One Sabbath, when he went in to eat at the house of one of the leading Pharisees, they were watching him closely.
Luke 14:1
We often talk about why Jesus went to eat with the Pharisees. But why would a leading Pharisee have him in his house? There are a couple of reasons. First, the Pharisees always wanted to look good in the eyes of the people. Jesus was a visible figure. They couldn’t afford to ignore Him. It was a ‘hold you enemies closest’ situation.
Secondly, there were many of the Pharisees that were at least partially persuaded by Christ. Nicodemus surely was. Gamaliel might have been, but we don’t know for sure. And though his conversion was not till later, Paul also was a Pharisee. Some of the objections to Christ from the Pharisees came not because they hated Him, but because they didn’t fully understand Him.
Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your wisdom, love, truth, and kindness. We are awed by Your grandeur. So many people worship Your creation. But You are far more amazing than it could ever be, even if it were once again perfect! You are the All-Powerful ONE. I love You! In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.