Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Luke

Luke 
Day 
Day 150

Luke 11:14-36 "THE DAY OF JUDGMENT"

Day 150 – Luke 11

Text: Luke 11:14-36

THE DAY OF JUDGMENT

The thought of the Day of Judgment was probably not foremost on the mind of the multitudes as they were “thickly gathered together” around Jesus. Some gathered to hear Jesus, marveling at His powers. Others gathered around to attack Jesus, watching for possible weaknesses in His teachings, or in His behaviour! Though they found nothing to accuse Him thus far, nevertheless they gathered around Him, in the hope that they would be able to find something to charge Him with!

The subject of “Judgment” just had to be brought up by the Lord Jesus Christ at this point of time! He brought up the subject of “Judgment” for good reasons:-

1. To awaken the conscience!

a) One cannot be in the Presence of an All-Good Teacher without being conscious of personal sinfulness.
b) One cannot hear the Word of God without having the conscience pricked.

2. To deepen their awareness

a) The awareness of being judged by God must become more acute.
b) This awareness is often not in the forefront of the mind because of other earthly concerns.

3. To encourage positive and appropriate response to the messages heard

a) Thus far, passive interest seemed to be the order of the day.
b) Hostility and cynicism were inappropriate responses.

“THE QUEEN OF THE SOUTH WILL RISE UP IN THE JUDGMENT…” Luke 11:31

It is important to note how Jesus addressed this subject of judgment. He cited two examples, and both are classics:-

1. The “Queen of the South” was a reference to the Queen of Sheba (Cf. 1 Kings 10:1-10). She had heard of the fame of Solomon, with particular reference to his wisdom. She wanted to see for herself whether Solomon’s fame was justified. She tested the wisdom of Solomon with many hard questions (1 Kings 10:1). Solomon answered every hard question put to him; “there was nothing so difficult for the king that he could not explain it to her” (1 Kings 10:3).

The Queen of Sheba returned to her own country deeply impressed with what she saw. Her words are worth quoting…

“It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words
and your wisdom.
However I did not believe the words until I came and
Saw with my own eyes…
Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame of which I heard.
Happy are your men and happy are these your servants,
Who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!
Blessed be the Lord your God, who delighted in you,
Setting you on the throne of Israel…” 1 Kings 10:6-9

Jesus made this comment about the Queen of the south…

“She came from the ends of the earth
to hear the wisdom of Solomon;
and indeed A GREATER THAN SOLOMON is here!”
Luke 11:31

The Queen of Sheba “will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them” (Luke 11:31), for their blindness and for their obduracy!

2. “The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment…” Luke 11:32

Jesus believed in the historicity of the Bible! He believed that there was such a person as the Queen of the South. He also believed in the story of Jonah and the Big Fish. Thus He mentioned that one day they will rise up in the day of Judgment and “condemn it” (Luke 11: 32).

They had heard the messages preached by Jonah. They had repented of their sins and thus God’s judgment against them was stayed!

Jesus spoke of Himself as one “Greater than Jonah” (Luke 11:32). Why could not the people respond appropriately to the Messages preached by One who was far greater than Solomon, and far greater than Jonah?

THE PRONOUNCEMENT OF JUDGMENT

The pronouncement of judgment one day is not the same as condemnation in the here and now. Jesus wasn’t condemning the multitudes. He still healed the sick. He still preached to them. He still answered their questions!

The significance of preaching about Judgment was meant as a warning to the multitudes that they must not carry on as they were!

1. They must not remain passive.

2. They must not be “neutral”.

3. They must not remain unconvinced and uncommitted.

4. They certainly must not be swayed by some to oppose Him.

The word of warning needed to be uttered! The multitude must be challenged to recognize and appreciate Jesus for who He really was! He was greater than Solomon in all his wisdom.

Jesus was a far greater Person than Jonah of old! He carried lots more power and authority in Himself than Jonah ever did.

If the Queen of Sheba could be impressed by the wisdom of Solomon, why could not the multitude be impressed by the obvious wisdom that Jesus displayed in His ministry?

If the Ninevites could respond to the message of Jonah, why could the multitudes not respond appropriately to the mighty messages Jesus preached?

TAKING THE DAY OF JUDGMENT SERIOUSLY!

Are we not sometimes guilty of being overly passive in our response to the Lord? Are we also not in danger of being judged for not responding as we should to God?