Luke 14:15-24
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.
As we continue exploring Jesus’ conversation with the Pharisees over dinner, read Luke 14:15-24 imagining yourself as one of the Pharisees hearing this parable.
Jesus has just instructed his host on the upside-down nature of the Kingdom of God when it comes to transactional vs. open-handed relationships. Now, without regard for how it will affect his popularity, Jesus calmly illustrates a stinging truth about the religious leaders seated at the dinner table.
The man raising the topic of the banquet in the Kingdom of God obviously assumes he is on the guest list. But in the story Jesus tells, it is apparent that many who are invited will miss out on the feast in God’s Kingdom because they have confused their own beliefs and agendas with God’s.
It is good to be confident in what we believe about God and faith, but if we are not in the habit of humbly examining our beliefs with the help of the Holy Spirit, we are all susceptible to error. Think about your beliefs ten years ago. How have these beliefs been modified or even changed over time as you have come to know Jesus better? Ask the Holy Spirit what you need to learn from this.
Read Luke 14:15-24 again.
Jesus is not trying to boost his image by making friends with these religiously important people. His concern in this situation is for the souls of his dinner companions, and he does not hesitate to lay out the truth to them.
A person does not earn his or her place among God’s people by being born into a certain lineage or by living a religious life. The invitation to the banquet of God’s goodness is extended to anyone who responds in faith to Jesus regardless of race, lineage, or physical condition. Jesus is the door to God’s Kingdom, and the door is open to all who wish to enter.
Meditate on these words written by the Apostle Paul to the church at Galatia when they became confused about the source of their salvation:
“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.” – Galatians 3:28-29.
Then ask Jesus to reveal whether there is anything besides him on which you are depending to make you acceptable to God.
What is Jesus saying to you today?
How will you respond?
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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.
