Luke 11:38

"Now as he spoke, a certain Pharisee asked him to dine with him. He went in and sat at the table."

Key Reflection

In Luke 11:38, we see Jesus entering the home of a Pharisee who invites Him for dinner. This scene is set against the backdrop of first-century Jewish customs where meals were significant social and religious events. The Pharisee's act of inviting Jesus highlights his apparent openness to hospitality, but also sets up a potential confrontation, as this invitation comes after Jesus has just delivered harsh criticism of the Pharisees' hypocrisy and pride. By sitting at the table with the Pharisee, Jesus begins to navigate this complex social terrain, preparing for a conversation that will challenge the guest's expectations further.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 38. Saw it. Saw that he sat immediately down without washing. Marvelled. Wondered. Was amazed. It was so unusual, and in his view so improper. Had not first washed. He wondered particularly, as he had been among a mixed multitude, and they esteemed the touch of such persons polluting. They never ate, therefore, without such washing. The origin of the custom of washing with so much formality before they partook of their meals was that they did not use, as we do, knives and forks, but used their hands only. Hence, as their hands would be often in a dish on the table, it was esteemed proper that they should be washed clean before eating.

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