Legalism During Lunch

Opening Comments:

Please meet me in your copy of God’s word in Luke 14:1-6. If you’re using one of our church provided Bibles, you can find your place on pg. #820

This is God’s Holy Word, let’s read it together.

Luke 14:1–6 ESV

1 One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully. 2 And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. 3 And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?” 4 But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away. 5 And he said to them, “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?” 6 And they could not reply to these things.

Introduction:

The text we have just read together is part of a longer section that stretches down to v.24 and takes place on a random Sabbath day in a random town. Giving that Jesus is on his final journey toward Jerusalem, it’s very likely this encounter takes place in the region of Perea. Jesus is the guest of honor at a mid-day Sabbath meal in the home of a prominent Pharisee. This is now the third time in the book of Luke that Jesus has been the invited guest at the table of a Pharisee…and all three times, it got really uncomfortable very quickly.

Why? Because Jesus challenged the social norms and morals of those whom he was their guest and of those who were in attendance.

In order to understand why things were so contentious with the Pharisees, we need to understand a little about them as a whole.

Who were the Pharisees:

They were devout adherents to Judaism in all points of the law and tradition.

They were uber religious.

If you passed by a Pharisee on the street you were supposed to publically acknowledge them.

They loved to be called things like “father, teacher, rabbi, and master.” (And they promoted that everywhere they went)

They expected people to revere and honor them.

They were easy to spot becuase of their elaborate clothing. That included enlarged phylacteries (A small box containing Scripture verses. One was bound on the forehead and another on the arm during prayer.) and tassels on their clothing.

As a group, they came about during the Babylonian captivity when there was not temple but came to prominence around 160AD (during the intertestamental period) during time of spiritual revolt against the inroads Greek and Roman culture (and idolatry) were having on the people.

The word Pharisee means separatist. And that’s what they were. They literally wanted to completely separate from the culture instead of engage it.

They promoted a return to the Old Testament. It was a Bible movement but a fundamentalist, restoration movement. It was a recovery of an older way of life.

The greatest influence was from Rabbi Hillel and Shammai.

In Jesus day, they were the recognized religous leaders. They were a middle class movement and they were laymen. But they dominated the synagogues that were in every local community.

Their scholars were called “lawyers or scribes”.

These people hated Jesus because he often critiqued them and their hypocrisy. He also engaged with people they would have never allowed themselves to be seen with.

Jesus was invited to the meal at the home of this Pharisee not because they wanted to get to know him but because they wanted to find a way to entrap him and find a way to diminish his influence.

There was a man present at the dinner who was suffering from a condition called Dropsy (We’ll explain this more later). Jesus seems to have noticed this man but before he turned to heal him he asks the Pharisee and his guests:

Luke 14:3 ESV

3 And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?”

They thought they had laid a trap for Jesus, but inn reality, he set a snare for them.

If they answered yes, they wold appear soft and hypocritical against their strict code of Sabbath observance. But, if they said no, they could be seen as harsh, uncaring and inhumane about someones physical suffering.

It’s one thing to condemn Jesus for healing on the sabbath after the fact, but something entirely different to deny healing to someone who is intensely suffering.

So, they just stood there and said nothing. They were in a no win situation.

Jesus then, takes this man in this arms (Took-Lay hold on) and heals him and sends him away.

Jesus then precedes to ask the Pharisee and his guests another question:

Luke 14:5 ESV

5 And he said to them, “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?”

Again, they have nothing to say. You see their Sabbath regulations allowed them to rescue their animals from harm, so to forbid healing would have meant they treated their animals better than humans.

These hyper religious men, pillars in Judaism and the community, were so focused on the keeping of their legalistic minutiae that they missed the point of the law— They didn’t love God or their neighbors like the professed too.

From Jesus interaction with the Pharisees in these first 6 verses of Luke 14 we get a glimpse into the heart of a legalist. Hopefully, these will help us to be on guard from the same tendencies in our own hearts.

1.) Legalism has a critical spirit. (v.1)

Luke 14:1 ESV

1 One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully.

A.) Watched- In the gospels mean to observe with a sinister purpose. To look for something wrong, to search for the incorrect, to watch for error. To look with critical eyes.

These legalistic Pharisees were watching Jesus every move at the lunch just hoping he’d make some mistake so that they could pounce on it.

Instead of seeking to learn from Him and about him, they instead were searching for a way to deny him. They were desperately hoping that he would violate the Rabbinic laws.

