Reflecting on Luke 11:42-54
“You have taken away the key to knowledge…” (Luke 11:52)
What is this key to knowledge that Jesus speaks about?
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)
God is the source of knowledge, wisdom and instruction.
‘Fear’ (Hebrew ‘yare’) means respect, reverence, awe, wonder.
To know Who and what God is, and to respond appropriately.
But this is where the religious leaders fell short.
They failed to honour the loving, gracious goodness of God.
Knowledge does not come from cowering before God in fright.
It comes from humble, hopeful submission and devotion to God’s love.
That love not only informs, it transforms us into God-like love.
They imposed fear, shame and guilt, driving people away from God.
And they resisted Jesus BECAUSE He embodied this love of God.
When we do not appreciate God for Who God is, we dishonour God.
We close our minds to the truth, and hinder others from experiencing it.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You are the key to knowledge because You are God's love, grace, mercy and compassion embodied and expressed, in all its wonder. Transform my mind, and my life, with God's awe-inspiring, that I may impress it on others. May the people who meet me discover the key to knowledge, the doorway to love!
