just did the impossible (casting a demon out of a person who couldn't speak). Yet they want "a sign from heaven". Could this be a possible slander on their part? (Previously they attributed Jesus' miracles to satan).
Lk 11:17-18 A rebuttal of their claim. If a nation fights among themselves, can that nation stand? Of course not. If satan is divided amongst satan, he can't stand either. It's illogical to believe Jesus casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.
Lk 11:19 Another rebuttal. If Jesus does cast out demons by the power of satan, by what power do the Jews do it? They certainly would not admit they were using stanic power! Their whole argument is absurd.
Lk 11:20 Thus, Jesus works by the power of God, so they should know and recognize God is walking among them; they didn't want to admit that.
Lk 11:23 There is no middle ground. You are either for or against Jesus. To not decide is to be against Him. Jesus isn't a neutral subject. You can talk of religion in general or specifically Buddha or Mohammed and the crowd is fine, but at the mention of Jesus they get up tight.
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15 KJV)
Lk 11:24-26 A void will be filled. What it's filled with is up to you. Either Jesus can fill it, or demons can.
Lk 11:27 A diversion of the glory to Mary. Nowhere in the Bible is Mary elevated in status.
I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images. (Isaiah 42:8)
Lk 11:28 Jesus does not elevate Mary to a special status, but instead returns to the real issue.
Lk 11:29-30 "sign of Jonah" - Jonah was the reluctant prophet, until he enrolled in God's prophet development program. The sign of Jonah is not only about three days in the belly of the whale, but also speaks of the need for a sacrifice (Jonah 1:12,15), and the insufficiency of works (Jonah 1:13).
The people of Nineveh believed Jonah and his word without any physical evidence. Yet here was God in the flesh performing the impossible and the people rejected Him.
Lk 11:31-32 You are responsible for the knowledge you have. Since they had direct revelation from Jesus, they will have the greater accountability.
Lk 11:33
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:12)
Lk 11:34-36 The light comes from outside the eye. This directly contradicts those "new age" teachers telling you to search for your "inner light". As Jesus says here, beware the light within you is not really darkness. Jesus also tells them to "take heed" - a warning that it is their responsibility to respond to the light; the light shines equally on all. Why don't people respond?
whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. (2 Corinthians 4:4 NKJV)
who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. (Ephesians 4:19 NKJV)
Lk 11:37-38 The Pharisee was surprised Jesus didn't wash before dinner. This doesn't mean Jesus had his hands dirty - the Pharisees had an elaborate ceremonial washing they performed before eating. Jesus just ignored their ceremony; this would have offended the Pharisee.
Jesus was extremely anti-religion. Many people identify Jesus as a "religious leader" yet here again He shows His dislike for religion.
Lk 11:39-40 The Pharisees were hypocrites - they were not what they pretended to be. In Ezekiel chapter eight we have an example. The entire chapter speaks of various kinds of abominations the Israelites were doing, but for a brief idea look at the following verse from that chapter.
So He brought me into the inner court of the Lord's house; and there, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs toward the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east, and they were worshiping the sun toward the east. (Ezekiel 8:16 NKJV)
Just as they could not hide their inner abominations from the Lord, so to the Pharisees could not hide from God what they held on the inside, even though on the outside they were "clean".
Lk 11:41-42 Jesus doesn't say their actions are bad, just that they neglected things they should have been doing. Looking at other passages in the Bible tells us what we should be doing.
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8 NKJV)
"And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." (Mark 12:33 NKJV)
Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:10 NKJV)
Lk 11:43 Pride. See Proverbs 28:25, 6:17, 11:2, 13:10, 16:18 1 John 2:16
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18 NKJV)
Lk 11:44 Here was a Pharisee who was probably offended Jesus didn't ceremonially wash before dinner, and Jesus compares them to graves. Walking over a grave ceremonially defiles a person, so before major Jewish feasts all the graves were painted white so no one would inadvertently stumble over them and be defiled. Jesus is saying the Pharisees are causing the people to defile themselves! It's no wonder they got mad at Him.
Lk 11:45 After the Pharisees, a lawyer (an expert in the Mosaic law) questions Jesus - he doesn't want to be lumped in with the group of the Pharisees. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Lk 11:46 What the lawyers did was give the people legalism - rules about God and how they were to live their life. But of course the lawyers themselves, being experts, knew how to get around their own rules.
Lk 11:47-48 By making elaborate tombs for the prophets, perhaps they were trying to make amends for their ancestors actions. More on this in Matthew.
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers! (Matt 23:29-32 NKJV)
Lk 11:49-51 The greatest prophet was standing before them, and they didn't believe Him either, just as their forefathers didn't believe any of the prophets either. They had a greater responsibility.
Abel was killed in Genesis 4:8 and Zechariah in 2 Chronicles 24:20-21.