B.) Application:

A critical spirit is born from pride and self-righteousness. It reveals a heart that is more interested in tearing others down than in building others up.It distorts our ability to love others. It replaces compassion with suspicion.

The Pharisees were obsessed with finding flaws in Jesus, missing the opportunity to understand the very Messiah they claimed to be waiting for.

2.) Legalism overlooks the genuine need. (v.2)

Luke 14:2 ESV

2 And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy.

Present at the lunch is a man with Dropsy. He doesn’t seem to have been an invited guest. He was there only to serve the purpose of being bait in the trap they were trying to set for Jesus.

How do we know this?

A.) He had dropsy.

Dropsy- is what today we would call edema. It is a medical condition that causes the body to swell due to the abnormal retention of fluids. It is a symptom of a disease or condition related to either the heart, lungs, kidneys or liver.

His dropsy would have excluded him from being the invited guest of a Pharisee.

You see the rabbis, would have seen this mans condition as God’s judgement for his sin. Their traditions taught that if a person was sick, it’s because they did something sinful and God was punishing them.

They had a distorted view of God in believing this. While sickness can be a tool of God’s judgement, this is not always the case.

Matthew 5:45 ESV

45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

The life of Job.

Also, because of their strict adherence to the law, this man would have been seen as unclean due to his bodies inability to eliminate waste.

Leviticus 15:1–3 ESV

1 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 2 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When any man has a discharge from his body, his discharge is unclean. 3 And this is the law of his uncleanness for a discharge: whether his body runs with his discharge, or his body is blocked up by his discharge, it is his uncleanness.

No Pharisee would have dared be around an unclean person much less invite them into their home.

All of this seems to illustrate that this man was only there to serve their sinful purpose of trying to get Jesus to violate their Sabbath restrictions by healing him.

In their twisted legalistic minds, healing this man on the Sabbath meant he was NOT sent from God.

B.) They did not see this man’s real need.

He was a reject of society.

Sick and desperate. Without hope.

Instead of helping him as best they could, by at least showing this man some compassion, they used him for their own selfish and sinful motives. Their obsession with rules blinded them to the suffering right in front of them.

God hates this kind of behavior!

Isaiah 65:5 ESV

5 who say, “Keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am too holy for you.” These are a smoke in my nostrils, a fire that burns all the day.

We can be guilty of this same behavior today.

C.) How do legalists show this same behavior today?

Prioritize appearances over compassion. Legalists may pride themselves on outward displays of righteousness while ignoring the brokenness of those around them.

Reduce people to objects in order to push their own agendas. Like the Pharisees used this man, legalists today may exploit the struggles of others to justify their own spiritual superiority.

They turn ministry opportunities into moments of judgment. Rather than seeing hurting people as those in need of mercy, legalists see them as moral failures deserving condemnation.

3.) Legalism values ceremony and ritual over people. (v.3-4a)

Jesus knew it was the Sabbath and seized upon the opportunity to show these Pharisees that helping someone in need and offering healing to the hurting was far more important than religious ceremony and ritual.

He asks the question:

Luke 14:3 ESV

3 And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?”

Their “Rabbinic tradition” said, “Absolutely! Healing is work and no work is to be preformed on the Sabbath. A person can only be tended to if they were in imminent danger of death if left untreated until the next day. To treat someone who wasn’t in this danger was work and work was forbidden. ”

But, God’s law in no way forbid ministering to the sick on the Sabbath. God’s law permitted the doing of good on the Sabbath.

A.) Jesus presented them with a dilemma.

If they said yes, it would have been seen as them authorizing Jesus to heal this man. That meant they could no longer accuse Him of violating the Sabbath.

If they said no, they were keeping Jesus from healing this man and that too would keep them from being able to accuse him of violating the Sabbath.

B.) By asking this question Jesus reveals that they were more concerned over their form and practices of religion than they were meeting the needs of those around them.

Why did they do this? Because it allowed them to ignore their own sin rather than repent of it and surrender to Jesus. It allowed them to check a measurable box to demonstrate their holiness.

B.) How do legalists show this same behavior today?

We elevate traditions above truth. Just like the Pharisees clung to their Sabbath restrictions, modern legalists prioritize man-made customs over the clear teachings of Scripture.

We measure holiness by external behaviors. Church attendance, strict dress codes, or participation in certain ceremonies become the measuring sticks for spirituality, while the deeper issues of the heart—like love, mercy, and humility—are neglected.

We resist acts of mercy if those acts disrupt their routine. Rather than seeing hurting people as opportunities for ministry, legalists dismiss them as interruptions or inconveniences.

