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Luke Chapter Eleven

                             

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Teachings and Warnings of the Son of Man the Savior

I. He taught them to pray (v.1-13).

II. He taught them the knowledge of casting out demons (v.14-26).

III. He taught them the knowledge of the true blessing------hearing the word of God and keeping it (v.27-28).

IV. He taught them the knowledge of sign (v.29-32).

V. The words of warnings:

  A. We should examine ourselves to make our eyes good and then the whole body will be full of light (v.33-36).

  B. We shouldn’t clean the outward part only and we should also clean the inner part (v.37-41).

  C. He warned the Pharisees of six woes (v.42-54).

 

II. Verse by Verse commentary

 

Luke. 11:1 “Now it came to pass as He was praying in a certain place when He ceased that one of His disciples said to Him Lord teach us to pray as John also taught his disciples.’”

   YLT: “And it came to pass in his being in a certain place praying as he ceased a certain one of his disciples said unto him `Sir teach us to pray as also John taught his disciples.’”

   Literal Meaning: “Now it came to pass as He was praying in a certain place when He ceased” It shows the features of the prayer of the Lord Jesus: 1) there is a certain place; 2) for a certain thing; 3) it could be heard; 4) there is a period of time. The ordinary Christians always neglect this kind of prayer that one finds a period of time and prays for a certain thing practically in a voice.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord set a good example with His own conduct in the life of prayer and this made His disciples yearn for prayer. Therefore they came to ask the Lord to instruct them. This is a good way to encourage others.

2) The testimony of our life is the best platform. Believers do not have to persuade sinners to be far from sins. As long as they live the life of holiness before men men will be naturally attracted to seek the key of the holy life.

3) Usually we do not know what we should pray (Rom. 8:26) and therefore we should “ask the Lord to teach us to pray” with a heart that is willing to be instructed. 

4) The disciples asked the Lord to teach them to pray and the Lord answered them immediately and taught them (See v.2). It shows that the desire to learn to pray is acceptable to the Lord and it will be fulfilled assuredly.

 

Luke. 11:2 “So He said to them When you pray say: Our Father in heaven Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.

   YLT: “And he said to them ‘When ye may pray say ye: Our Father who art in the heavens; hallowed be Thy name: Thy reign come; Thy will come to pass as in heaven also on earth;”

Literal Meaning: “when you pray say” the Lord did not want us to recite exactly according to the prayer. What He did was to give us an example of prayer and to teach us the principle of prayer.

“Our Father in heaven” Only the children of God who are born from above could pray in this manner.

“Hallowed be Your name.” To the Jews “name” stands for one’s uniqueness. Here it indicates God’s character and nature. This sentence means that God should be exalted above all in the hearts of all men.

“Your kingdom come.” It means that God reign among people on earth.

“Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” It means that people on earth all do the will of God.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) We should start our prayer with worship praise and honor because our God is worthy of these.

2) Today many people on earth ignore despise and insult God’s name and even among believers many call God’s name rashly and casually.

3) Today not merely the world rebels against God and gainsays Him. God’s people honor Him with the lips but their heart is far away from Him (Matt. 15:8). They have not lived in the reality of the kingdom of God.

4) Today many believers standing on their own sides pray for their own needs. Few believers standing on the side of God pray for God’s kingdom and God’s will.

5) The highest prayer of believers is that they work with God through prayer. It is to pray with the single-minded aim of exalting God’s name bringing in the kingdom of God and fulfilling the will of God.

6) If the kingdom of God would come spontaneously the Lord does not need to teach us to pray in this manner. The Lord’s Prayer is an example and it also has revealed the will God and shows that God is willing to work with men. Only when men work with God through prayer could we bring in the kingdom of God and fulfill the will of God.

7) Today God’s will is done in heaven without any hindrance and it is hindered by men’s will on earth. Therefore we need to pray to make paths straight for God.

8) God’s will is like river and our prayer is like small pipes. God’s will is usually retrained by prayer of His citizens.

9) The working principle of God is: God has a will and He would let those who are of Him know it at first and then asks them to pray to God for this will. Then God will answer their prayer to fulfill His own will.

10) The true and effective prayer is to know the will of God at first and let the will of prayers accord with the will of God to move the mighty hand of God so as to fulfill the contents of prayer.

11) The prayers that we usually hear differ greatly from the Lord’s teachings concerning prayer. We always pray according to our own wills that “Oh Lord bless me my house my assembly my hometown…” We miss the part to which the Lord gives priority in prayer.

12) The order of the Lord is that: the world is first and then the individual. Since the Lord Jesus has given everything to us and He even gave us His life on the cross if He asks us to give priority to His kingdom in prayer how can it be the excessive demand? Only those who let Christ have the preeminence in everything would gain the spiritual power.

 

Luke. 11:3 “Give us day by day our daily bread.

   YLT: “our appointed bread be giving us daily;”

   Meaning of Words: daily: the daily ration.

Literal Meaning: “our daily bread” stands for the necessities of life instead of luxury goods.

“Give us day by day.” Though we should not worry about our life or food (See 12:22-24) we should pray for our daily bread day by day. Though God will assuredly provide us with the daily bread we still have to pray and through prayer we exercise ourselves in trusting God in everything.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) When we live in this world if we could regard the profits of God God will assuredly regard our daily needs. For if we live we live to the Lord (Rom. 14:8).

2) Apparently we get our daily bread by our toil (Gen. 3:17). Actually it is given from God who affords us all things richly for enjoyment (1Tim. 6:17). Therefore we should rely on God’s provision concerning both the spiritual and material needs.

3) God gives us our daily bread day by day because He wants us to pray day by day. Those who live by relying on God ask for bread day by day instead of week by week.

4) When we pray we should care about the need of God firstly (See v.2) and we shouldn’t neglect the need of men.

 

Luke. 11:4 “And forgive us our sins For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation But deliver us from the evil one.’”

   YLT: “and forgive us our sins for also we ourselves forgive every one indebted to us; and mayest Thou not bring us into temptation; but do Thou deliver us from the evil.’”

   Meaning of Words: “temptation”: trial; “deliver from”: save; “the evil one”: the devil that is a person and with a mind.

   Literal Meaning: “forgive us our sins” “sins” indicate our offences against God and iniquities to men.

“For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us” “for” indicates the condition for the prayer to be answered by God and it is to forgive others first because if we do not forgive others our conscience will not be good. Without good conscience we will also lose faith (1Tim. 1:19). Our prayer will not be answered by God without faith.

“And do not lead us into temptation.” It means that do not let us suffer the temptations that we could not resist. Here the Lord taught us to admit our weakness and ask God to protect us through praying.

