October 29, 2023: A Not So Lovely Dinner Conversation - Michael Hidalgo

Jesus steps into the role of prophet in Luke 11.37-54, speaking to both Pharisees and lawyers at a dinner party. The theme of his words is simple and found right at the beginning; outwardly they are clean, but inwardly they are not. This is an apt description of hypocrisy; what you see is not what you get. Throughout the gospels it seems this is the one thing that angers Jesus more than anything.

Often, when reflecting on this, many have enjoyed pointing the finger at the Pharisees, the Teaches of the Law, the Scribes and the rest of that tribe. Perhaps this is due to the fact that we often enjoy witnessing those who believe they are good and righteous – and who proudly put that on display – get their comeuppance. However, it may be helpful to pause and consider the fact that we enjoy this. Does that not say something about our hearts? While Jesus seems to be angry over this, we must ask: Was he angry at them? Or, was he angry at the systems that enabled them to live this way?

In this teaching, we explore the legalistic impulse all of us have, and invite each and every person to look within and contrast that with what we show to others on the outside.