Luke 11:54

“Laying wait for him, etc.] To ensnare and entangle him, watching his words, observing what he said, and laying hold thereon: and seeking to catch something out of his mouth; like beasts of prey, or hunters, that were watching for their prey; or lay ambush, diligently looking out, and greedily catching at every thing they thought for their purpose: that they might accuse him; either of heresy or sedition, to the Jewish sanhedrim, or the Roman governor.”

“Laying wait for him - Or, rather, laying “snares” for him It means that they endeavored to entangle him in his talk; that they did as men do who catch birds - who lay snares, and deceive them, and take them unawares. That they might accuse him - Before the Sanhedrin, or great council of the nation, and thus secure his being put to death. From this we may learn: 1. That faithful reproofs must be expected to excite opposition and hatred. Though the “conscience” may be roused, and may testify against the man that is reproved, yet that does not prevent his hating the reproof and the reprover. 2. We see here the manner in which wicked people endeavor to escape the reproofs of conscience. Instead…”

“seeking: Psa 37:32, Psa 37:33, Psa 56:5, Psa 56:6; Mat 22:15, Mat 22:18, Mat 22:35; Mar 12:13 Next: Luke Chapter 12”