“But deliver us from the evil one.” “The evil one” (John. 17:15) is the devil who walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1Pet. 5:8).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The moment we live in the natural life we will sin and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). Therefore we should confess our sins every day and ask God to forgive our sins (1John. 1:8-10).

2) God’s heart is to forgive men’s sins (offences) willingly. Since He has forgiven our offences He assuredly wants us to forgive other’s iniquities just like what He does (Matt. 18:21-35).

3) If men could not have communion with men men will not have communion with God.

4) When believers stand on the side of God and pray for the name kingdom and will of God the power of Hades will attack us. Therefore we need to be kept by God.

5) The devil the tempter (Matt. 4:3) as a raring lion walks about seeking whom he may devour (1Pet. 5:8). Nobody could resist the devil by his own strength and therefore we need to rely on God’s keep.

6) The whole world lies in the wicked but we are of God and the wicked does not touch us (1John. 5:18-19). However we should still be united with God by prayer and hide ourselves in Him.

7) This prayer that the Lord has taught us concerns both God’s glory (v.2) and men’s material (v.3) and spiritual (v.4) need.

 

Luke. 11:5 “And He said to them Which of you shall have a friend and go to him at midnight and say to him Friend lend me three loaves;

   YLT: “And he said unto them ‘Who of you shall have a friend and shall go on unto him at midnight and may say to him Friend lend me three loaves ”

   The Background: “at midnight” It is torrid in summer in the land of Palestine and men often walk at night. 

   Enlightenment in the Word: It is truly unreasonable to wake up one’s whole family late at night to lend three loaves. Many times our prayers to God are unreasonable just like this.

 

Luke. 11:6 “for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey and I have nothing to set before him;

   YLT: “seeing a friend of mine came out of the way unto me and I have not what I shall set before him ”

   The Background: Hospitality is a virtue to which the Jews attach great importance (See Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:2).

   Literal Meaning: “a friend of mine” there were three “friends” in this parable: 1) the friend who was on his journey; 2) the friend who asked to lend three loaves; 3) the friend who was asked to lend three loaves.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The one who is able to see the need of his friend and his own could be a good prayer.

2) If one prays and treats the need of others as his own this kind of prayer will assuredly be answered by God.

 

Luke. 11:7 “and he will answer from within and say Do not trouble me; the door is now shut and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you'?

   YLT: “and he from within answering may say Do not give me trouble already the door hath been shut and my children with me are in the bed I am not able having risen to give to thee.”

   Literal Meaning: this verse shows that the one who was asked to lend loaves was hardly a friend in need.

 

Luke. 11:8 “I say to you though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.

   YLT: “`I say to you even if he will not give to him having risen because of his being his friend yet because of his importunity having risen he will give him as many as he doth need;”

   Meaning of Words: “persistence”: importunity impudence shamelessness.

   Literal Meaning: the parable from v.6 to v.8 by the selfish friend who rose and gave him what he needed because he could not refuse his persistent request shows that if we beseech God persistently in like manner shouldn’t we be rewarded bountifully by the merciful God?

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The power of urgent prayer is greater than the relationship of friends. One may not give him because he is his friend however he has to give him because of his persistence.

2) The friend who is unwilling even changes his mind because of the persistence and is forced to do according to the will of the asker shall not rather the Father who is willing to answer men’s prayers?

3) “His persistence” Prayer must be motivated by the inner urgency of need and it should be the natural revelation. We should never pray hypocritically or with exuberant but empty words. We should not pray without any need.

 

Luke. 11:9So I say to you ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.

   YLT: “and I say to you Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you;”

   Literal Meaning: “ask”: the common prayer;

  “Seek”: to ask single-mindedly;

  “Knock”: to request further;

  “Ask seek and knock” all have the meaning of continuance in the original.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) God’s “opening” is determined by our “knocking”. God’s “will” is dominated by men’s “prayers”. The working principle of God is: God starts to work after His people have prayed.

2) “Ask seek and knock” shows that we should pray at all seasons (Eph. 6:18) till God answers us.

3) If we want to have to have normal relation with God we should live a life relying on God and having intimate communication with God by “asking seeking and knocking”.

4) God loves that we ask Him in everything. You do not have because you do not ask (James. 4:2).

5) “Asking” has a concentrated aim; “Seeking” takes great effort. “Knocking” makes the practical action.

6) Many times we pray as if we “knock the wall” instead of “knock”. We must pray clearly and specifically and we should never pray vaguely or generally.

 

Luke. 11:10 “For everyone who asks receives and he who seeks finds and to him who knocks it will be opened.

   YLT: “for every one who is asking doth receive; and he who is seeking doth find; and to him who is knocking it shall be opened.”

   Literal Meaning: v.9 is the promise and this verse is the principle.

   Enlightenment in the Word: There is only “and” between asking and receiving seeking and finding and knocking and being opened and there is not any other condition being set here.

 

Luke. 11:11 “If a son asks for bread from any father among you will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?

   YLT: “`And of which of you the father if the son shall ask a loaf a stone will he present to him? and if a fish will he instead of a fish a serpent present to him?”

   The Background: in ancient times the bread was oblate and its shape was similar to that of a stone.

   Spiritual Meaning: “If a son asks for bread from any father among you will he give him a stone?” “Bread” symbolizes the provision of life; “stone” symbolizes the lifeless thing.

  “Or if he asks for a fish will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?” “Fish” swims in water freely. And it symbolizes Christ and His life that could enable us to overcome the surrounding circumstances. “Serpent” symbolizes Satan and any man or thing that has connection with Satan that would deceive and frame us.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Children may ask wrongly because of their childishness. However parents won’t give wrongly. Father in heaven will not only give us the right thing but also give us far exceedingly above all which we ask or think (Eph. 3:20).

2) Many times it seems that we are asking for bread. Actually what we ask is a stone. Many times we think that God has given us the stone. Actually what God gives us is bread.

3) The devil always deceives us with a stone as bread (Matt. 4:3). However what the Lord gives us is real.

4) Many times we ask for a fish. Actually what we ask is a serpent. Many times what God gives us looks like a serpent but actually it is a fish.

5) As long as we ask our Father He will assuredly answer us. But He probably does not answer us according to what we ask. He answers us according to what is profitable to us in His sight.

 

Luke. 11:12 “Or if he asks for an egg will he offer him a scorpion?

   YLT: “and if he may ask an egg will he present to him a scorpion?”

   Spiritual Meaning: “an egg” symbolizes the thing that could nourish life; “a scorpion” symbolizes the thing that makes life suffer pain extremely.