Lk 11:52 The lawyers were false teachers. They didn't enter in to the knowledge of the truth, and they prevented those who wanted to from entering. Of all the possible sin, preventing people from knowing the truth about salvation is perhaps the worst in the eyes of God.
Notice again the anti-religious stance of Jesus.
Lk 11:53-54 No one ever talked to the Pharisees and lawyers this way. After all, they had standing in the community.
Lk 12:1 This summarizes the previous discourse with the Pharisees and lawyers. Their problems were rooted in pride - that they were somehow better than everyone else. The leaven is a type for sin - it corrupts by puffing up.
Lk 12:2-3 Recall Ezekiel chapter eight. The Pharisees thought no one would know about their private life, but it will become known. God knows the private and secret things we think no one knows.
Lk 12:4-5 "friends" - compare this term with the words used for the Pharisees. But note where wisdom starts - with the reverence of God.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)
Lk 12:6-7 Yet for all His power, the Lord gives us a special place.
Lk 12:8-9 You don't have to be a Billy Graham, yet if you continually deny Jesus, you aren't a Christian.
Lk 12:10 The unpardonable sin. Recall earlier discussion about the unpardonable sin (page 50).
Lk 12:11-12 Don't be anxious. This does not mean pastors should not study for their messages.
Lk 12:13 Not having official courts, the rabbis handled legal disputes.
Lk 12:14 "you" is plural. The real problem is greed, not the legal dispute.
Lk 12:15 Greed is the problem. We've recently seen Fox network launch a show called "Tower of Greed". But how do you know if you are affected - what is greed? Greed is wanting a little more of what you already have enough of - when you're only satisfied with a little bit more.
Lk 12:16-21 As Jesus often does, he tells a parable to illustrate His point. This man already had plenty (16), and was so blessed he couldn't store his crops (17). Instead of thinking about people who are less fortunate, he wants to hoard it(18). His plan is then to rest (19), but God has different plans.
We don't know how long we have on this earth - it could be many years, it could be days. This does not mean we should life carelessly or not plan for the future (we should), yet it must not become the all-important goal in our life. We must have a balance between charity and our 401k. It's right and proper to prepare for retirement, yet it must not be at the expense of the poor and needy around us.
There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches. (Proverbs 13:7 NKJV)
Money is just a tool for God's work, yet our society places too much importance on goods and money than is proper. Ask yourself this question: What is harder for God to get, funny paper with green ink or a person whose life is lived all-out for God?
Yet money is not the root of all evil; some people believe any rich person is beyond salvation. This false idea comes from a misquote of 1 Timothy 6:10. Money is not evil, lack of money does not mean God has not blessed you. Just be happy where God has placed you and use the tools you've been given.
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: (Philippians 4:11 NKJV)
Lk 12:22-24 We should not worry about clothes and such but concentrate on doing the work of God
Lk 12:25-26 Since you can't do anything about it, don't be anxious. This also doesn't mean not to plan for the future, just don't be anxious for it. God will guide and provide for you. Of course, this doesn't mean you'll be driving a Lexus.
Lk 12:27-28 Maintain perspective.
Lk 12:29-30 God already knows before we ask.
Lk 12:31 Our job. "These things" refers back to verses 29-30. If we do our part, God will provide the rest.
Lk 12:33-34 It's not bad to own things as long as the possessions don't own you. I once heard a pastor say the best thing you can to with a new car is take your key and run it down the side - that way it won't become an idol for you. (Not that I recommend that action, but if you think about it for a while you'll get the point he was making).
Lk 12:35-36 How to avoid greed (13-21) and worry (22-34)? Be expecting Jesus' return. If you believed Jesus would return in the next five minutes you wouldn't worry about your car. Always think "would I want to be doing this when Jesus returns?"
Lk 12:37 This is backwards. The master should be sitting and served by the disciples. But Jesus leads by example and gives us a lesson in leadership - to be the servant of all. See also the episode of Jesus washing the disciples feet in John 13:4-7
Lk 12:38 9-12 AM or 12-3AM.
Lk 12:39 Life is uncertain.
Lk 12:40 Do you believe Jesus will return in the next hour? Good! For he will return at a time when you don't expect it.
Lk 12:42-43 It is required of stewards they be faithful in executing their stewardship. We are stewards of talents and gifts from God - don't bury them but use them.
Lk 12:44 Rewards for good work and faithful stewardship. But why do we get rewards for just doing what we should do?
"So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'" (Luke 17:10 NKJV)
Lk 12:45-46 Don't be lazy or think you won't be accountable.
Lk 12:47 Degrees of punishment. To whom much is given, much is required.
"For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14 NKJV)
Lk 12:49 Fire is used to purify metals and also is used as an analogy for how the Lord will purify his people. Yet would the metal say "yippe, this purifying is fun". No. The trials and such the Lord allows in our life to purify it sometimes aren't fun. Yet they are needed. An interesting note is how the person purifying metal knew he was done. He was done when he saw his reflection in the metal. As we become more pure people see less of us and more of Jesus.
