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Advent Challenge Day 14

Luke 14

Jesus performs another healing on a Sabbath, this time at the house of a Pharisee, attended by the elders and religious leaders.  Again, Jesus shames the leaders for their indignation despite their silence when questioned.

Jesus then shames his own followers when he learns that they would prefer to seek the best seats at banquets – by showing that He (as the Son of God) came to serve, not to be served, and urged his followers to embrace humility, seeking to serve others rather than lording over others.

The parable of the Great Banquet highlights the invitation to the Jewish people to come to the great feast that God had prepared, but shows their ignorance and stubbornness in turning down the call – so God (the master of the feast) opens the call to anyone who will come.  Beware though, the invitation may call you to come as you are – but you will need to be dressed accordingly, coming prepared to meet the master with the correct attitude!

By this stage in his ministry, Jesus had attracted large crowds, and many followed him from town to town, marvelling in his teaching, preaching, miracles and healings.  They were miraculously fed, they watched Jesus breaking the societal norms, showing love to one and all, regardless of their position in society.  While it seemed that following Jesus would be easy, Jesus warns them that following him will incur great cost, and that we should be make sure we are prepared to pay the price before we start.  

Even today, it seems that many people simply think that an hour on a Sunday, and possibly another midweek is the cost of being a Christian – but Jesus demands that we put him above all our interests and concerns, love him more than we even love ourselves, be prepared to lay down our lives if required, and to follow him wherever he leads us.  To many, this price proved too dear, and many turned away – just as he had predicted in the parable of the sower and the seeds, where our faith is dependent on the soil into which we allow the seed to develop.

Would we be prepared to give our all, to live solely for Jesus, and give up our earthly belongings for his sake?  Could we even dare to answer this in our own hearts, let alone out loud to anyone else?  Be prepared, it could be you!!

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