 

Luke. 11:13 “If you then being evil know how to give good gifts to your children how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!’”

   YLT: “If then ye being evil have known good gifts to be giving to your children how much more shall the Father who is from heaven give the Holy Spirit to those asking Him!’”

   Literal Meaning: “if you then being evil” It does not merely mean that we are sinners. It also includes that we are imperfect in morality and nature.

  “How much more will your heavenly Father” Our Father wants us to have profit with a heart as a father (Heb. 12:10).

  “How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” The inner dwelling of the Holy Spirit (John. 20:22) gives us provision guidance and comfort; the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts. 1:8) gives us power. We should pursue to be filled with the Holy Spirit (See Eph. 5:18). We should wait and pray to be baptized by the Holy Spirit (See 24:49; Acts. 1:14).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The abundance of the kingdom of God is prepared for sons. Therefore all that own the sonship should ask the Father boldly.

2) Our prayers will never fail. God may not merely answer us according to what we pray because He knows what we really need.

3) The power produced by our prayers will never disappear just like the law of conservation of mass in Physics. One substance may disappear in one form but it still exists in another form. God will answer our prayer according to His sovereignty and infinite wisdom.

4) Many times we may ask for wrong things but He won’t give us wrongly. What He gives us is good.

5) As long as men truly seek God He gives him the good thing all the time because God treats those who seek Him with the bowel of a father.

6) Many times we think that God does not answer our prayers and He does not love us. Actually God wants to give us good things.

7) Sometimes the sorrowful and difficult things are permitted by God to come upon us. It is not that He does not love us but He wants to edify us and gives us better things.

8) The Holy Spirit is the greatest reward that God gives men. All the profit of life becomes our real enjoyment through the Holy Spirit.

 

Luke. 11:14 “And He was casting out a demon and it was mute. So it was when the demon had gone out that the mute spoke; and the multitudes marveled.

   YLT: “And he was casting forth a demon and it was dumb and it came to pass the demon having gone forth the dumb man spake and the multitudes wondered ”

   Spiritual Meaning: “He was casting out a demon” It symbolizes that the salvation of the Lord delivers us from the dumb idols (1Cor. 12:2).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Once the dumb idols are cast out men are able to speak and pray to God and praise Him.

2) We have been delivered from the power of darkness and conveyed into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Col. 1:13).

 

Luke. 11:15 “But some of them said He casts out demons by Beelzebub the ruler of the demons.’”

   YLT: “and certain of them said ‘By Beelzeboul ruler of the demons he doth cast forth the demons;’”

   The Background: “Beelzebub” is the Baal-zebub the god of Ekron (2Kings. 1:2). The Jews changed its voice to call “Beelzebub” and it means “the king of dunghill”. It also means “the king of house” because the devil possesses men treats men as houses and occupies men’s body to be the king of house.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Since men abused and blasphemed our Lord we should not hope others to treat us good. When we are misunderstood persecuted and despised by others we should remember how they treat our Lord.

2) The nominal Christians specially misinterpret others’ works. Concerning whatever they cannot do they say that others are utilized by the demons.

 

Luke. 11:16 “Others testing Him sought from Him a sign from heaven.

   YLT: “and others tempting a sign out of heaven from him were asking.”

   Meaning of Words: “sign”: wonder token.

   Literal Meaning: “testing Him” “testing” is the expression of unbelief towards the Lord.

  “Sought Him a sign from heaven” The Lord Jesus just cast out the demon of dumbness (See v.14) in other words He just done the sign. However they were unwilling to admit it and asked for a sign from heaven to prove that He is truly from God.

   Enlightenment in the Word: nominal Christians pay attention to the outward phenomena and signs (miracles) and neglect the inner connotation and reality. 

 

Luke. 11:17 “But He knowing their thoughts said to them: Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation and a house divided against a house falls.

   YLT: “And he knowing their thoughts said to them `Every kingdom having been divided against itself is desolated; and house against house doth fall;”

   Meaning of Words: “house”: home household.

   Literal Meaning: “He knowing their thoughts” “thoughts” include the meaning of schemes; here this indicates that the Lord is able to see through the real meaning of men’s inner thoughts (See Rev. 2:23).

  “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation.” It means that if men cast out demons by Beelzebub the ruler of the demons (See v.15) won’t the demons fight with each other? In this way the kingdom of Satan will collapse.

  “And a house divided against a house falls.” “Kingdom and house” are spheres adhering to different authority. They exist because a kind of authority holds them together. Once the authority does not work they will naturally disintegrate.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The testimony of the assembly (house) depends on the tolerance in love among believers and the uniting bound of peace.

2) If there is segregation in some assembly there won’t be any edification in that assembly.

 

Luke. 11:18 “If Satan also is divided against himself how will his kingdom stand? Because you say I cast out demons by Beelzebub.

   YLT: “and if also the Adversary against himself was divided how shall his kingdom be made to stand? for ye say by Beelzeboul is my casting forth the demons.”

   Meaning of Words: “Satan”: the adversary the accuser.

   Literal Meaning: “Satan” sets itself against God and it does not set against itself.

  Satan has its own kingdom------this world is its kingdom and it is the prince of this kingdom (John. 12:31). It never puts up with any provocation.

   Enlightenment in the Word: Since Satan could not “be divided against himself” therefore if there is a bit position for Satan in us it is impossible for us to overcome Satan in the spiritual conflicts.

 

Luke. 11:19 “And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.

   YLT: “`But if I by Beelzeboul cast forth the demons your sons by whom do they cast forth? because of this your judges they shall be;”

   Literal Meaning: the Pharisees also cast out demons and they thought they did it by God in their eyes. However they criticized that the Lord cast out demons by the ruler of the demons. And this played a negative role in their standpoint.

 

Luke. 11:20 “But if I cast out demons with the finger of God surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.

   YLT: “but if by the finger of God I cast forth the demons then come unawares upon you did the reign of God.”

   Meaning of Words: “the finger of God”: means (See Exod. 8:19).

   Literal Meaning: “The kingdom of God” is the sphere where God executes His authority and it is against the kingdom of Satan (v.18). The Lord Jesus’ work on earth was to bring the kingdom of God to the land (Matt. 6:10). The Lord is the Son of God and naturally He could move “the finger” of God that is sufficient to cast out demons. Therefore wherever He goes there will be no room for the existence of the power of demons and certainly the kingdom of God has come there.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Where there is the authority of God there will be no place for the demons. Magnifying the Lord is the key to overcome in the spiritual conflicts.

