LUKE 14 FEASTING AND FOLLOWING.
v.1-6. A FEAST AND HEALING: People are more important than things. Jesus and the Sabbath: what type of people are coming into the kingdom of God?
- No doubt as to His Person: “watched Him.
- No doubt as to His purpose: “He took Him.”
- No doubt as to His power: “He healed Him." A certain man with dropsy (fluid build up; kidney/heart failure); Jesus takes the initiative. The Pharisees were a very righteous group who had ascribed to oral traditions as well as the scriptures of truth. Human life always has value over animals and personal property.
v.7-11. A FEAST AND HUMBLING: The way up is down; the place of honor.
- The high shall be brought low.
- The humble shall be exalted.
- Pro.15:33 teaches us to make an honest appraisal of our weaknesses and our strengths. We need to deliberately get some insight into human relationships: selfishness brings embarrassment; courtesy is appreciated and rewarded. Look for your prestige by serving, not claiming a high place on your own.
v.12-14. A FEAST AND A HEARING:
- Needy are called.
- Helpless are cared for.
- The giver blessed. Fellowship socially is important. It is important to include those less fortunate when we entertain.
v.15-24. A FEAST AND A HERALDING: The folly of failing to enter; the great supper. The Lord uses a “teaching moment,” teaching about what we own, what we do and our relationships. Feast prepared. Servant sent: The Holy Spirit. Invitation given: to Israel. Response expected. The Jews were expecting a great feast when Christ rules. The Lord’s parable goes way beyond that. When the invitation is given, He expects us to respond favorably. God’s things should always be first in priority. Anything else is lesser in value. Choices have to be made to receive the invitation no matter how it may inconvenience us.
v.25-26. THE DISCIPLE AND HIS CARES: The way to win is to lose. The cost of discipleship…
- Family life interrupted.
- Personal life changed. Ties to humans are to be less than our commitment to God. The value of the things of God is more important than anything else we may be involved in. The disciple considers the cost and is willing to pay it. To be a disciple involves submitting to Christ’s terms. Entire consecration is necessary. Those who are not totally committed to Christ are like salt that has lost its flavor. What is acceptable from a disciple?
v.27. THE DISCIPLE AND HIS CROSS: He may be misunderstood.
- Personal identification.
- Personal choice.
- Personal commitment.
v.28-30. THE DISCIPLE AND HIS COSTS:
- Do I want to?
- Am I able to?
- Am I willing to?
v.31-35. THE DISCIPLE AND HIS CONDITIONS: Forsakes all. Follows after Christ. Fit for action.
REWARDS AND COSTS OF CONTAGIOUS CHRISTIANITY Cost/benefit analysis similar to the business world… Benefits
Adventure: you go places you have never been and do things you have never done – spiritually. It is like the first white-knuckle ride you have ever been on. Then it leads to another. Purpose: you start recognizing everyday events with the attitude that this is possibly the opportunity of a lifetime for someone. Fulfillment: this rises above everyday experiences. What can compare to being an instrument in God’s hand, a communicator of love and a clarifier of truth to people He cared enough to die for. [2Pe.3:9]. “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me!” [Jn.4]. (“I eat that up!”) Spiritual growth: high stakes spiritual conversations with people who need Christ, make us come alive and our life takes on fresh significance. You read the Bible with new light. You pray with purpose. Worship becomes a well-spring. Personal purity becomes a priority we practice. Spiritual confidence: efforts to pass faith on, strengthens confidence in our own faith. We begin to really understand what we want to pass on is true, and we can see the failure of that which is false. Enduring investments: [Mat.16:19-20] the things that are eternal Honor of being God’s agents: [Acts 1:8] He gives us this kingdom expansion project and then goes about doing extraordinary things through us.
Costs
- Time and energy:
- Reading and studying:
- Money:
- Risk of embarrassment, rejection or persecution:
- It complicates your life: