Works and Words

Luke refers to his Gospel in the words quoted. In the Gospel Luke is describing what the Lord did and taught. It is remarkable that the worksAnother word for deeds or actions. God's works are perfect (Gen 1:31), men's can be good works (Matt 5:16) or dead (Heb 6:1). On the basis of his works, unbelieving... More of the Lord Jesus are mentioned before His words.

Perfect Lord! He was the opposite of the Pharisees, of whom He had to say: "Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their worksAnother word for deeds or actions. God's works are perfect (Gen 1:31), men's can be good works (Matt 5:16) or dead (Heb 6:1). On the basis of his works, unbelieving... More; for they say, and do not do." (Mt. 23:3). The PhariseesThe Pharisees were a small but influential religious group at the time of the New Testament. They demanded a strict separation from the lifestyle and practices of the gentiles and... More spoke first. And then they did not even follow up their fine words with deeds.

When the Lord Jesus asked a rich young man to sell everything, He Himself had already set an example – in a much higher sense, of course – because He had come down from heaven in graceTo the one who earns something through performance, the reward is not according to grace but according to debt (Rom. 4:4). Grace is a favor that is not given by... More and had become poor (cf. Mt. 19:21; 2 Cor. 8:9).

Thus life and teaching always went hand in hand with ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More. In this, too, He is our perfect role model.