THURSDAY- 28^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME -A

Gospel: Luke 11:47-54: This generation will have to answer for every prophet’s blood, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah.

I Reading: Ephesians 1:1.3-10: Before the world was made, he chose us in Christ.

The Sever Charges Against Religionists, Lk 11:37-54

Most people feel that they are religious. For that reason, the religious person needs to pay close attention to what Jesus says in this passage. This religious person needs to examine his heart and life to make sure his religion is genuine. Jesus was severe in his charges against false religionists (Mt 23:1-12; 13-26; Lk 15:25-32;18:8-12; Rom 2:17-29).

1. A Pharisee invited Jesus to dine (v.37-38)

a. Jesus accepted the invitation

b. Jesus was questioned about ceremonial cleanliness

2. Charge 1: Religionists are ceremonially clean, but inwardly unclean (v.39-41)

a. They clean the outside and not the inside

b. God made both the outside and the inside (heart) of a person

c. The giving of one’s heart cleanses everything

3. Charge 2: Religionists obey God in tithing, but ignore justice and love (v.42)

4. Charge 3: Religionists crave prominence and honour (v.43)

5. Charge 4: Religionists mislead others, causing them to become unclean and corrupted (v.44)

6. Charge 5: Religionists burden men with rules and regulations (v.45-46)

a. A layer’s (an expert in the law) spiritual blindness

b. Jesus’ charge

7. Charge 6: Religionists honour the true prophets of God-so long as they are dead (v.47-51)

a. The honour of the past servants of God

b. The rejection of the present servants of God

c. The judgement to be required

8. Charge 7: Religionists have taken away the key to the truth about God (v.52)

9. Conclusion: A reaction of hostility and opposition toward Jesus (v.53-54)

Thought: The heart is the source of evil; therefore, it has to be cleansed by Christ-even the heart of the religionist.

Justice is the way we treat others. The love of God is both the love He has given us in Christ and the love we are to have for Him and others.

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