Commentary on Luke 11:39
Scripture: Luke 11:39 - "And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness."
Introduction
In Luke 11:39, Jesus Christ addresses the Pharisees' hypocrisy with a striking metaphor. He contrasts the outward cleanliness of their practices with the inward filth of their hearts. This verse serves as a profound reflection on the nature of true piety and the importance of inner purity over mere external compliance to rituals and laws.
Commentary Insights
Matthew Henry’s Commentary
Matthew Henry emphasizes the contrast between external appearances and internal realities. He states that the Pharisees were diligent in maintaining their ceremonial cleanliness while neglecting the moral implications of their actions. Their focus on the outward was a reflection of their hearts, which were steeped in “ravening and wickedness.”
- Hypocrisy of the Pharisees: Henry highlights the severe hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who outwardly appeared righteous but were inwardly corrupt.
- Symbolism of the Cup: The cup symbolizes not only the practices of ritual purity but also the hearts of individuals.
- The Call to Inner Purity: He urges readers to reflect on their own lives, admonishing them to prioritize the condition of their hearts over mere ritualistic observances.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Albert Barnes provides a thorough analysis of the contexts and implications of Jesus' statement. He notes that the Pharisees’ practices were manufactured to showcase their piety, which ultimately masked their true nature.
- Outward Cleanliness vs. Inward Corruption: Barnes asserts that the focus on the 'outward cup' indicates a tendency to maintain appearances while neglecting inner spiritual health.
- Spiritual Application: He encourages believers to examine their actions and motives, stressing that God values the heart more than the outward show of religion.
- Rejection of Ritualism: Barnes highlights Jesus’ critique of ritualism; he suggests that it is not the rituals themselves that are problematic but the neglect of their ethical and spiritual significance.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Adam Clarke presents a detailed exposition that illustrates the cultural and religious backdrop of this confrontation. He observes that the Pharisees were among the most respected religious leaders, and yet their hearts were distant from God.
- Piled Plates of Piety: Clarke illustrates that the Pharisees’ emphasis on ritual cleanliness was akin to ipreparing food on clean plates while the cook's hands were dirty.
- Condition of the Heart: He links the purity of the heart with genuine worship, emphasizing that true faith manifests in actions stemming from a healthy inward disposition.
- Cultural Relevance: Clarke suggests this critique is pertinent to all cultures and religious systems, inviting an examination of how outward practices can sometimes obscure true faith.
Theological Reflections
The implications of this verse stretch far beyond the time of Christ. The essence of Jesus' words resonates powerfully in today's world where many struggle with maintaining an appearance of righteousness while neglecting the transformative work of the Gospel within their hearts.
- The Nature of True Religion: True religion is relational and fundamentally inner; it must spring from a heart changed by grace.
- Hypocrisy in the Church: There is a cautionary note here for modern-day believers regarding the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of sincerity in faith.
- Personal Examination: Each individual is encouraged to introspect honestly about their spiritual life, discerning whether they are more concerned with what others see rather than what God sees.
Conclusion
Luke 11:39 lays bare the tension between outward religion and inward spirituality. It serves as both a warning and an encouragement to pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars alike to prioritize the condition of their hearts. The call to purity is powerful and ongoing; it reminds us that genuine faith is evidenced through actions that flow from a heart aligned with God. In recognizing and addressing the 'ravening and wickedness' within, believers can cultivate a more authentic relationship with Christ, marked by love and holiness.
