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 thought that they would
have 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. Note the last sentence. Are you listening to Jesus?
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