February 3, 2022 – “To Get One’s Goat” (Luke 11:37-44)

“When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal. Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you. “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. “Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces. “Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.” Luke 11:37-44

“To Get One’s Goat”

This odd phrase has an unusual meaning — to irritate or annoy someone. The origin comes from horseracing. Jockeys used to place goats in the stables with their horses. Why? Apparently this was said to relax the horses. However, competitors would remove the goats of their rivals to spook their competitors’ horses, hoping they would consequently lose the race. So if you were devious enough to do anything to win a horse race, you would stoop to “getting your opponent’s goat.”

Jesus always seemed interested in getting under the skin of the Pharisees – or at least he tried to “get their goat”. He would use them as an example of how not to live in relationship with G-d – or point out how smug, pretentious and sanctimonious they were when it came to understanding their stance in relation to, and their need for G-d’s love and forgiveness. As such, Jesus used them as examples — but not positive examples.

We all have known many kinds of people. There are two types of people I want to mention in particular — those who try to get your goat — and those who are sanctimonious. I must say I prefer the former, and not the latter. With my odd sense of humor, I find it fun to try to get someone’s goat. But, I do not like being “the goat” — like the Pharisees in Jesus’ teachings.

The good news is that Jesus will never make us the goat. Jesus has your back and will always be looking to provide just what you need so that you can live as best a life as you possibly can hope to live. Will we always get want we want? No! But, why should we be so sanctimonious to think we will always get what we want?

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus, G-d wants from us a humble and contrite heart – ready to be loved and forgiven – and to share that love and forgiveness. Help me to live into this relationship every day. Amen.

Pastor Dave