2) Only “the finger of God” is needed in casting out demons and “the hand of God’ (See John. 10:28-29) and “the arm of God” (See Is. 53:1) are not needed here. It is impossible to cast out demons relying on ourselves however it is easy to do it relying on God (See Zech. 4:6).

 

Luke. 11:21 “When a strong man fully armed guards his own palace his goods are in peace.

   YLT: “`When the strong man armed may keep his hall in peace are his goods;”

   Meaning of Words: “a strong man”: the mighty one the valiant one; “own palace”: court.

   Spiritual Meaning: “a strong man” indicates the powerful and mighty man and it symbolizes Satan; “guards his own palace” “the strong man’s own palace” indicates the kingdom of Satan; “his goods” indicate the tools that are utilized by Satan i.e. the world who lie in the wicked (1John. 5:19) and are utilized by Satan.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) If it is always “in peace” in us we should be careful because it may be firmly guarded by the strong man------Satan that is “fully armed”.

2) The coming of Christ sometimes makes men feel unpeaceful in themselves (See 12:49-53). Therefore indeed it is not good sometimes if our spiritual states are too easy and calm.

 

Luke. 11:22 “But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoils.

   YLT: “but when the stronger than he having come upon [him] may overcome him his whole-armour he doth take away in which he had trusted and his spoils he distributeth;”

   Spiritual Meaning: “a stronger than he” indicates the Lord Jesus.

  “Overcomes him he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted.” The Lord Jesus had crushed the head of Satan on the cross (Gen. 3:15) and corrupted its power that pillages men (See Eph. 2:8).

  “And divides his spoils” All men are formerly captives of the devil however believers have been set free by the Lord (Gal. 5:1).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) When Christ deals with the enemy He “overcame” it first and then “divided”. The principle to preach the glad tidings is also to pray for binding Satan first and then gaining men.

2) Every spiritual work is the obvious plunder instead of the secret robbery. Christians should not deal with Satan courteously but without sincerity.

 

Luke. 11:23 “He who is not with Me is against Me and he who does not gather with Me scatters.

   YLT: “he who is not with me is against me and he who is not gathering with me doth scatter.”

   Meaning of Words: “with”: stand on the same side; “gather”: lead together.

   Literal Meaning: “He who is not with Me”: who does not stand on the side of the Lord. “He who does not gather with Me”: who does not bring men to the Lord.

  In this cosmos there are only the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan and there is not any other kingdom or neutral position. Therefore he who is not with the Lord is “against Me (the Lord)” and he who does not bring men to the Lord “scatters abroad”. They are of Satan.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) We do not have any neutral position between the Lord and Satan.

2) Concerning the attitude towards Christ “he who is not with Me is against Me”. Concerning the attitude towards works of those who are of Christ “he who is not against us is on our side” (See 9:50).

3) It is impossible for a Christian not to be with the Lord on earth. It is also impossible for a Christian not to gather with the Lord------never bring men to the Lord.

4) All that are not with Christ are against Christ. Therefore we should desire Christ single-mindedly and we won’t become the enemy of Christ.

5) All that are not gathered unto Christ scatter. Therefore if we regard any person or thing besides Christ------spiritual giants doctrines and implementations as central we destroy the oneness of the assembly i.e. sinning against Christ.

 

Luke. 11:24When an unclean spirit goes out of a man he goes through dry places seeking rest; and finding none he says I will return to my house from which I came.'

   YLT: “‘When the unclean spirit may go forth from the man it walketh through waterless places seeking rest and not finding it saith I will turn back to my house whence I came forth;”

   Meaning of Words: “dry”: waterless.

   Literal Meaning: “unclean spirit”: evil spirits. After they had been judged with water by God (See Gen. 1:2) they lived in the sea. Then they roost in dry places and the body of men after men had fallen and sinned against God. “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man ” unless the spirit finds some other objects it won’t have rest and has to return to the sea (See Matt. 8:32).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The body of believers is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 6:19). Unbelievers are the lodgments (house) that the devils strive for.

2) “I will return to my house from which I came.” The word shows that it is possible for the devil to stage a comeback. Believers should never forget to watch and withstand Satan because of the victory at a time.

 

Luke. 11:25 “And when he comes he finds it swept and put in order.

   YLT: “and having come it findeth [it] swept and adorned;”

   Meaning of Words: “put in order”: decorate adorn.

   Literal Meaning: “swept” is negative shipping the original things out. “Put it order” is positive getting something in.

   Spiritual Meaning: “he finds it swept and put in order.” Though the religious believers also cast out demons they did not receive the Lord Jesus to abide in their hearts after demons had been cast out from them (Eph. 3:17). They only paid attention to the outward morally good behaviors (“swept”) and decorated themselves with letters and regulations (“put in order”).

 

Luke. 11:26 “Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.’”

   YLT: “then doth it go and take to it seven other spirits more evil than itself and having entered they dwell there and the last of that man becometh worst than the first.’”

   The Background: verse 24 to 26 is the historical background of the Jews in the past and the Lord rebuked that their state now is worse than before: through the event that they were taken away captive to Babylon they had been cleansed and delivered from idols. However as a result of their disobedience unbelief and the hardness of their hearts their state now is worse than that of the period before they had been taken away captive.

   Spiritual Meaning: “Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself.” “Seven” symbolizes the temporary perfect in the Bible. “Seven other spirits” symbolizes the complete power of Satan.

  “Dwell there” “Dwell” in the original means to settle down and reside for a long time.

  “The last state of that man is worse than the first.” If men only pay attention to religious ceremonies and do not magnify the Lord on the contrary they will fall under the power of Satan and they will be played with by Satan unconsciously------their state is worse than that of the period when they have not paid attention to morality because not only God and men but also Satan could do nothing to the true evil ones. However the devil is able to manipulate and make fun of the good men who do not receive the Lord and therefore their states are worse than the first.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) If men only have temporary improvement in morality and do not let the Spirit of God dwell in them and preside them completely their consequence will be worse.

2) Demons love to dwell in the good men who do not believe in the Lord because they keep the law stress on morality and do not have Christ in themselves.

3) If a believer only pays attention to the negative dealing with “swept” (v.25) and lacks the positive knowledge and gain he would become a “Puritan” at most and finally he will be occupied by more and more wicked spirits and the last state of him will be worse than the first.

 

Luke. 11:27 “And it happened as He spoke these things that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts which nursed You!’”

   YLT: “And it came to pass in his saying these things a certain woman having lifted up the voice out of the multitude said to him `Happy the womb that carried thee and the paps that thou didst suck!’”

   Literal Meaning: “Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts which nursed You!” It means that blessed is the mother (Mary) of the Lord Jesus according to the flesh (See 1:42).

