How can we avoid the Pharisees' hostility towards Jesus in Luke 11:53? Setting the Scene: Luke 11:53 “When Jesus left there, the scribes and Pharisees began to oppose Him fiercely and to besiege Him with questions.” Diagnosing the Pharisees’ Heart • Pride: They resented correction (Proverbs 13:10). • Self-righteousness: Trusted in their own law-keeping instead of God’s mercy (Luke 18:9). • Fear of losing influence: Jesus’ authority threatened their status (John 11:48). • Closed ears: Rejected plain evidence of His works (John 12:37-40; Isaiah 6:9-10). • Hypocrisy: Focused on appearances, neglecting inner holiness (Matthew 23:25-28). What Sparks Hostility Toward Jesus Today 1. Comfortable religion that avoids repentance. 2. Intellectual assent without submission (James 2:19). 3. Traditions elevated over Scripture (Mark 7:8-9). 4. Unwillingness to relinquish control of life decisions (Luke 9:23). 5. Selective hearing—embracing the parts of Jesus’ teaching we like, resisting the rest (John 6:60-66). Practical Steps to Keep Our Hearts Soft • Embrace Humility – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) – Regularly confess dependence on Christ (Psalm 51:17). • Pursue Inner Transformation – Submit every thought to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). – Invite the Spirit to search and reveal hidden motives (Psalm 139:23-24). • Stay Teachable – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.” (James 1:19) – Welcome biblical correction, even when it stings (Proverbs 15:31-32). • Prioritize Love over Appearances – Fulfill the “weightier matters” of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). – Serve others anonymously; resist craving recognition (Matthew 6:1-4). • Anchor Traditions to Scripture – Examine customs in light of God’s Word (Acts 17:11). – Release any practice that contradicts clear teaching (Colossians 2:8). • Practice Ongoing Repentance – Keep short accounts with God; repent quickly when convicted (1 John 1:9). – Cultivate a lifestyle of obedience, not perfectionism (John 14:15). • Focus on Relationship, Not Mere Religion – Abide in Christ daily (John 15:4-5). – Delight in His presence more than public image (Philippians 3:7-10). Living Out Humble Orthodoxy • Hold firmly to biblical truth while displaying gentleness (2 Timothy 2:24-25). • Allow doctrine to fuel worship, not arrogance (1 Corinthians 8:1-3). • Measure success by faithfulness to Christ, not by human applause (Galatians 1:10). Guarding against the Pharisaic spirit is less about avoiding ancient villains and more about daily surrender. A humble, teachable, loving heart will not oppose Jesus; it will rejoice to walk with Him. |
    |