Luke 11:37-41
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read Luke 11:37-41 taking note of anything that stands out as you read.
Hospitality was hugely important in first century Jewish culture, and an invitation to share a meal at someone’s table was considered an honor. But knowing what we do about the suspicion with which the religious elite viewed Jesus, the motive of the Pharisee in today’s passage is murky.
But Jesus still accepts the invitation. Jesus goes where he is invited, but he does not conform to anyone’s expectations. To invite Jesus in is to invite the light in, and light illuminates.
Luke’s account of Jesus’ life gives us multiple opportunities to stop and consider the way we think about Jesus. Stop now to center yourself on Jesus recognizing that though he will not conform to your ideas about him, he will transform you and your thinking if you will allow him to. Sit with this thought for a moment and then speak to Jesus about whatever is on your mind.
Read Luke 11:37-41 again.
By the time Jesus began his earthly ministry, the Jewish religion had evolved in complicated ways. The core laws given by God had been supplemented with layers of rules and rituals, and for many people these additional regulations had obscured the heart of God’s original intentions.
Such was the case with the ritual of ceremonial hand washing. For the Pharisees, outward ritual cleanliness had become more important than inward compassion, and the idea of being a blessing to the families of the earth was a dim memory. But when the Light of the World is at your dinner table, a lot becomes clear.
Checking off religious boxes while ignoring the condition of our hearts is soul-numbing. If we are true disciples of Jesus, the character of God will be increasingly evident in our actions – and God is full of compassion.
For the last minutes of this time of reflection, picture Jesus’ light shining on your private, inner world. Allow Jesus to speak to you regarding your compassion for, and generosity towards, people who are in need in some way. Rather than focusing on any guilt or shame that you might feel, ask Jesus what he is inviting you to do in response. Stay with this for a while.
What do you sense Jesus saying to you?
What will you do about that?
Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week. If you find these meditations helpful, please forward them to a couple of friends.
The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
