“Because of this, the wisdom of God said…” – Luke 11:49
It’s an unusual expression in the gospels, “the wisdom of God.” Some say it is a reference to Jesus. Others say it refers to God Himself. As always, the context is the best place to look for help. Jesus is speaking, so it would be strange, even unprecedented, for Him to refer to Himself this way. In the verses that follow, Jesus refers to Abel, the first martyr in the Old Testament (Genesis 4:8), and to Zechariah who was the last recorded martyr in the Old Testament (2 Chronicles 24:21-22). The quote that Jesus offers as what the “wisdom of God” says is not a direct quote found anywhere in the Old Testament. What are we to make of all of this?
It seems that when Jesus refers to the “wisdom of God” He is pointing to the entire story of the Old Testament from beginning to end. Jesus was speaking to people who had the entire revelation of God in the Old Testament…and yet did not believe. To these, Jesus announces judgment.
How much more so would we be guilty who not only have the Old Testament but also the revelation of Christ Himself!? If we reject the “wisdom of God” and the Son of God, what hope is there? What hope is there for our friends and neighbors?
In light of the weight of judgment, how much more must we be motivated to call our family, friends, and neighbors to the grace of God in Jesus. The whole “wisdom of God,” the Old Testament and the New, testify to the grace of God towards those who repent and believe. May we be found among those who believe.
Think These Things 