Luke 11:37-12:12.  A Pharisee had invited Jesus to dine with him, and Jesus accepted. The Pharisee was astonished that Jesus did not follow his tradition of ceremonially washing his hands before eating. The Pharisee expected deference because he was a Pharisee. He expected Jesus to fear his position. Jesus looked beyond the man’s position and saw his inner hypocrisy. Jesus later warns his listeners to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. Fear of man can cause a person to honour the dishonourable and overlook their sins. We should fear God, who has the right to destroy us in Gehenna — not man who can kill us — then can do no more.

LORD, give us the wisdom to choose the right power to fear.