Luke 11:37-38
While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him, so he went in and reclined at table. The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easily missed here is that Jesus accepts the invitation while he's in the middle of speaking and before he's washed. This isn't just a casual meal; it's a deliberate choice to engage with a critic immediately after confronting a crowd, signaling that his mission to confront hypocrisy extends even into the homes of those who oppose him.
Jesus had just finished teaching on prayer and then strongly rebuked the Pharisees and lawyers for their hypocrisy. A Pharisee, likely prompted by the recent public critique, invited Jesus to his home for a meal, an opportunity Jesus accepted despite knowing their likely intentions. This invitation leads directly into Jesus being confronted for not following their ritual washing traditions before eating.
Why would a Pharisee, who likely disagreed with Jesus, invite Him for a meal? It wasn't just hospitality.
The invitation wasn't born out of genuine admiration or a desire for fellowship. Instead, the Pharisee likely saw an opportunity.
A Trap in Plain Sight
Jesus knew the potential danger, yet He went. What wisdom guided His decision?
Jesus didn't decline the invitation, even knowing the Pharisee's likely intentions. His acceptance reveals a profound strategic patience and a commitment to mission.
Opportunity in Hostility
Understand the original words
Pharisaios · Greek Noun
A member of a Jewish religious and political party known for their strict adherence to the oral law and traditions, often characterized in the Gospels by their emphasis on outward ritual purity and legalistic righteousness.
This invitation to dine with a Pharisee occurs at a critical point in Jesus' ministry, where his popularity is clashing with the established religious authorities, who are looking for any reason to condemn him. Jesus' acceptance of the invitation, and his subsequent critique of their hypocrisy, highlight the tension between outward religious observance and inner heart purity.
Early to mid-1st century AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Growing Opposition
During Jesus' public ministry, his teachings and actions gained a large following but also increasingly drew criticism and hostility from religious leaders, especially the Pharisees and scribes.
Early to mid-1st century AD
Pharisaic Influence and Purity Laws
Pharisees were a prominent religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and their own extensive oral traditions, including detailed rules about ritual purity for daily life, such as washing before meals.
Early to mid-1st century AD
Jesus' Confrontations with Religious Leaders
Jesus frequently engaged in debates and confrontations with Pharisees and other religious authorities, often challenging their interpretations of the Law and their outward displays of piety that masked inner hypocrisy.
Early to mid-1st century AD
This passage describes the first recorded instance of Jesus dining with a Pharisee, highlighting his willingness to engage with those who were often his critics. It sets a precedent for the interaction in Luke 11:37, showing Jesus' consistent approach to outreach.
Matthew 11:19This verse directly addresses the criticism Jesus faced for associating with 'sinners and tax collectors.' It provides context for why Jesus' acceptance of the Pharisee's invitation in Luke 11:37 would be controversial and how it aligned with his mission to reach all people.
Luke 14:1This passage also depicts Jesus entering the house of a prominent Pharisee for a meal. It reinforces the pattern of Jesus accepting invitations from Pharisees, often using these opportunities to teach them about God's kingdom and challenge their understanding of righteousness.
1 Corinthians 10:31This verse offers a guiding principle for believers: 'whether you eat and drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.' Jesus' willingness to dine with the Pharisee, even with potential ulterior motives from the host, can be seen through this lens of seeking opportunities to glorify God and speak truth, no matter the setting.
barnesLuke 11:37: "And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat."
And as he spake - While he was addressing the people, and particularly while he was reproving that generation and declaring its crimes. A certain Pharisee - The Pharisees had been particularly referred to in the discourse of the Saviour recorded in the previous verses. This one, perhaps, having felt particularly the force of the remarks of Jesus, and being desirous of being alo…
vincentLuke 11:37: "And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat."
Besought (ἐρωτᾷ)Too strong. Better, as Rev., asketh. The present tense.Dine (ἀριστήσῃ)See on dinner, Matthew 22:4. The morning meal, immediately after the return from morning prayers in the synagogue.
What's easily missed here is that Jesus accepts the invitation while he's in the middle of speaking and before he's washed. This isn't just a casual meal; it's a deliberate choice to engage with a critic immediately after confronting a crowd, signaling that his mission to confront hypocrisy extends even into the homes of those who oppose him.
Jesus had just finished teaching on prayer and then strongly rebuked the Pharisees and lawyers for their hypocrisy. A Pharisee, likely prompted by the recent public critique, invited Jesus to his home for a meal, an opportunity Jesus accepted despite knowing their likely intentions. This invitation leads directly into Jesus being confronted for not following their ritual washing traditions before eating.
Jesus had just finished teaching on prayer and then strongly rebuked the Pharisees and lawyers for their hypocrisy. A Pharisee, likely prompted by the recent public critique, invited Jesus to his home for a meal, an opportunity Jesus accepted despite knowing their likely intentions. This invitation leads directly into Jesus being confronted for not following their ritual washing traditions before eating.
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Plotting Against Jesus
As Jesus' popularity and influence grew, some religious leaders began to actively plot how to discredit or remove him, seeking opportunities to trap him in his words or actions.
"While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him, so he went in and reclined at table. The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner." — What's easily missed here is that Jesus accepts the invitation while he's in the middle of speaking and before he's washed. This isn't just a casual meal; it's a deliberate choice to engage with…
