Luke 14:1-24
Q.1. How did the view of Jesus toward Sabbath-keeping differ from that of the religious leaders of His day? – (Lk.14:1-6)
This incident occurred during a meal at a Pharisee’s house, while – they were watching Him closely (Lk.14:1). Jesus was well acquainted with the prevailing attitude to the Sabbath Day. That is why He addressed the objections that their body language conveyed – Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not? (Lk.14:3). They would have said – “No”. Yet they would have saved an animal on the Sabbath Day, without hesitation (Lk.14:5). The Son of God revealed that to do good to others on the Sabbath was compatible with true worship of God (Lk.14:4).
Q.2. What failures in the ministry of hospitality did Jesus expose in His parables and teaching? How does this challenge you? – (Lk.14:7-14)
Giving alms and showing hospitality were part of the fabric of the life of an Israelite. Jesus had been invited to a banquet. He used the occasion to share a parable. He had noticed that the guests liked to sit in the places of prominence (Lk.14:7) Jesus advised them to take the least prominent seat, so that they may be promoted rather than be publicly disgraced (Lk.14:8-10). He taught that – everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Lk.14:11). Hosts often invited their relatives, friends, and the wealthy. Jesus urged hosts to invite the poor, lame, crippled, and blind who were unable to repay the favour. In doing this – … you will be blessed … for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous (Lk.14:14). In this modern day, with our hospitality and eating out, this teaching should still motivate us to include those who are unable to return the favour.
Q.3. Who was the host in this parable? Why were the excuses unacceptable? How was Jesus challenging His hearers? – (Lk.14:15-20)
Doubtless, the man in Christ’s parable who hosted the dinner, was the Lord Himself. All the excuses are still fundamentally the same today. When the host sent his servants with the invitation – Come, for everything is ready NOW … they all alike began to make excuses (Lk.14:17-18). (i) One was too busy because of a new business venture. (ii) Another was too busy making a living. (iii) The other was too busy with setting up his new marital home (Lk.14:18-20). It is clear that for Jesus, none of these were acceptable reasons to leave God out of our daily calculations … He wants to be an integral part of every aspect of our lives.
Q.4. How did Jesus model the heart of His Father towards the lost? – (Lk.14:21-24)
Jesus revealed the heart of His Father, through the words of the host in the parable. He was broken-hearted about the indifference of the people, and He was broken-hearted about the lost. When told that there was still room, the host responded with anger and urgency – 21 … Then the head of the household became angry and said to his slave, Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in here the poor and crippled and blind and lame … 23 And the master said to the slave,Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled (Lk.14:21 & 23). This sums up the mission of Jesus for His church. We must not allow the demands of life to distract us from our calling and His mission.