4.) Legalism refuses to confess the truth if it makes them look bad. (v.4)

Luke 14:4 ESV

4 But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away.

There was no way possible they could answer Jesus question without making them look bad. No matter what they said, they would offend the people they were so concerned with viewing them as Holy and lose the risk of these people being loyal to them.

So, they stayed silent. They just sat there ignoring the question. After a long uncomfortable silence, Jesus pulled the man to himself and healed him instantaneously.

A.) Why do legalist refuse to confess truth of Christ?

We cling to routine and comfort. Rather than embracing the challenge of Christ’s teaching, they stay committed to what’s familiar—even if it’s wrong.

We fear change. Acknowledging the truth might require adjustments to long-held beliefs, risking the loss of people’s support or respect.

We prioritize position and security. Legalists may resist admitting fault or error to avoid losing influence or status.

We fear failure. Confessing the truth may expose our weaknesses or challenge the systems that make them feel safe and in control.

5.) Legalism can’t see the inconsistency in its beliefs and behaviors. (v.5)

Luke 14:5 ESV

5 And he said to them, “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?”

This is a powerful illustration used by Jesus. A man’s livestock or personal property would very quickly lead him to set aside his religous rules.

Why then would a man who was in need not be put before religious rules and regulation?

A.) The Pharisees’ Inconsistency.

The Pharisees’ rules permitted helping an animal in distress on the Sabbath but condemned helping a human being in need. This reveals the heart of their legalism—they claimed to love God yet disregarded the value of people made in His image.

B.) How do legalists show this same behavior today?

Inconsistent Priorities. We may go out of our way to maintain traditions but neglect showing compassion or grace to those struggling with sin or hardship.

Selective Obedience. We may apply Scripture rigorously in some areas but conveniently overlook commands that challenge their preferences.

Greater Concern for Reputation. We may emphasize maintaining appearances or impressing others rather than humbly serving those in need.

Conclusion:

Luke 14:6 ESV

6 And they could not reply to these things.

Jesus silenced the legalism of these Pharisees.

Honestly, what could any of us say against Christ if we are truly honest with him?

This passage has shown us five key characteristics of legalism: 

Legalism breeds a critical spirit. 

Legalism overlooks genuine needs. 

Legalism values ritual over compassion. 

Legalism refuses to confess truth if it makes one look bad. 

Legalism can’t see inconsistency in its beliefs and behaviors. 

In all of this, Jesus stands in contrast. Where legalism condemns, Jesus shows compassion. Where legalism clings to tradition, Jesus demonstrates truth. Where legalism is cold and lifeless, Jesus brings grace and healing. 

So, what do we do with this? Here are some overarching action points to guard against the legalism we’ve seen throughout this passage, supported by God’s Word: 

Cultivate Humility and Self-Reflection - Regularly examine your heart before God, asking Him to reveal areas where pride, a critical spirit, or misplaced priorities have taken root. Remember that we are all sinners in need of grace, just as the Pharisees were, and let this truth soften your heart toward others. 

Psalm 139:23–24 ESV

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Ask God to help you to prioritize Compassion Over Rules - When you encounter someone in need, move toward them with mercy, even if it disrupts your routine or challenges your traditions.

Like Jesus, value people—made in God’s image—above rituals, and refuse to let appearances or comfort dictate your response. 

Matthew 9:13 ESV

13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Pursue Truth with Courage - Be willing to confess where you’ve been wrong or where God’s truth challenges your assumptions, even if it risks your reputation or security. Trust that embracing His truth, as Jesus modeled, will set you free rather than bind you to fear or pride. 

John 8:32 ESV

32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Practice Consistent Grace - Strive to align your beliefs and actions with God’s heart, showing the same compassion to people that you’d extend to your own interests. Imitate Jesus by rejecting selective obedience and letting love for God and neighbor guide your life. 

Micah 6:8 ESV

8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Fix Your Eyes on Grace - Guard against legalism by anchoring yourself in the gospel. Jesus didn’t just expose the Pharisees’ errors—He offered something better: salvation by grace through faith. Don’t let a focus on rules blind you to the Savior who offers forgiveness and life. 

Ephesians 2:8–9 ESV

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

The Pharisees missed Jesus because they clung to their legalism. Today, let’s reject that path. If you’re trusting in your own efforts to save you, repent and turn to Christ. He bore the weight of our sin, fulfilling the law we could never keep, and offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who trust in Him. Let Jesus silence the voice of legalism in your heart and fill it with His grace and truth.