Luke Chapter 11 Verse 54

Interpretation of Luke Chapter 11 Verse 54

In Luke 11:54, Jesus is teaching in a synagogue and is being challenged by the Pharisees and scribes. They are asking Him for a sign from heaven to prove His authority, but Jesus warns them that there will be no sign except for the sign of Jonah. He then criticizes the Pharisees for being hypocrites and for seeking after signs, when they already have the Law and the Prophets as evidence. Jesus then goes on to say that the Pharisees are like a grave that is hidden, but still filled with dead men’s bones. In this passage, Jesus is pointing out that the Pharisees are so focused on external signs that they are neglecting the truth that is right in front of them. He then says that they are like a fox, “laying wait for him, to catch something out of his mouth”. Jesus is referring to the Pharisees trying to trap Him into saying something that will prove they are right and He is wrong. He is warning them that they are wasting their time and that they should instead focus on understanding the truth of the Law and the Prophets.