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Not been there but want to stop others


Gospel
Luke 11:47-54
You have not gone in yourselves and have prevented others who wanted to

Jesus said: ‘Alas for you who build the tombs of the prophets, the men your ancestors killed! In this way you both witness what your ancestors did and approve it; they did the killing, you do the building.
    ‘And that is why the Wisdom of God said, “I will send them prophets and apostles; some they will slaughter and persecute, so that this generation will have to answer for every prophet’s blood that has been shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was murdered between the altar and the sanctuary.” Yes, I tell you, this generation will have to answer for it all.
    ‘Alas for you lawyers who have taken away the key of knowledge! You have not gone in yourselves, and have prevented others going in who wanted to.’
    When he left the house, the scribes and the Pharisees began a furious attack on him and tried to force answers from him on innumerable questions, setting traps to catch him out in something he might say.

Reflection
​In this passage from Luke, Jesus delivers a powerful and scathing critique of the religious leaders of his time. He condemns them for their hypocrisy, specifically for honoring the dead prophets whom their ancestors killed, yet persecuting the living prophets God sent to them. This act of building tombs while rejecting the message of the prophets is a symbolic way of "approving" their ancestors' actions.
​Jesus’s most pointed accusation, however, is that they have "taken away the key of knowledge." This isn't about literal knowledge, but about the wisdom and truth of God's Word. The lawyers and scribes, those entrusted with teaching the Law, have become an obstacle instead of a guide. They haven't embraced the truth themselves, and in their rigid adherence to rules and traditions, they've blocked others from finding a genuine, personal relationship with God. They have created a religion of exclusion, not one of invitation. This passage serves as a timeless warning against a faith that prioritizes outward appearances and human traditions over the transformative power of God's truth.

​Question for Reflection
​In what ways might I be "taking away the key of knowledge" from others by my actions or lack of genuine faith, either by not embracing God's truth myself or by creating obstacles for others?

​Prayer
​Lord Jesus,
We confess that we are often tempted to build tombs and honor traditions more than we live out Your truth. Forgive us for the times we have been hypocritical, judging others while ignoring the planks in our own eyes. Grant us the courage to be honest about our own shortcomings and to open the doors of Your love to others, rather than closing them. Help us to be genuine guides, not obstacles, so that others may enter into a deeper relationship with You. Amen.

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