[:en]Jesus at a Pharisee’s House (vs. 1-6)
Jesus went to eat at the house of a prominent Pharisee on a Sabbath day. People were watching Jesus closely because there was a man suffering from dropsy. Before Jesus healed him, he asked the Pharisees and experts in the law a question. “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?” (v. 3) They did not answer, so Jesus touched the sick man and healed him. then he said: “If you saw an ox fell into a well on the Sabbath, will you get him out immediately? (v. 5)
Humility (vs. 7-14)
Jesus taught the guest not to seek places of honor. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (v. 11) He told the host not to be exclusive about whom he would invite because God’s kingdom is open to everyone.
The Parable of a Great Banquet (vs. 15-24)
Jesus talked about the parable of a great banquet. The great banquet was ready and the guests had not come. They made all kinds of excuses to justify their absence.
Today, Jesus is also inviting us to His Kingdom. But we make many excuses – work duties, family responsibilities, financial needs, etc. that hinder us to respond to God’s call. But no matter how inconvenient it may be, His invitation is the most important event in your life.
The Cost of Being a Disciple (vs. 25-34)
“Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (v. 27)
In Rome, when a criminal was to be executed, he was forced to carry the cross on which he will be nailed. This showed submission to Rome. Likewise, following Christ needs total submission to Him even to the point of death.
3 Illustrations cited on the Cost of Being a Disciple:
- A builder has to count the cost to complete the construction he is making. A follower of Christ must also know that the cost of being a Disciple entails loss of social status , wealth, time or career. Total commitment needs a solid foundation of FAITH to stand firm so that he will not be tempted to turn back later.
- Before a king wants to go to war against another king, he must consider his abilities and capabilities. If he was not able, he had to ask for terms of peace. Likewise, to be God’s disciple, you must be willing to give up everything.
- Christians must be a salt to this world. But the salt must retain its flavor. Many Christians blend into the world and avoid the cost of standing up for Christ. They have lost their distinctive saltiness and become worthless. We are to preserve the good in the world and bring new flavor to life. We should remain “salty” to represent Christ in the world.
How “salty” are you?[:]