 

Luke. 11:28 “But He said More than that blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!’”

   YLT: “And he said `Yea rather happy those hearing the word of God and keeping [it]!’”

   Literal Meaning: “Yes” in the original shows that He did not deny that Mary was blessed.

  “More than that blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” It shows that those who trust and obey the word of the Lord are more blessed than the mother of the Lord Jesus according to the flesh (See 8:20-21). The word of the Lord again proves that the blood relationship is inferior to the spiritual relationship. This verse is enough to make those who worship Mary say nothing.

 

Luke. 11:29 “And while the crowds were thickly gathered together He began to say This is an evil generation. It seeks a sign and no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.

   YLT: “And the multitudes crowding together upon him he began to say `This generation is evil a sign it doth seek after and a sign shall not be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet ”

   Meaning of Words: “sign”: miracle wonder.

   Literal Meaning: “an evil generation” “Generation” indicates the age of the whole world in broad sense and all one’s life in narrow sense.

   Spiritual Meaning: “sign” is the miraculous phenomenon with spiritual meaning. Religious believers only pay attention to apparent phenomenon and neglect the real meaning.

  “The sign of Jonah the prophet” is the type of the Lord’s death and resurrection.

  This verse means that only Christ who died and rose up from the dead could meet the need of this evil generation.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Signs are of no effect to men who are with evil intentions and only arouse their curiosity.

2) The rising life of Christ that is manifested in believers is the sign that the world urgently needs to see.

 

Luke. 11:30 “For as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites so also the Son of Man will be to this generation.

   YLT: “for as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites so also shall the Son of Man be to this generation.”

   Spiritual Meaning: Jonah in the belly of the great fish is a sign. It typifies that the Lord died and was buried for us. He descended into the lower parts of the earth (Eph. 4:9) and stayed in hell (Acts. 2:27).

 

Luke. 11:31 “The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here.

   YLT: “`A queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and shall condemn them because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and lo greater than Solomon here!”

   Meaning of Words: “greater”: more in quality and quantity.

   Literal Meaning: “The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them.” “The queen of the South” was the queen of Sheba. She was the gentile living far away and she made a long and difficult journey only for hearing the wisdom of Solomon (1Kings. 10:1-10). However all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in the Lord (Col. 2:3). Men in this world did not respect the Lord’s words and therefore they are inferior to the queen of the South.

  “And indeed a greater than Solomon is here.” Solomon asked for an understanding heart (1Kings. 3:9) and Christ Himself is wisdom. Solomon spoke of the trees (1Kings. 4:33) and Christ is the Lord that created all. Therefore He is greater than Solomon. He is the greater king and he is king of kings (Rev. 17:14).

   Spiritual Meaning: Solomon spoke words of wisdom (1Kings. 4:34) built the temple of God (1Kings. 6:2) and inherited the kingdom (2Sam. 7:12). Solomon typifies that Christ is our wisdom (1Cor. 1:30) Christ builds the assembly for a habitation of God (Eph. 2:22) and will gain the kingdom (Rev. 11:15). Therefore we should hear Him (Matt. 17:5).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) If we want to hear the wisdom of the Lord we should humble ourselves like the queen of the South.

2) In order to hear the words of the Lord some believers pay the price and they even disregard their lives. However some believers in easy environment do not have interest or longing in the Lord’s words and even incline to the worldly things.

 

Luke. 11:32 “The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.

   YLT: “`Men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgment with this generation and shall condemn it because they reformed at the proclamation of Jonah; and lo greater than Jonah here!”

   Meaning of Words: “greater”: more in quality or quantity.

   Literal Meaning: “the men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it.” “The men of Nineveh” were gentiles and the moment they heard the preachment of Jonah they repented (Jon. 3:5-8). The Lord here said that sinners who have repented are better than those who are self-righteous and do not receive the Lord Jesus.

  “And indeed a greater than Jonah is here.” Jonah did not obey God’s dispatch and fled unto Tarshish (Jon. 1:3). Christ accepted God’s dispatch and became obedient even unto death (Pill. 2:8). Therefore He is greater than Jonah.

  Christ is the prophet that is greater than Jonah. He was sent by God and spoke for God through His deeds.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The only need of this generation is to see and receive the rising Christ.

2) The men of Nineveh repented at the words of Jonah at that time. Today all men have to repent at the Lord’s words.

3) Death first and then the resurrection. Our natural life should be delivered unto death and then the life of the rising Christ will be manifested (2Cor. 4:11).

4) If Christians are of two minds towards the Lord and do not follow the Lord well lest a group of people will rise up and condemn us one day in future.

 

Luke. 11:33 “‘No one when he has lit a lamp puts it in a secret place or under a basket but on a lampstand that those who come in may see the light.

   YLT: “`And no one having lighted a lamp doth put [it] in a secret place nor under the measure but on the lamp-stand that those coming in may behold the light.”

   Meaning of Words: “a secret place”: hidden place in secret.

   Literal Meaning: “No one when he has lit a lamp put it in a secret place or under a basket.” Here it means that light should not be hidden.

  “But on a lampstand.” It means to put it on an obvious place in order to shine all around.

   Spiritual Meaning: “under a basket” “Basket” is a measure made by wood and it is used to measure grain. Therefore it symbolizes cares of life. The lamp is put under a basket shows that believers are bound by the concentrations of life (i.e. they are busy making a living) so that the light is covered.

  “But on a lampstand.” “Lampstand” is the proper utensil to put lamp symbolizing the life that bears witness to Christ.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The enjoyment of life------“basket” always darkens the inner spiritual light and therefore we should live in the assembly------“on a lampstand” and then it must be bright.

2) The light that we have seen from the words of the Lord may be covered under a basket by us and it cannot shine because of the cares and enjoyment of life.

3) Our attitude towards life------whether we exactly live to the Lord or to ourselves (See Rom. 14:7-8)------crucially determines whether the light is manifested or covered.

4) If we want to shine for the Lord so as to lighten men around us we have to overcome cares of life (Matt. 6:24-34).

5) Lamp shines because oil is lighted up. “Oil” indicates the inner-dwelling Holy Spirit. If we want to shine we have to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18).

6) Everything that may hide the Lord to shine from us is “the secret place and basket”. Everything besides the Lord even the best thing may turn to be the “the secret place and basket” to hide light.

7) The light of Christians not only changes men’s outside ways but also affects their inner hearts.

8) If we want to know whether someone is of the Spirit we shouldn’t see how he behaves in the meetings we should see how he behaves in his own house.

