Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 11:45

"And one of the lawyers answering saith unto him, Teacher, in saying this thou reproachest us also." — Luke 11:45 (ASV)

Jesus now directs words against the “experts in the law,” many of whom were Pharisees. Their religious legalism explains v.46. They could interpret the OT and the traditions built on it in such a way as to leave little room for personal moral decisions. As “experts,” they could, of course, find ways of circumventing the rules themselves.