11:37–54 This lengthy section begins by a Pharisee’s observation that Jesus did not first wash before the meal (see note below). The reference is to Pharisaic ritual, as expressed in their oral laws and traditions. In response to this, Jesus addressed the issue (ritualistic washing) in vv. 39–41, but then goes on to deliver a diatribe revolving around the theme of Pharisaic hypocrisy. The first example of hypocrisy that Jesus cites is a take-off on the Pharisaic concern with washing. In actual practice the Pharisees did clean the inside of the cup and dish (see Lev. 11:32; 15:12), but Jesus’ figurative remark suggests “that the Pharisaic ritual of only washing the outside of a man is as foolish as only washing the exterior of a dirty vessel” (Marshall, p. 494). If God made both the outside…