9) Today in the time of grace men need not seek the sign from heaven (See v.29-32) and men could see the heavenly light from true Christians.

 

Luke. 11:34 “The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore when your eye is good your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad your body also is full of darkness.

   YLT: “`The lamp of the body is the eye when then thine eye may be simple thy whole body also is lightened; and when it may be evil thy body also is darkened;”

   Meaning of Words: “good”: pure single single-minded sound; “bad”: evil wicked.

Literal Meaning: here it illustrates the connection between heart and life with the connection between the eye and body. Eye here stands for profit desire ambition and the direction that one pays attention to.

Two eyes could only see one thing at one time. If one’s eyes want to see two things at one time his sight will be blurred.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The function of lamp is to lighten all around (See v.33) and men’s eyes should be good so that the whole body would be full of light. In like manner in the spiritual realm men should concentrate their eyes on which is good and do not let the evil hide themselves.

2) The condition of one’s eyes determines the condition of his vision. In like manner whether one’s intention towards God is single determines whether his life has a proper direction and meaning.

3) What men’s eyes see usually shows what they love in their hearts. The eye is “the lamp of the body”. The eye will light up and show what are hidden deeply in the whole body.

4) The pride or humbleness of one’s eyes shows his character.

5) If our hearts mind things in heaven fully our eyes will focus on God Himself solely our whole body will be full of light and our spiritual senses will be opened.

6) If we want to have the spiritual enlightenment we should turn our eyes to God (2Cor. 3:16). The reason why children of God do not have the spiritual enlightenment is that they have not turned their hearts to God.

7) How perfect one’s heart is towards God depends on the extent of his dedication to God. The more completely one devotes himself to God the more perfect his heart will be towards God and the lighter his spiritual vision will be.

8) Spiritual sight is very important. If men are in darkness they are in sins and they are not living in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:8 1John. 1:5-6).

9) Once our hearts wander from the Lord all kinds of things of the world will attract our eyes to make ours eyes bad and unwittingly we may fall into darkness.

10) Eyes of citizens of the kingdom of heaven have been opened and have turned from darkness to light (Acts. 26:18). If they fall into darkness again their last state will be worse than the first (2Pet. 2:20).

 

Luke. 11:35 “Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness.

   YLT: “take heed then lest the light that [is] in thee be darkness;”

   Meaning of Words: “take heed”: look on consider.

   Literal Meaning: the verse asks us to pay attention to “the light in us” and should not let it be quenched.

 

Luke. 11:36 “If then your whole body is full of light having no part dark the whole body will be full of light as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.’”

   YLT: “if then thy whole body is lightened not having any part darkened the whole shall be lightened as when the lamp by the brightness may give thee light.’”

   Literal Meaning: the verse shows that the one whose eyes are good and pure must be full of the light of life in himself and the whole body must be immersed in the divine light (See Ps. 36:9).

 

Luke. 11:37 “And as He spoke a certain Pharisee asked Him to dine with him. So He went in and sat down to eat.

   YLT: “And in [his] speaking a certain Pharisee was asking him that he might dine with him and having gone in he reclined (at meat) ”

   Literal Meaning: “dine with him” “dine” in the original specially means the breakfast.

 

Luke. 11:38 “When the Pharisee saw it he marveled that He had not first washed before dinner.

   YLT: “and the Pharisee having seen did wonder that he did not first baptize himself before the dinner.”

   The Background: According to the regulations of the Law of Moses priests had to wash their hands and their feet before they enter into the temple to serve (Exod. 30:19). However the supplementary teachings preserved in oral had extent the commandment towards priests to the details of life of common people lest men touch unclean things (such as dead body dead cattle and unclean animals). Therefore they were asked to wash their hands before dinner. Rabbis always said “The holy people (Israel) who live in the holy land (Canaan) must speak holy language (Hebrew language) and eat holy food (washing their hands).”

Literal Meaning: “He had not first washed before dinner.” It could be translated as “He did not do the ceremony of washing before dinner” in the original. Therefore it indicates that He had not washed according to the religious ceremony instead of the common washing of hands for hygiene.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Today Christianity had accumulated much tradition in the past two thousand years. However it is not obligatory for Christians to obey the tradition.

2) If we stress on the outward regulations and ways we may become current scribes and Pharisees.

 

Luke. 11:39 “Then the Lord said to him Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness.

   YLT: “And the Lord said unto him ‘Now do ye the Pharisees the outside of the cup and of the plate make clean but your inward part is full of rapine and wickedness;”

   The Background: “you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean.” The cup and dish which the Pharisees used in worship should be cleansed through ceremonial procedures.

   Literal Meaning: “but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness.” Just like the vessels which are outwardly clean could be full of poisonous things inward those who have been cleansed through ceremony may be full of greedy and wickedness.

  “Greed” is related to the love of money and “wickedness” is related to lustfulness; “greed” indicates to oppress others in order to fulfill himself and “wickedness” indicates to indulge himself to fulfill his selfish desire.

  In this verse the Lord Jesus blamed them that they only stressed on the cleanness of letters (See Mark. 7:4) despite that inside they are dirty and unclean.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord Jesus received the invitation of the Pharisee and dined with him (See v.37) however He blamed him strictly without any concealment. This shows that the Lord could condescend concerning the deeds of life however concerning the spiritual witness He never compromise because of these. This should also be the principle of our life.

2) Many people restrict their own behaviors before a big crowd (“make the outside of the cup and dish clean”) and show their lust to swallow others and indulge themselves when others are unaware (“inward part is full of greed and wickedness”).

3) Religious believers have a form of godliness but deny the power of it (2Tim. 3:5).

 

Luke. 11:40 “Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also?

   YLT: “unthinking! did not He who made the outside also the inside make?”

   Literal Meaning: this verse indicates that we should pay attention to the inside state because the inside is more important than the outside (See Mark. 7:15).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) If we live in the spiritual reality we should deal with the inside intentions first and naturally good and pure words and deeds will be brought forth out of the inside (See 12:35 15:18-19).

2) The outside behaviors are originated from the inside life------the more Christ is formed in us (Gal. 4:19) the more Christ will be manifested through the outside behaviors (Pill. 1:20).

 

Luke. 11:41 “But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you.

   YLT: “But what ye have give ye [as] alms and lo all things are clean to you.”

   Spiritual Meaning: “But rather give alms of such things as you have” “such things” imply “the greed and wickedness inside of the cup and dish” (See v.39). Therefore the whole sentence means that “give what you are greedy for” and then indeed all things are clean to them.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) If one is willing to give alms to the poor his heart won’t be controlled by “greed and wickedness” (See v.39).

