Jesus interactions with the religious leaders intensify in this section, and we see that their view of religion is what Jesus condemns. Rather than externals, Jesus is concerned about the heart. Rather than being fastidious about tithing the right amount and having great places of honor, Jesus cares about love, justice, and mercy. Rather than truly honoring God, the religious leaders persecute God’s messengers, specifically Jesus.

Jesus gives an extended discourse, with several small parts, about how we should respond to him. Over and over he challenges us to question if we have just been morally reformed or spiritually regenerated.

Jesus casts out a demon, and people start giving explanations/excuses for how Jesus is doing this (and surely, it couldn’t be divine). Jesus logically then deduces that Divine authority is the only think that makes sense, and follows this with an illustration of His conquering authority.

Jesus begins his instructions on what to pray and motivation to pray. The whole section is Luke 11:1-13, but we will focus on the first part of Luke 11:1-4.