Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor at St. Paul and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Churches in Austin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Luke 11:37-54.
Opposition to Jesus continues to rise as He journeys toward Jerusalem. His refusal to participate in the ritual washings of the Pharisees draws their astonishment, providing an opportunity for the Lord to call them away from their idolatry of self-righteousness. He strikes at the heart of Pharisaical distinctives when He speaks woe against their outward cleansing and tithing down to the last herb. They are unmarked graves because they only strive for an outward holiness of their own making rather than the cleansing that comes from the Lord’s Word. When a lawyer wonders if Jesus means to insult them as well, Jesus doubles down on His woes. Not only do the lawyers fail to help others enter the kingdom of God, but they kill the prophets whom God sends to preach the truth. After Jesus finishes His discourse, the Pharisees and scribes continue to look for a way to trap Jesus. As the Lord continues His journey to Jerusalem, He will give a faithful answer every time on His way to die and rise and win salvation by grace alone for sinners.
“The Beloved Physician’s Orderly Account” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Luke. The Evangelist wrote his well-researched account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection so that Theophilus would have certainty concerning the things he had been taught. As we still read the Word of God recorded by St. Luke, our gracious Lord gives us that same certainty that Jesus is our Savior.
