Scripture: Luke 11:37-38
While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to share a meal with him, so Jesus went and took his place at the table. When the Pharisee saw that Jesus didn’t ritually purify his hands by washing before the meal, he was astonished.
Thought for the Day: Jesus was often at odds with some of the religious establishment, including some of the Pharisees. In this case, the story appears to begin on a positive note – an invitation to share in a meal. The Pharisee notices that Jesus does not wash himself prior to the meal in what was considered proper. The Pharisee’s response was to be astonished. That’s an interesting word to use, and the actual Greek word we translate as astonished is Thaumazo, which comes from the Greek word that means to view attentively. What I hear is someone who is surprised by what he sees. I think we demonize the Pharisees, when in fact, they were doing what they had been taught all their lives. How many of us have done something or believed something, in part, because it was what we were taught to believe all our lives? And the first time we were challenged, our reaction was to be astonished, surprised, shocked. It doesn’t make us bad people. Change usually takes time, and Jesus challenges this Pharisee and others at the gathering pretty harshly. And time is necessary for us as well, along with some discomfort, assuming change actually happens. The process by which we get from point A to point B can be troubling, even producing some anger. If it comes too easy or quickly, it probably isn’t real. If the change is going to stick, then it needs some struggle and strain.
Prayer: I know there are things within me that need to be challenged. Be gracious with me, O Lord, as you do the necessary pushing for me to grow as a disciple of Jesus. Amen.
TOMORROW
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