"Clean Cups"

N.T. #571 "Clean Cups"

June 16, 2025 

Luke 11-Part 9

LET IT GLOW

A particular Pharisee invited Jesus to his home for lunch. Ok, what's the catch? He must have had some hidden motive, right? Although, it seemed innocent enough. Maybe the guy was experiencing some conviction that his theology was wrong all those years. More likely he was wanting to challenge Jesus in his environment. 

You know Jesus did things on purpose, with a purpose. He knew it was a practice for a Pharisee to wash their hands before eating as a ritual. Yep. Over 500 years of such a practice. It had become ceremonial or ritual practice, not for hygiene. What borders on an obsessive-compulsive behavior was the expression of love for God's law by the Pharisees. 

So when Jesus reclined at the table for the meal instead of washing His hands, it must have stunned His host. At any rate, the host marvelled (to wonder) that Jesus had not washed before dinner. (verse 38) Jesus has a way with words, doesn't He? (Of course, He could read the mind of the host.) 

LET IT GROW

In verse 38, Jesus pointed out that the Pharisees were more concerned making the outside of the cup and platter cleaner than the inside. In other words, the Pharisees observed the rules and regulations of ceremonial cleanliness with polluted hearts. Also, they believed their outward deeds could cleanse their inner corruption. 

Jesus used the terms ravening (extortion) and wickedness (sins). 

Wow! Jesus let the guy have it and rightfully so. God is more concerned with the heart of a person, with their motives, and not over what is clean and unclean. Our good deeds can't clean up or forgive our sinful heart. Only Jesus' blood can do that, faith in Him as Savior, and repentance.

I wonder if Jesus ended up eating dinner or leaving the house.

LET IT GO

If we confess our sins, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness.

*Pray for Israel during this time.