Luke 11:40Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

You misguided individuals! Did not the same Creator, who formed the body in which you reside, also breathe life into the soul? Therefore, it is essential for you to cleanse the soul as well.

He who is the Creator also established both the outward form and the inward essence, meaning that the One who fashioned the body also formed the soul. Since both belong to the same good Creator, their cleansing must be aligned. However, the scribes and Pharisees failed in this regard; for them, mere appearances of purity took precedence, prompting them to engage in superficial practices. They paraded around with somber expressions, seemingly drained from fasting. As the Savior pointed out, they “widened the hems of their garments and their phylacteries, and stood in the streets and prayed that they might be seen by many.” This longing was to earn admiration from people rather than from the Lord, reveling in the applause of onlookers.

Both body and spirit are fashioned by the same Divine Artisan. So, why do you neglect to purify it as well? As stated earlier, “Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and the dish, that the outside of them also may be clean.” Seek understanding in that passage.

The Lord addressed them regarding their sinful ways, criticizing their focus on outward appearances while disregarding their inner lives. He emphasized that true purification from sin comes not from mere washing but rather from acts of charity. He admonished them for their triviality, as they meticulously tithed from their gardens yet overlooked the higher moral standards required of them. He also chastised their pride in seeking honor and recognition from others, likening them to elaborate tombs that people pass by without realizing their true nature, thus rendering themselves impure.

The term "unwise" here encompasses not only a lack of reason or foolishness but also refers to immorality and wickedness, as seen in passages like Psalm 15:1 and Proverbs 13:19 and 14:9. When questioning “Is not He Who...”: did not the Creator of the body also breathe life into the soul? Pharisees, you are so meticulous about ensuring your bodies are clean and that your hands are washed before meals, believing this pleases God, yet why do you neglect the cleanliness of your souls, which hold far greater value in His eyes? While you pay great attention to the purity of your utensils and cups, it would be wise to prioritize the purity of your souls even more.

A Pharisee, likely seeking an opportunity to accuse the Lord, invited Him to share a meal. Just as St. Gregory of Nyssa illustrated that the sun “illuminates not only the plains, but also the gorges and deep caves,” the Most Pure and Righteous One demonstrated remarkable forbearance towards His adversaries, aiming to enlighten and instruct them. He accepted the invitation, entered the home, and reclined at the table. The Pharisee, steeped in the biases of his sect, was astonished that the Lord did not wash His hands before dining, neglecting a tradition that, while non-judgmental, had been elevated to the status of a mandatory commandment through distorted interpretations by the Pharisees.