waiting to catch HimThe religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees and scribes, were often in opposition to Jesus. Their intent was not to learn from Him but to find fault. This reflects a broader theme in the Gospels where Jesus is frequently challenged by those in authority. The Greek term used here implies a sense of lying in wait, similar to a hunter stalking prey. This adversarial stance is consistent with the broader narrative of the Gospels, where Jesus is often depicted as being under scrutiny by those who feel threatened by His teachings and authority.
in something He might say
The focus on Jesus' words highlights the power and authority of His teaching. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus' words are portrayed as having divine authority, often challenging the established religious norms. The leaders' attempt to trap Him in His words is reminiscent of other instances where they question Him on matters of law and tradition, such as paying taxes to Caesar (Luke 20:20-26) or the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11). This reflects the broader biblical theme of the Word of God being living and active, as seen inHebrews 4:12. The leaders' inability to trap Jesus underscores His wisdom and the divine nature of His mission.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is being scrutinized by the religious leaders. His teachings and actions often challenged the status quo, leading to tension with the Pharisees and scribes.
2.
Pharisees and ScribesReligious leaders of the time who were often in opposition to Jesus. They were known for their strict adherence to the law and traditions, and they frequently sought to discredit Jesus.
3.
The SettingThis event takes place during Jesus' ministry, as He is teaching and interacting with various groups, including His disciples and the religious leaders.
Teaching Points
The Nature of OppositionJesus faced constant scrutiny and opposition from those who felt threatened by His teachings. As followers of Christ, we should expect and be prepared for similar challenges in our own lives.
Guarding Our WordsJust as Jesus was careful with His words, we too must be mindful of what we say, knowing that others may seek to twist our words or use them against us.
Discernment and WisdomJesus demonstrated wisdom and discernment in His interactions. We should seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to navigate difficult conversations and situations.
Integrity in AdversityDespite the attempts to trap Him, Jesus maintained His integrity. We are called to uphold our values and faith, even when under pressure.
Trust in God's SovereigntyJesus' confidence in His mission and message was rooted in His trust in the Father. We can find peace in knowing that God is in control, even when we face opposition.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 11:54?
2.How can we avoid the Pharisees' trap of hypocrisy in Luke 11:54?
3.What does Luke 11:54 teach about the dangers of seeking to "catch Him"?
4.How does Luke 11:54 connect with Proverbs 26:27 about digging a pit?
5.How can we apply Jesus' wisdom in handling opposition from Luke 11:54?
6.What strategies can we use to discern truth when facing deceitful questions?
7.Why were the Pharisees so intent on trapping Jesus in Luke 11:54?
8.How does Luke 11:54 reflect the tension between Jesus and religious leaders?
9.What does Luke 11:54 reveal about the nature of opposition to Jesus?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 11?
11.What parables did Jesus teach in the Bible?
12.Psalm 72:11 suggests all kings will bow down, yet there's no record of worldwide homage to Israel's monarchy; how do we account for this discrepancy?
13.In Luke 11:31, is there credible historical evidence affirming that the Queen of the South recognized a divine wisdom comparable to, or foreshadowing, that of Jesus?
14.Why do different Gospels have different reasons for why Jesus was arrested?What Does Luke 11:54 Mean
WaitingLuke 11:54: “…waiting to catch Him in something He might say.”
• The religious leaders have decided to bide their time, marking every move Jesus makes.
• Cross references show the same watchful hostility:Luke 20:20 speaks of spies “who pretended to be righteous” while waiting to trap Him;Mark 3:2 notes they “watched Jesus closely to see if He would heal on the Sabbath.”
• Their waiting is not passive but calculated, a sinful vigilance that stands in stark contrast toPsalm 37:34, which calls the faithful to “wait for the LORD and keep His way.”
To catch Him• The motive is entrapment, not genuine inquiry.Matthew 22:15 describes how the Pharisees “plotted to trap Jesus in His words,” andDaniel 6:4–5 shows a similar scheme against Daniel, proving that God’s servants have long faced unjust snares.
• Such catching seeks to discredit His authority.John 11:48 reveals their fear: “If we let Him keep on like this, everyone will believe in Him.”
In something• Their hunt focuses on finding the slightest statement to accuse Him.Luke 6:7 captures the pattern: “the scribes and Pharisees were watching Him closely… so that they might find a reason to accuse Him.”
•Psalm 56:5 laments, “All day long they distort my words,” illustrating how the righteous often endure twisted interpretations.
• This attitude fulfills the prophecy ofIsaiah 29:20–21 where the scorner “sets a snare for the defender in court.”
He might say• The leaders know Jesus speaks truth, yet they hope a single remark can be turned against Him.John 8:6 records, “They said this to test Him, so that they might have grounds to accuse Him.”
• Even Christ’s gracious words at Nazareth were met with rage (Luke 4:22–29), proving that hardened hearts can twist any message.
• Ultimately, their obsession culminates at His trial when false witnesses misquote Him (Matthew 26:59–61), but even then He remains sinless and His testimony stands.
summaryLuke 11:54 reveals a deliberate, hostile vigilance: leaders waiting with the sole aim of trapping Jesus through His own words. Their calculated surveillance mirrors earlier biblical plots against God’s faithful, confirming humanity’s persistent rebellion against divine truth. Yet every attempt to ensnare the Savior only magnifies His flawless righteousness and fulfills Scripture, assuring believers that God’s purpose prevails despite human schemes.
(54)
Laying wait for him.--The better MSS. give the verse in a somewhat simpler form,
laying wait to catch something out of His mouth. The words throw light on the subsequent question about paying tribute to Caesar (
Matthew 22:15-22;
Mark 12:13-17), and show it to have been the acting out of a pre-concerted policy.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
waiting
ἐνεδρεύοντες(enedreuontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1748:To lie in wait (ambush) for, seek to entrap (hence: I defraud, deceive). From enedra; to lurk, i.e. plot assassination.
to catch
θηρεῦσαί(thēreusai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2340:To hunt, seek to catch or entrap; met: I lay hold of. From thera; to hunt, i.e. to carp at.
Him
αὐτὸν(auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
in something
τι(ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5100:Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.
He might say.
ἐκ(ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.
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NT Gospels: Luke 11:54 Lying in wait for him and seeking (Luke Lu Lk)