2) He who is willing to give alms will do uprightly in others things.

 

Luke. 11:42But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done without leaving the others undone.

   YLT: “`But wo to you the Pharisees because ye tithe the mint and the rue and every herb and ye pass by the judgment and the love of God; these things it behoveth to do and those not to be neglecting.”

   Meaning of Words: “justice”: judgment righteous.

   Literal Meaning: “but woe to you” include the twofold meaning that “they will receive the just deserts of evildoing” and “how sorrowful and miserable it is”.

  “For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs.” The scribes and the Pharisees stressed on tithe and they even cared about the small products in the field (See Lev. 27:30 Deut. 14:22). “Mint and anise” are the plants used to make medicine or flavor.

  “And pass by justice and the love of God” “Justice” indicates the justice towards men; “the love of God” is the beginning of all things towards God.

  “These you ought to have done without leaving the others undone.” It indicates that “justice and the love of God” should be done and “tithe” should not be left aside and neglected because of these things.

  This verse shows that the Pharisees only obeyed the least regulations of the Law such as the tithe (without leaving the others undone) however they neglected the weightier matters of the Law: justice and the love of God which should have been done. In other words they changed the tithe into regulations and did not have the testimony of life.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord did not ask men to despise the tithe. He asked men to know the relative importance.

2) If believers of today only talk about justice and the love of God and do not have actual actions and misunderstand that the tithe is not important contrarily they are inferior to the Pharisees.

 

Luke. 11:43 “Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.

   YLT: “`Wo to you the Pharisees because ye love the first seats in the synagogues and the salutations in the market-places.”

   Literal Meaning: “For you love the best seats in the synagogues” “the best seats” indicate seats of the front row in the synagogues and these seats are usually kept for those with the highest positions.

  “And greetings in the marketplaces” It means that they love to be flattered respected and honored by men in public.

   Spiritual Meaning: “the best seats” symbolize the spiritual position.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The greatest temptation for leaders of the assembly comes from their inner hearts------they like to be exalted by men and show their importance in the multitude.

2) He who minds titles and positions in the assembly could not serve the Lord well.

3) Religious believers like to show off themselves. They may give alms bear witness serve preach write books and do other spiritual good works however perhaps the motivations of many are for the vain glory (See Pill. 2:3).

 

Luke. 11:44 “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees hypocrites! For you are like graves which are not seen and the men who walk over them are not aware of them.’”

   YLT: “`Wo to you scribes and Pharisees hypocrites because ye are as the unseen tombs and the men walking above have not known.’”

   The Background: if the Jews step on the tomb they held that they may be infected with the uncleanness of the dead and they were unclean according to the religious ceremony (See Lev. 21:1 Num. 19:16). Therefore the Jews always avoided stepping on the tomb. However sometimes they walk on it because of dim moonlight or their carelessness.

   Spiritual Meaning: it shows that the Pharisees themselves were unclean and those who drew near to them were unaware that they were tainted with uncleanness.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Religious believers think in one way and behave in another. They are dead because there aren’t lives in them. But they hide their dead situation in the outside (See Rev. 3:1).

2) The outside behaviors of religious believers are not out of lives and therefore they appear beautiful outwardly. However they are still unclean before God because God has perspective sight (See 1Cor. 2:10) and He is able to search reins and hearts (Ps. 7:9 Rev. 2:23).

 

Luke. 11:45 “Then one of the lawyers answered and said to Him Teacher by saying these things You reproach us also.’”

   YLT: “And one of the lawyers answering saith to him `Teacher these things saying us also thou dost insult;’”

   Meaning of Words: “reproach”: entreat shamefully insult.

 

Luke. 11:46 “And He said Woe to you also lawyers! For you load men with burdens hard to bear and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers.

   YLT: “and he said `And to you the lawyers wo! because ye burden men with burdens grievous to be borne and ye yourselves with one of your fingers do not touch the burdens.”

   Meaning of Words: “touch” (the medical term and it indicates to lightly touch the wounds of the body).

   Literal Meaning: “for you load men with burdens hard to bear” “Burdens” especially indicate the burdens of the Law; they bind many strict letters and regulations on men and make it difficult for them to carry out.

  “And you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers.” It means that they use the strict regulations to demand others instead of themselves.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Believers not only should not lay burdens on others’ shoulders but also should bear one another’s burdens (See Gal. 6:2).

2) Religious believers are not only “unable” to do but also “unwilling” to move. He who only knows to teach others and does not move himself with one of his fingers is unworthy to be a leader of the church.

 

Luke. 11:47 “Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets and your fathers killed them.

   YLT: “`Wo to you because ye build the tombs of the prophets and your fathers killed them.”

   Literal Meaning: “build the tombs of the prophets” It indicates the behaviors of respect towards the prophets; “the prophets” are those who speak for God.

  “And your fathers killed them.” They built the tombs of the prophets who were killed by their fathers in order to show that they were different from their fathers.

   Enlightenment in the Word: the Pharisees respected the former prophets and could not bear the current prophets. Men in the religious circles usually exalt the dead ones however they despise the living ones.

 

Luke. 11:48 “In fact you bear witness that you approve the deeds of your fathers; for they indeed killed them and you build their tombs.

   YLT: “Then do ye testify and are well pleased with the works of your fathers because they indeed killed them and ye do build their tombs;”

   Meaning of Words: “approve”: be pleased have pleasure accept (the legal term it indicates that though one has not committed a crime he has helped the evil one).

   Literal Meaning: the Lord meant that the true respect towards the prophets should be the inner conviction and repentance instead of the outward acts. If they built the tomb of the prophets but neglected their messages they only show their hypocrisy and in fact they “approve” what their fathers had done.

 

Luke. 11:49 “Therefore the wisdom of God also said I will send them prophets and apostles and some of them they will kill and persecute '

   YLT: “because of this also the wisdom of God said: I will send to them prophets and apostles and some of them they shall kill and persecute ”

   Literal Meaning: “therefore the wisdom of God also said” The Lord here may use implicit expression to show that He Himself is “the wisdom of God” or “the wise one of God” (See 7:35).

  I will send them prophets and apostles and some of them they will kill and persecute.” The Lord predicted that how the leaders of Judaism would persecute and kill all the apostles prophets and teachers of the New Testament who are sent by the Lord (See Acts. 5:40 8:1-3 and etc).

 

Luke. 11:50 “that the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation

   YLT: “that the blood of all the prophets that is being poured forth from the foundation of the world may be required from this generation;”

   Literal Meaning: “may be required of this generation” It means that the sin of the blood of all the prophets which was shed may be required of the leaders of Judaism and God would let them take on the condemnation which their fathers should take on and this was fulfilled in A.D. 70 as expected.

