“Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the plate but inside you are full of greed and wickedness”– Luke 11:39
Luke 11:39 Meaning
In this passage, Jesus directs his attention to the Pharisees, a religious group known for their strict adherence to the law. He highlights the hypocrisy they exhibit by focusing on outward appearances while neglecting the moral and spiritual state within. The imagery of cleaning the outside of a cup and plate contrasts sharply with what is hidden inside. This reflects how we, too, can become fixated on external behaviors and appearances, forgetting that true purity begins within our hearts. We may find ourselves worrying more about how we look to others than about our true spiritual condition. When Jesus speaks about greed and wickedness, he urges us to reflect on our inner thoughts and intentions.
This verse challenges us to consider our priorities. Are we more concerned about how we appear, or are we striving to cultivate a relationship with God that transforms our heart and soul? The call here is not just to modify our behavior externally but to undergo internal change. When we focus on our inner selves, we genuinely grow closer to God and live authentic lives.
Luke 11:39 Commentary and Explanation
When we read this verse, we are reminded of the importance of integrity in our faith. Jesus’ statement serves as a wake-up call for us. He is not just criticizing the Pharisees for their actions but for their failure to recognize the need for inner transformation. We might attend church, volunteer our time, and do good deeds, but if our hearts are selfish or filled with negative thoughts, we miss the true essence of our faith. The transformation of the heart should be our primary goal.
In our lives, it can be easy to put on a façade, pretending that everything is alright while inside, we might be battling with greed, jealousy, bitterness, or pride. Jesus is inviting us to assess our inner thoughts and feelings instead of merely trying to impress those around us. Realizing this helps us grow and allows God to work in us.
The call to internal cleansing is a call to humility and self-examination. In Psalm 139:23-24, we read, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” When we invite God to examine our hearts, we develop a more profound relationship with Him and grow spiritually.
Thinking about inner purity leads us to reflect on our values and priorities. It’s essential to ask ourselves: Are we living from a place of genuine faith or merely trying to go through the motions? When we align our inner beliefs with our outward actions, true change occurs. This transformation can radiate into other aspects of our lives – our relationships, our work, and how we treat others. We then become vessels of God’s love, kindness, and service without longing for recognition.
Context of Luke 11:39
This verse occurs in a larger conversation Jesus has during a meal with the Pharisees. This setting is significant. The Pharisees were hammering Jesus with their rules and interpretations of the law while missing the heart of God’s commandments. In this context, we understand that Jesus desires not merely compliance to laws but a heartfelt connection with God.
Earlier in the chapter, Jesus emphasizes the power of prayer and the necessity of asking God for help (Luke 11:5-13). He built a case for authentic relationships with God rather than merely satisfying rituals or observances. The passage on cleaning the inside of the cup comes as a culmination of these teachings – an invitation to examine ourselves critically rather than just a mere checklist of religious duties.
In our journey, we cannot dismiss this context. Jesus is showing us that following God requires action, but that action needs to come from a sincere heart —a heart that seeks God genuinely. This passage leads us toward understanding that spiritual life is more than rules; it is about the relationship with God. When we allow the Holy Spirit to work inside of us, we can live a life that honors God authentically.
As modern believers, we can learn from this dialogue. We live side-by-side with distractions and societal pressures. Jesus reminds us during these times to refocus our minds and hearts on Him, making sure that we are not just cleaning the outside but renewing our hearts daily.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Luke 11:39
The cup and plate: When Jesus uses these ordinary objects as metaphors, He relates to everyday life. Cups and plates symbolize nourishment and communion. By addressing the cleanliness of these items, He is effectively asking about the purity of our lives and what we offer to others. Are we feeding ourselves and others good values, kindness, and love, or are we serving bitterness and appearances?
Greed and wickedness: These two words highlight the root of the Pharisees’ failings. Greed represents the desire for more, be it power, prestige, or possessions. Wickedness implies moral corruption. When the inner life is a breeding ground for these negative qualities, it becomes impossible to truly love and serve others. We must ask ourselves: What motivates our actions? Are we driven by genuine love, or are we seeking validation and satisfaction from exterior appearances?
External vs internal: Jesus draws a clear distinction here. Our relationship with God should lead to a holistic change — one that reflects both internally and externally. We cannot separate how we feel inside from how we act on the outside. The heart of the matter lies within us, and when our inner lives are transformed, our outward lives will naturally follow.
Lessons From Luke 11:39
This passage invites us to self-reflection. We should assess our motivations, our actions, and our relationship with God. Here are some essential lessons we can take away:
1. Authenticity in Faith: Being genuine in our relationship with God is vital. We shouldn’t just focus on displays of faith; rather, we should cultivate a heart that is aligned with God’s will. One way we can live this lesson out is by committing time to prayer and reading the Word, focusing on what God wants us to learn rather than just looking to fulfill obligations.
2. Importance of the Inner Life: What’s happening inside is just as, if not more important than, what is visible to the world. We should spend time nurturing our inner thoughts, ensuring we grow in love, joy, peace, and kindness, traits that reflect our connection to God. When we work on inner cultivation, the fruits of the spirit will manifest in our actions.
3. Guarding Against Hypocrisy: We must be careful not to become like the Pharisees. It is easy to fall into the trap of outward compliance without heart transformation. Let us regularly seek to examine ourselves against God’s truth, ensuring we cultivate integrity in every aspect of our lives.
4. Striving for Holistic Growth: Our faith journey should not just involve actions but should encompass our thoughts, emotions, and desires. When we surrender all parts of ourselves to God, He works within us to create a harmonious relationship with Him — one that manifests in love for our neighbors and a commitment to justice.
5. Practical Application: We are called to act on what we learn. Acts of service and kindness not only honor God but allow others to witness genuinely transformed lives. Our lives should be a testament of God’s work within us, offering healing and hope to those we encounter.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Luke 11:39, let us not forget the vital importance of our inner lives. Cleaning the outside of the cup is merely a reflection of how we often try to present an image to the world, but God sees beyond that. He sees our hearts and knows our true motivations. The challenge today is to align our outer actions with the inner changes that God desires for us.
Let us invite God to examine our hearts, to cleanse our thoughts, and to transform our attitudes. Remember that genuine faith ignites a passion for living out love, kindness, and service for others. As we strive to mirror our inner purity in the way we go about our daily lives, we become reflections of God’s grace and truth in a world that desperately needs it.
For further exploration of important lessons from scripture, consider reading about advocating for others or the insights on Luke 11:25 for additional context. Remember, as we grow in our faith, we enrich not only our lives but those around us.