Grumbling About Jesus
A Word from The Word
I recently studied Luke 15 again—for probably the 100th time. I have studied this passage, taught on it, and even preached it at least half a dozen times. Yet, as I was studying the passage again in preparation to preach on the Prodigal Son for a local congregation, I came across an interesting word—one which illustrates why it is important to study the Biblical text and understand what the Holy Spirit actually caused to be written.
The word is found in Luke 15:1-2: Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (NIV, emphasis mine)
We can all see the Pharisees muttering. But when I see that word I get a picture of them lowering their voices and speaking in muffled tones to one another. But the word the NIV translates “muttered” is “diagogguzo”. It is translated “grumble” in the NASU, and means to complain throughout a crowd. In other words, it is not a quiet whispering of negativity, but an expression of disapproval or sarcasm loud enough for all the people standing around to hear. The Pharisees were deliberately criticizing Jesus to the rest of the Pharisees, the general crowd, and His disciples.
This is important to understand for two reasons—the same two that are important regarding most of the words we study. First, it helps us understand the dynamic of Jesus’ response with the three “Lost” parables, including the famous Prodigal Son. Jesus didn’t fail to hear them, or ignore them. Jesus heard them, just as everyone else did—and his parables, including the Prodigal Son, were directed at them. When we understand this, the meaning of the Prodigal Son becomes much clearer. Jesus was calling out the Pharisees, and in a way that they and all the others present—the crowd, the disciples, and the tax collectors and “sinners”—heard. He was making sure they understood that they did not understand God, and that their behavior was as inappropriate as that of the older son.
Second, it helps us apply this passage more effectively in our own lives. Not only are we able to hear the parables and benefit from their lessons, but we better understand Jesus’ response to grumbling. Of course, we don’t see ourselves as grumblers like the Pharisees. But in reality almost all of us are from time to time. Now, when we catch ourselves grumbling, we can also remember that, like the Pharisees, we are criticizing our King, and showing our lack of understanding of who our God is. When this happens, our proper response is to repent, and ask God to help us understand Himself.
Our God is not a gleeful judge. He isn’t a Father who says, “You had your chance, now you’re done.” Instead, He is the Father whose love for us is so great He celebrates our returning to Him, no matter what we have done!
We hope these studies are helpful to you. If so, please let others know, and feel free to share them wherever they are useful!
Know Jesus and Be Faithful.
