Luke 11

> This chapter has been part of the church's bible quizing teams
> memorization and so I have read and reread this chapter many times.
> In the end, what stands out most in this chapter is the number of
> times Jesus' authority is challenged by the Pharisees. They claim he
> casts out devils through Beelzebub. They are amazed that he does not
> wash his hands before dinner. They urge him to continue speaking
> hoping they can catch him saying something they can use against him.
>
> It reminds us that we Christian men are always being watched
> carefully and sometimes challenged for what we believe. We must
> always be aware that there are those at work and in our private
> lives that do not agree with us and are looking to find fault with
> our lifestyle and what we say.
>
> Jesus always responded to his critics with scripture rightly
> divided. He destroyed their argument concerning casting out demons
> with his famous "house divided" response. He rebuked the Pharisees
> for their emphasis on external cleanliness by exposing their
> internal callousness and pride. He chastised them for the murder of
> God's appointed prophets in the name of preserving their religion.
>
> We men of the church know that their will always be opposition to
> our lifestyle and standards until Jesus comes again. This culture
> stands opposed to our values. But these stories remind us that Jesus
> stood up to his adversaries and we must as well.
>
> Paul Pixley