Luke 11:38 – “But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, we see a Pharisee’s reaction to Jesus’ failure to perform the traditional handwashing ritual before eating. To the Pharisee, this wasn’t just about physical hygiene—it was about religious purity. The Pharisees had established detailed rituals for washing hands, cups, and utensils as part of their traditions, believing that these external practices kept them spiritually clean.
When the Pharisee noticed that Jesus did not follow this custom, he was surprised, possibly even offended. But Jesus’ actions were intentional. By skipping the ritual, He was making a statement: spiritual purity doesn’t come from external rituals but from a clean heart. In the verses that follow, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, showing that they were more concerned with outward appearances than with genuine inner righteousness.
This verse marks the beginning of a confrontation where Jesus exposes the futility of focusing on external rituals while neglecting the deeper issues of the heart.
Historical Context
The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to both the Law of Moses and additional oral traditions that they had developed over time. One of these traditions involved ceremonial handwashing before meals, which was meant to ensure ritual purity. This practice wasn’t commanded in the Old Testament but was part of the Pharisaic tradition intended to prevent defilement.
By Jesus’ time, the Pharisees had made these rituals a central part of their religious life. To them, failure to perform these outward acts was a sign of spiritual negligence or impurity. The Pharisee’s surprise reveals how deeply ingrained these customs had become and how much weight they placed on them.
However, Jesus frequently challenged these traditions, pointing out that they often distracted people from the more important matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). His decision not to perform the ritual wasn’t about rebellion—it was about exposing the Pharisees’ misplaced priorities.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights several important theological truths:
- True purity comes from the heart. Jesus intentionally ignored the Pharisaic ritual to show that external actions cannot make someone spiritually pure. Genuine righteousness comes from a heart that is right with God.
- External rituals cannot replace internal obedience. The Pharisees had elevated their traditions to the same level as God’s commands, but Jesus reminds them that God cares more about inner transformation than outward displays.
- Legalism leads to spiritual blindness. The Pharisee’s reaction reveals how legalism can cause people to miss the heart of God’s message. They become so focused on rules and appearances that they fail to recognize their need for inner renewal.
Jesus’ teaching here points to the importance of relationship over ritual. While religious practices can be meaningful, they are empty without a heart that seeks God sincerely.
Literary Analysis
The word “surprised” (or “astonished” in some translations) conveys the Pharisee’s shock at Jesus’ disregard for the traditional washing ritual. This reaction sets the stage for the confrontation that follows, where Jesus addresses the Pharisees’ obsession with external appearances. The structure of the passage builds tension, beginning with the Pharisee’s observation and leading into Jesus’ rebuke of their hypocrisy.
The contrast between external and internal cleanliness is a key theme in this passage. The Pharisee focuses on outward actions, but Jesus shifts the conversation to matters of the heart. This literary contrast is used throughout the Gospels to highlight the difference between legalism and genuine faith.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 23:25-28 – Jesus condemns the Pharisees for cleaning the outside of the cup while neglecting the inside, emphasizing the importance of inner purity.
- Mark 7:5-8 – The Pharisees question Jesus about His disciples eating without washing their hands, and Jesus responds by accusing them of elevating human traditions above God’s commands.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 – “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart,” reinforcing the idea that God cares more about internal righteousness.
- Titus 1:15 – “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure,” emphasizing that purity begins with the heart.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a warning against falling into the trap of legalism—placing too much emphasis on outward religious practices while neglecting the heart. It challenges believers to evaluate whether their faith is based on genuine love for God or on performing religious duties to appear righteous.
While outward actions like attending church, reading the Bible, or serving others are important, they are meaningless if they aren’t driven by a heart that seeks to honor God. This verse calls Christians to prioritize inner transformation through repentance, faith, and obedience rather than relying on religious rituals to make them feel “spiritual.”
It also reminds believers to be cautious about judging others based on external appearances. Just as the Pharisee judged Jesus for not performing a ritual, Christians can be tempted to judge others based on how “religious” they appear. But God looks at the heart, and believers should do the same.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in His desire for true, lasting transformation rather than superficial obedience. He doesn’t want people to go through the motions of religious practices without experiencing the life-changing power of His presence. His love is relational, not transactional—He desires a heart that loves Him and trusts in His grace.
God’s love is also reflected in His patience. Despite the Pharisees’ hard hearts, Jesus continued to engage with them, pointing out their errors not to condemn them but to call them to repentance. His confrontations were acts of love, designed to reveal their need for a Savior.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse because He is the one who fulfills and redefines the concept of purity. Under the Old Testament law, purity was often associated with external rituals, but Jesus shifts the focus to internal purity. Through His death and resurrection, He provides the ultimate cleansing from sin, making external rituals unnecessary for spiritual cleanliness.
In Hebrews 9:13-14, it is explained that the blood of Christ cleanses believers from within, purifying their consciences so they can serve God. Jesus is the source of true spiritual purity, and His teachings in this passage point to the need for a heart transformation that only He can provide.
Jesus’ willingness to challenge the Pharisees also demonstrates His role as a teacher who confronts sin and leads people toward truth. He doesn’t avoid difficult conversations; instead, He addresses the root issue—sin in the heart—and offers the solution through Himself.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there any areas in your life where you are relying on external religious practices rather than seeking true heart transformation?
- How can you ensure that your faith is driven by a genuine relationship with God rather than by legalistic obligations?
- Have you ever been tempted to judge others based on outward appearances or religious performance? How can you focus on seeing their hearts instead?
- What steps can you take to guard against spiritual pride or legalism in your walk with God?
- How does understanding Jesus’ teaching on internal purity encourage you to seek His cleansing and guidance in your life?