Luke Chapter 14

Jesus Heals on Sabbath:
(Read Luke 14: 1-24)
Jesus healed a man who has dropsy (swollen arms and legs) on the Sabbath day.  This Sabbath situation was apparently a trap set by Jesus’ opponents. No one with this disease could be invited to supper at the house of a chief Pharisee.  Jesus asked “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?” When they refused to answer, Jesus asked “Which of you doesn’t work on the Sabbath?  If your son or an ox falls into a pit, don’t you immediately pull him out?”  They could not reply.  So Jesus placed the Sabbath healing in its proper perspective as the opportunity to help others.  Jesus taught about the importance of humility. People attempt to earn the praise of others and avoid rejection. The image of seating at the wedding feast teaches that the fools seek their own honor but those who humble themselves will be exalted by God in the proper time (Luke 14:11).  We should consider others more important than ourselves (Phiippians 2:1-11). God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Jesus taught that when we give to those who could not repay, God will reward us.  In the Parable of the great feast, we see the picture of God’s invitation to salvation. The Jews refused the invitation by making excuses. The master of the feast sent his servants to compel others to come to the feast.  After the servants had done this, there was still room for more. We should make every effort to bring others to Christ by preaching the gospel. Christ extends his gracious invitation to all.  He came to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). Pray that God would strengthen you to battle against pride and be humble. 
 
The Cost of being a Disciple:
(Read Luke 14: 25-35)
Great crowd followed Jesus wherever he went. But they did not follow Jesus for the right reasons but for selfish purposes. Jesus does not want us to follow him when it is convenient or socially acceptable. He wants us to be his disciples regardless of how easy or difficult it might be.  One must count the cost of discipleship before following Jesus. We must remember that Jesus graciously saved us and accepted us into God’s family.  Our top priority must be to love and serve Christ.  We should desire God’s will over our own will. “Bearing your own cross” means to die to self and experience shame for Christ.  We must follow Jesus whether it is popular or convenient. Jesus is looking for committed followers.  There is a cost to being a disciple of Jesus. Someone has said “If Jesus is not Lord of all he is Lord at all”.  A disciple must have spiritual qualities of Jesus.  Our priority must be God and his purposes. If we lose these qualities, we become useless to Christ. Jesus said “The salt is good for seasoning. It gives taste and preserves things from decay. But if it has lost its taste, how will its flavor be restored? It is thrown away”.  The great commission is to make disciples. Sad to say it has taken a back seat in the church today. Jesus is not looking for half-hearted followers. He wants a wholehearted commitment. Pray that God would help you to become a blessing to others.