[:en]SCRIPTURE: LUKE 14
Bible Verses:
“ For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)
“ But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:13-14)
“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27)
“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear” (Luke 14:34-35)
JESUS AT A PHARISEE’S HOUSE (vs. 1-14)
Jesus cured a man suffering from dropsy at a Pharisee’s house on a Sabbath day. To silence them, Jesus asked them this question: One of you has a son or an ox that falls into a well on Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull him out?” (v. 55).
Jesus noticed that the quests were seeking for recognition by securing the best seats. But Jesus taught them the lesson of humility. Jesus also gave this admonition to the host: “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors or they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (v. 12-14)
THE PARABLE OF THE GREAT BANQUET (vs. 15-24)
Jesus used the Parable of the Great Banquet to illustrate the importance of accepting God’s invitation to “salvation’s supper”. Three different persons were invited but they all gave excuses. The first one was dealing with real estate. He had bought a field and wanted to see iit. How could he examine the property during night time? The second one brought five yoke of oxen. How could he accept the oxen without first testing them before the transaction was consummated? The third man used marriage as an excuse. The man’s wife had nothing to do with the event, for women were not usually invited to public feast. So, the hosts shut the door for them and invited others to take their place.
THE COST OF BEING A DISCIPLE (vs. 25-35)
Jesus laid down strict qualification to become His disciples. He wants only those who will pay the price of carrying the cross and help Him influence this decayed world.
REFLECTION:
- Jesus violated the Sabbath tradition by healing the man. Do you have the courage to break a tradition in order to help people?
- Are you humble or hungry to seek for recognition?
- When you invite a person, do you expect to be repaid? Jesus taught us that if the motive of your hospitality is pure, you will be repaid at the resurrection and he will bless you.
- When God invite you to come to Him, will you accept hHis invitation or will you give excuses?
- Jesus needs best material to build His church and the finest soldiers to fight the battle. Are you qualified to be his disciple?
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