What does Luke 11:37 mean?

Explanation

Luke 11:37 recounts an encounter where Jesus is invited to dine at the home of a Pharisee. This encounter occurs shortly after Jesus has been teaching a crowd. The invitation from the Pharisee is an offer of hospitality which Jesus accepts.

However, it's worth noting that the Pharisees frequently held positions of religious leadership and authority in Jewish society and often held scrupulous views on ritual purity and the law.

Dining with a Pharisee meant entering an environment where the observance of religious and social protocols was given high importance.

This verse sets the stage for the events and conversations that will unfold during the meal, which will reveal deeper spiritual and ethical teachings.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, the Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and for the addition of their oral traditions.

Dinners were social events and were often used as occasions for debate and teaching.

They were also a means to demonstrate one's social status.

Invitations extended to teachers or rabbis were common as these were seen as opportunities to discuss the Law and showcase one's piety.

However, Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees were often contentious because he challenged their interpretations of the Law and their understanding of righteousness.

Theological Insights

Different denominations and theologians might derive varying insights from Luke 11:37.

Catholic and Orthodox traditions might emphasize the importance of fellowship and openness to divine teaching in daily activities.

Protestant theologians might highlight the grace of Jesus dining with a Pharisee despite knowing the possible confrontations, pointing to the idea that God reaches out even to those who oppose him.

Liberation theologians might see it as an example of Jesus' willingness to engage with and challenge societal structures and religious elitism.

Practical Applications

From this verse, one can infer applications about hospitality, open-mindedness, and engagement with others who may hold different views.

It suggests an approach to life where one is willing to enter conversations and relationships that may be challenging but can lead to growth and new understanding.

It also speaks to the idea of Christ-like inclusivity and grace, encouraging individuals to extend invitations and dialogue with all, not just those who share one's own beliefs or status.

Cross-References

• Luke 14:1 – "And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath day, that they watched him."
• Mark 2:15-16 – "And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.

And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?"

• Matthew 9:10-11 – "And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?"

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text for this verse include:

• "Pharisee" (Φαρισαῖος - Pharisaíos): A member of an ancient Jewish sect, distinguished by strict observance of the traditional and written law, and commonly held to have pretensions to superior sanctity.
• "Besought" (ἐρωτάω - erōtaō): To ask, request, or entreat.
• "Dine" (ἀριστάω - aristáō): To eat or dine, particularly the main meal, which could vary from noon to evening.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural context, hospitality and shared meals were important across various ancient cultures, not just Jewish society.

A meal was often a place for demonstrating one's social status but also a setting for philosophical or religious dialogue in Greek, Roman, and other Middle Eastern contexts.

In many religious traditions, meals were commonly associated with spiritual significance including fellowship, remembrance, and reconciliation.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might consider the role of meals in social bonding and the dynamics of in-group and out-group behavior.

Psychologists recognize the significance of shared dining as an avenue for conflict resolution and the establishment of relationships, a theme that is present in this verse when considering Jesus' choice to dine with someone who might traditionally be considered adversarial.

Commentaries

Commentary on Luke 11:37 varies among biblical scholars.

Many agree that this verse sets the scene for a confrontation between Jesus and the religious elite of his time.

Some scholars like Joel B.

Green in "The Gospel of Luke" comment on the cultural dynamics at play, noting that Jesus is entering a potentially judgmental environment but still engages willingly.

Others, like John Nolland in his commentary "Luke 9:21-18:34", emphasize the social and religious implications of the dinner invitation and the potential this setting holds for Jesus to challenge the Pharisaic interpretation of the law.