Luke 14
Friday, February 5, 2010 at 2:03PM Jesus often uses parables and metaphors to make a point. When this happens, we need to dive deeper into what He is saying. Go beyond just the surface. What is He trying to say here? Is He actually giving us instructions on pulling oxen out of ditches and who to invite to dinner parties? Does Jesus really care about where we sit at someone else’s banquet? Jesus’ concern is not about the physical, but only about the spiritual.
Every story in this chapter is about pride and selfishness. He is addressing the attitude of getting what I want AND what I deserve. Think about what you want and what you deserve in life. Don’t think about the Sunday school answer, but think about the times when you get frustrated because you don’t get what you deserve or what you are expecting. Now, read the chapter again and think about the attitudes He was addressing. Think about the applications in your life.
The Sabbath had become a very prideful and selfish day in the life of a Jew. Following the letter of the law (or in many cases the letter of the tradition) brought about a sense of pride. Something to accomplish that deserved admiration. It was also a selfish day, because in fact, most responsibilities were not allowed by the law. It had become a self-centered day rather than a God-centered day. God was involved, but there was a limit. Does that sound familiar? The meaning and purpose of the Sabbath had been lost.
Read the other stories with the same thought in mind.
Don’t choose what you think you deserve, but allow someone else to make that decision – even if they don’t make it correctly or at all.
Live life to be repaid and appreciated in eternity, rather than receiving a temporary reward on earth.
Do not just automatically assume you are invited to the banquet in heaven because of your family heritage or religious practices. It is very possible that the Lord is calling, but life (a prideful religious life) is distracting you from answering.
You have to give up what you treasure most to be Jesus’ disciple. There is a SIGNIFICANT cost!
A true follower of Christ WILL impact the world around them.
--David Jones, CEO
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