   Enlightenment in the Word: God makes inquisition for sin towards not only individual one but also the corporate generation.

 

Luke. 11:51 “from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Yes I say to you it shall be required of this generation.

   YLT: “from the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias who perished between the altar and the house; yes I say to you It shall be required from this generation.”

   Literal Meaning: “from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah” “Abel” was the first righteous one who was killed (Gen. 4:8-11 Heb. 12:24).

  “To the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple” “Zechariah” may be the son of the priest Jehoiada and he was stoned by men in the temple of Jehovah (See 2Chron. 24:15 20-22). According to the Jewish arrangement of the Hebrew Bible the Bible started from Generation and ended in Chronicles. When the Judaists talk about “from Generation to the Chronicles” it is just like Christians’ saying about “from Generation to Revelation” and this means the whole Bible. Therefore “from Abel in Generation to Zechariah in Chronicles” means to summarize all the martyrs of the Old Testament.

 

Luke. 11:52Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves and those who were entering in you hindered.’”

   YLT: “`Wo to you the lawyers because ye took away the key of the knowledge; yourselves ye did not enter; and those coming in ye did hinder.’”

   Meaning of Words: “hinder”: keep from forbid.

   Literal Meaning: “For you have taken away the key of knowledge” It indicates that those who take the responsibility to explain the Law of God and make men understand the will of God contrarily hinder them from finding the way to comprehend the full knowledge of God because of their teachings of error.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Today there are also many people who consider themselves as men of authority concerning the spiritual knowledge. However they are unwilling to humbly pursue the full knowledge of Christ and hinder others from pursing Him. They shall be punished by the Lord.

2) Religious leaders do not magnify the Lord themselves and hinder men from hearkening to the word of the Lord simply. When someone does not obey their teachings of heresy they condemn him that he betrays “the delegation of authority” and excommunicate him. This kind of situation is often seen in the church history.

3) In the spiritual way the moment one does not make progress (“You did not enter in yourselves”) he becomes others’ obstruction (“and those who were entering in you hindered”). The spiritual leaders who walk “in front” should never close the door for others to receive grace because of their own delaying and conservation and complacency.

 

Luke. 11:53 “And as He said these things to them the scribes and the Pharisees began to assail Him vehemently and to cross-examine Him about many things

   YLT: “And in his speaking these things unto them the scribes and the Pharisees began fearfully to urge and to press him to speak about many things ”

 

Luke. 11:54 “lying in wait for Him and seeking to catch Him in something He might say that they might accuse Him.

   YLT: “laying wait for him and seeking to catch something out of his mouth that they might accuse him.”

   Meaning of Words: “lying in wait for”: lie in ambush for the chance; “catch”: hunt with the snare.

   Literal Meaning: “seeking to catch Him in something He might say that they might accuse Him.” It means that they wanted to catch Him in something from His words that could be used by them to distort so as to accuse Jesus. 

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Pharisees cannot catch the Lord Jesus in anything concerning His deeds and they wanted to catch something in His words. Believes should be careful in both deeds and words (See Col. 4:5-6).

2) Today the devil wants to find fault with Christians through many people and therefore we should learn to be careful and wise in words.

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The Knowledge of Prayer

I. The need of prayer------Jesus was praying in a certain place (v.1)------the Lord Jesus Himself needed to pray.

II. The foundation of prayer------our Father in heaven (v.2a)------it is built upon our spiritual relationship with God.

III. The priority of prayer------for the glory of God (v.2b):

  A. Hallowed be Your name------worship God and acknowledge Him and all that He has done.

  B. Your kingdom come------with the purpose of the realization of the kingdom of God.

  C. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven------with the precondition of the will of God.

IV. What we ask in prayer------for our own needs------it bases on the knowledge of God:

  A. Give us day by day our daily bread (v.3)------for our own needs of the flesh------knowing that God is the source of provision.

  B. Forgive us our sins for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us (v.4a)------so as to remove the obstruction of our communion with God------knowing God’s disposition.

  C. And do not lead us into temptation But deliver us from the evil one (v.4b)------for the spiritual conflicts------knowing God’s power and authority.

V. The attitude of prayer------the prayer that is answered:

  A. Lend me three loaves (v.5)------it must be the real need.

  B. I have nothing to set before him (v.6)------one has to know that he has nothing.

  C. Because of his persistence (v.7-8)-------it must be of one’s inner burden.

VI. The promise of prayer (v.9-10):

  A. Ask and it will be given to you------one has the specific actions of prayer.

  B. Seek and you will find------one has the single-minded item of prayer.

  C. Knock and it will be opened to you------one has the clear aim of prayer.

VII. The faith of prayer:

  A. “If one asks for… will he give…” (v.11-12)------one believes that God will assuredly give the right thing.

  B. The heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (v.13)------one believes that God will assuredly give the best thing.

 

The Knowledge of the Spiritual Conflicts

I. The power of casting out demons------it is not by the ruler of the demons but the power of God (v.14-20).

II. The strategy of casting out demons------overcome the stronger first and then divide his spoils (v.21-22).

III. Soldiers who cast out demons------he who is not with the Lord is against Him (v.23).

IV. Alertness of casting out demons------be wary of its comeback (v.24-26).

 

The Knowledge of the Way of Life

I. It is not the fleshly life but the spiritual life from the word of God (v.27-28).

II. It is not the outward signs but Christ of God:

  A. This generation is only in need of the sign of Jonah the prophet (v.29-30)------He is the Son of Man who rose from the dead.

  B. Indeed the Son of Man is greater than Solomon (v.31)------He is our true wisdom.

  C. Indeed the Son of Man is greater than Jonah (v.32)------He is our true redemption.

III. It is not the outward sight but the inner enlightenment:

  A. Our attitude towards life determines whether we could see the enlightenment of life (v.33).

  B. Whether our eyes of heart are good determines whether the whole body is full of light or darkness (v.34-35).

  C. If the whole body is full of light the way of one’s life will be completely bright (v.36).

IV. It is not the outside cleanness but the inside cleanness (v.37-41).

V. It is not the obedience of the letters of the Law but the keeping of the spirit of the Law (v.42).

VI. It is not the honor of men but the praise of God (v.43).

VII. It is not the concealment before men but the reality before God (v.44).

VIII. It is not your words but your deeds (v.45-46).

IX. It is not the outer building but the inner intention (v.47-51).

X. It is not the gain of outward knowledge but the inner experience (v.52).

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Sharon Ren