I will bring the one-third through the fire, Will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, 'This is My people'; And each one will say, 'The LORD is my God.'"(Zechariah 13:9 NKJV)
He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the LORD An offering in righteousness. (Malachi 3:3 NKJV)
Yet fire is not only to purify, but to test our works.
each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. (1 Corinthians 3:13 NKJV)
Just after speaking of the proper role of stewardship comes a warning: It's not just what you do, it's why you do it. Good acts for the wrong motive don't count.
Lk 12:50 Duty - sometimes it's not fun and requires a sacrifice. We are required to speak forth the Word of God.
(Acts 4:20 NKJV) "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
(1 Corinthians 9:16 NKJV) For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!
Paul reminds Timothy to be ready "in season and out of season" (2 Timothy 4:2). But the Greek better reads whether it's convenient or inconvenient. Sometimes what God calls us to isn't convenient.
Lk 12:52 For or against Jesus - it's your choice.
Lk 12:54-56 We can see the weather, yet ignore the clearer signs from God. Why does this happen to people? Because the god of this world has blinded them to the truth.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18 NKJV)
Lk 12:57-59 In such an event, not only is it tragic on it's own, but it also limits the person's future opportunites.
Lk 13:1 We don't know exactly what event this refers to, but Pilate and the Jews were not exactly friends. Any Jewish revolt would be violently put down, and perhaps the people killed.
Lk 13:2 Here were people who (probably) were in active revolt - did they get what the deserved? Was it because of their sin they were killed? Jesus says no.
Lk 13:3 Focus on the issue - all are sinners in need of repentance.
Lk 13:4 These were innocent people - was this tragedy because of their sin? Again, no.
Lk 13:5 Jesus again returns to the real issue - all are sinners. You can't look at the events of a persons life and say their situation is due to sin or God's anger with them. It's true sometimes God will judge people, but just because someone has cancer doesn't mean they are in judgement. This was the problem with Job's friends - they felt because Job was suffering so much it must be the judgement of God. Yet they didn't have the benefit of Job chapters one and two where we see what was really going on.
In the same way as Job's friends, we don't always see what's going on behind the scenes - be very careful about jumping to conclusions from a person's situation.
Lk 13:6-9 According to Leviticus 19:23-25, you didn't eat the fruit of a tree for the first three years, and the fruit from the fourth year belonged to the Lord. This person will wait seven years for the fruit of his tree - that is why he was frustrated.
Yet we also see the patience of our Lord - even though this tree was unproductive, it is given more time to produce, just as we are many times given a second or third chance. However, the patience and forgiveness of God must never be taken as acceptance. This tree was given one more year, and if no fruit comes, it will be cut down. A time does exist when the judgement of God comes.
This should serve as a checkpoint for us - are we bearing fruit? Each Christian has been given at least one spiritual gift - are you using it?
Lk 13:10-11 This woman was in the synagogue with Jesus. Think about that - after eighteen years of sickness she still seeks the Lord in the synagogue. How many people lose hope and dedication to the Lord after only a few weeks or months? The Lord has His own timing and it's not ours.
Lk 13:12-13 The woman is healed and praises God - it's a natural response. But she didn't question and say "why did you wait 18 years?".
But only Jesus can free her from her sickness.
Lk 13:14 But we see a much different reaction from the ruler of the synagogue. Instead of praising God for the miraculous healing he wants to argue about petty laws. Too many people want to argue about trival issues - pre-trib and post-trib, predestination and free-will - and satan will only be too happy to help you in your crusade against your fellow brother -showing him how wrong he is. What a waste of time. We need to focus on the important - praising God - and not get bogged down in trivial issues.
Of course, this does not mean we just abandon doctrine and say everyone in any religion is accepted by God, but just that we can't split churches over minor issues. Let's worry about the big stuff, and don't sweat the small stuff.
Lk 13:15-16 Anyone would help their animal, didn't this woman deserve as much? The leader was embarrassed by his response, and rightfully so. People are more important than religious law.
Lk 13:18-19 We've already covered this in Matthew chapter 13. But recall this parable is about the unnatural growth of the church, so much that birds come and nest in its branches.
This parable reveals the outward growth of the organized church. The church and the world have become horribly mixed. There has been real integration between man in the church and man in the world. They live and act very much alike in our day. The Christian should be salt in the world, not mustard[1]
This parable teaches of the external corruption caused by unnecessary and unnatural growth.
Lk 13:20-21 Also covered in Matthew chapter 13. The Gospel is represented by meal - meal is made form grain or seed, and we know seed is the Word of God. Thus we have corruption hidden inside the Gospel, or a prediction of false teachers inside the church. And don't we see the rise of cults and others who preach some (or most) of the Bible, but then twist parts of it to suit them?
This parable speaks of the internal corruption of the church.
[1] McGee, J. Vernon Matthew Chapters 1-13 page 188
This page is historical only and contains old content. Please see our main site for current content.