Luke 11

In this passage, we see Jesus interacting with three groups of people who had interest in his ministry: his disciples, the crowd, and the Pharisees. They all had lots of questions (and opinions) about what Jesus was up to. Let’s look at how Jesus addresses each of these groups, and the instruction he gives to them. 

We know from chapters 1 and 2 of Luke’s biography that Jesus is the Jewish messiah, coming to rescue Israel. But at the same time, Jesus’ birth demonstrated that he also came for the lowly and outcast people. As the Jewish Messiah, one might expect him to have shown special attention to the Jewish Pharisees. However, these interactions show that Jesus gives his attention to all three groups, giving them all a glimpse at the kingdom life available to them, even though for some, it is a harsh truth. 

Let’s look at what Jesus teaches each of these groups. 

The Disciples: 

These folks had been following Jesus for some time, and had interest in the kingdom life He offered. Through his teaching on prayer, Jesus affirms the identity of his followers - referring to them like children of God. In verse 13, he even tells them that they have access to the Holy Spirit through prayer. 

This passage can often get conflated with the idea of God as a prayer-granting Santa Clause. But here in the text Jesus compares the “good gifts” that a parent can give a child to the gift of the Holy Spirit to followers of Jesus. In doing so, he implies that the power of the Holy Spirit (God himself) is the ultimate gift. Jesus prompts his disciples to lean into their identity as children of God with access to the Spirit of God through prayer. Notice that this group is not the Pharisees, who would consider themselves the true heirs of God, but a socially and ethnically mixed group who decided to give up their kingdom to pursue Jesus’. 

The Crowd:

The crowd is intrigued by Jesus, but also skeptical and critical in this passage. To this group, Jesus takes seriously their curiosities and questions (he even addresses them before they are are spoken). He casts out a demon in front of them, revealing the authority from God he has to do such things. 

At the same time, he is honest about their lostness, calling their generation “wicked” and firmly proclaiming that He is the greater Jonah and Solomon. This shows that Jesus desires to show his power to the crowds, but for the sake of drawing them to God through Himself. He wants them to know that he is not just another teacher or prophet or wise person, but the culmination of the story of reconciliation that God is creating. 

The Pharisees:

While Jesus might’ve had some difficult words for the crowds. They seem tame compared to the warnings he has for the Pharisees. He exposes their hypocrisy, telling them that while they had the appearance of closeness to God - the things that truly make one close to God are missing from their life. Jesus is teaching that in God’s Kingdom there is genuine love, justice, and generosity. The Pharisees are waiting for a Messiah to restore God’s kingdom, but fail to recognize that Jesus, the one who embodies this kingdom is that Messiah. 

For us as modern readers, there is probably one group of people that we identify more closely with. 

Do you struggle with remembering your identity as a child of God? Do you have a hard time believing that you have spiritual power through the Spirit? Do you struggle to believe God loves you because of the things you have done? If so, take some time to read and meditate on Jesus' words to the disciples. Journal about what God could be speaking to you through this teaching. 

Do you find yourself intrigued by Jesus, yet still angsty at Him sometimes? Do you struggle to believe that Jesus still sees you and loves you in this tension? Take some time to read and meditate on Jesus’ words to the crowd. Journal about what God could be speaking to you through this teaching. 

Do you tend to do the “right things” but feel far from God? Do people around you feel unloved by you? Do you tend to ignore or remain apathetic matters of justice in your city? Take some time to read and meditate on Jesus’ words to the Pharisees. Journal about what God could be speaking to you through this teaching. 

May we be people who hear these words of Jesus, listen, and obey.