Luke 14
-Luke sets the context for the teachings in this passage by indicating where Jesus was here in chapter 14. Jesus in the house of one of the leaders of the Pharisees on the Sabbath and the Pharisees were paying close attention to him with pride and contempt. Thus, Jesus is making His key points and performing a miracle in this intimidating setting.
-Once again He proves that He is the Lord of the Sabbath by healing a man with dropsy (Luke, the physician, identifies this man’s condition, which is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in bodily tissues and cavities). This time, knowing their hearts, Jesus asks them if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not. These kept silent to see what He would do, and Jesus in fact kindly healed the suffering individual along with a question as to their willingness to help their own son or ox who may be in trouble on the Sabbath.
-Jesus then gives a parable to instruct on humility and proper exultation. *Application* Don’t assume to be great in your own eyes. Being presumptuous will end up humiliating you. Be content and wait for your moment of reward and recognition to come. The Heavenly Father sees and knows all and is the best One to receive from.
-The parable of the invited guests is expounded upon by the Christ. This earthly story with a heavenly meaning further illustrates the saying by Jesus, “Many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14).” A key reiteration in both of these parables that the Lord speaks on is the poor, crippled, lame, and blind. These types of people reveal the heart of man and are contextually important to the prideful and arrogant crowd He was speaking to. Another important word here for me is the term “compel (Luke 14:23).” *Application* This word in the Greek has a strong force to it, which indicates that we are to be persistent and eager in our witness for Christ. The Lord wants His house filled and we have a vital role in making that happen!
-Now Jesus lays it all on the line by teaching on the cost of discipleship. The wise will count up the cost and see what is entailed in following Him because it is certainly not an easy life on this earth. It will involve giving up the rights to all possessions and taking up your own personal cross each and every day in obedience to what the Lord wants from you. Those who cannot complete the course will be ridiculed and scorned. Dietrich Bonhoeffer became famous for his book “Cost of Disciplship.” He was convicted to stand for his Christian faith in Nazi Germany during the Second World War. This is an excellent treatise for everyone struggling with this concept that Jesus teaches here in the later part of Luke 14. *Application* "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die (Dietrich Donhoeffer)." This is something most of the Pharisees could never sees themselves doing because of their pride, how about us? Jesus’ words penetrate deep.
Verse to Memorize: Luke 14:11
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