Read Luke 14.
Jesus had been invited to a meal with many other guests. The host was a leader among the Pharisees. Jesus did two things during this dinner. First, He observed people and how they behaved. Second, He used this natural setting as a teachable moment.
A man with dropsy had been brought in the room to see what Jesus would do. This was highly unusual for these leaders to allow one who was ceremonially unclean to be at such an event. They held to thinking that they had prominent places in the future kingdom of God, but these outcasts and, especially the Gentiles, would not be included. Jesus presented a very different viewpoint.
1. The way up is down. (vv.7-11)
As Jesus watched the people arrive and find a place at the table, He noticed the jockeying being done for position. In that culture, the pecking order of honor could be seen by those who sat closest to the host. This demonstrated nothing more than selfish pride. To live as a disciple of Jesus, one must serve, not just sit, and do so in humility.
Pushing one's way as a guest to a position of prominence could lead to embarrassment. Refraining from self-promotion and waiting to be asked is a pure honor. The Apostle Peter repeated this theme. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you." (1 Peter 5:6) It is a mark of a true follower of Jesus.
2. Personally respond to God's grace. (vv.12-24)
The pride-filled listeners hosted such banquets for each other, expecting equal or greater treatment in return. But grace cannot be earned. God's grace is not quid pro quo. We can do nothing in exchange to merit grace. In Jesus' story, those originally invited to a lavish event were too busy with their own priorities to attend. The host opened wide the invitation to whoever would come-the outcasts, the ceremonially unclean, and even those outside the community.
Such a parable would have gotten the attention of these hearers. The kingdom of God would not be limited to Jews but, as the Abrahamic Covenant foretold and the prophets predicted, the whole world would be included in God's great invitation. Those who do not personally respond will not be present in the kingdom of God.
3. There are high personal costs in being a follower of Jesus. (vv.25-33)
-Priority. Jesus will not be satisfied with second place. He demands first place in one's life.
-Planning. Following Jesus requires thinking ahead. What will a committed life mean? What must change in order to put Biblical faith into practice?
-Sacrifice. A committed follower of Jesus desires to be "able to finish" well (v.30). As a steward of God's provisions, one is required to manage those resources successfully.
His conclusion in verses 34-35 is as clear and straightforward as the above principles. If these things are not in practice, one has no value to the kingdom of God. Note the last sentence. Are you listening to Jesus?
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