The Benevolence that is Blessed

He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:12-14).

Jesus chose his words carefully here. He did not intend for His disciples to never have a meal with friends, family, or neighbors. The word Jesus used for “dinner” is ariston in the Greek and it means the best meal. The word Jesus used for “banquet” is deipnon in the Greek and it means the chief meal or feast. Jesus was teaching that when His disciples plan a feast or celebration to honor a special person or to mark a special occasion or achievement, they should invite those who cannot pay their own way or offer any kind of recompense. He wanted His disciples to have sweet, wonderful dinners and banquets together that would reflect the beauty and diversity of the great wedding banquet we anticipate in eternity… “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true words of God.’” (Revelation 19:9). Whenever true disciples gather together, our chief, honored guest is Jesus Christ Himself… “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). Inviting the neediest people we know to celebrate Christ with us is a revelation of the benevolence that is blessed.

Christ inviting benevolence begins with inherited relationships. Jesus wants us to be sensitive to the needs in the lives of everyone we encounter, beginning with the relationships He has provided for us. Family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and others that we see and interact with on a regular basis present wonderful opportunities for us to notice changes in attitude and behavior that may be caused by a hidden change or trial that has disrupted a life. If we see these intimate relationships as God- created we should pray regularly and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading to respond to opportunities to speak a word of encouragement or to step up to meet a special need in a Christ-reflecting way… “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:16-18).

Christ inviting benevolence creates new improbable relationships. Diligent disciples are compelled by the truth that as born again believers the Spirit of Christ resides in us to empower us to be His witnesses to the whole world around us… “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This means that everyone we meet, no matter where and however briefly, is an opportunity for Christ reflecting ministry that restores them to Him and connects them to us… “Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:12-13).

Christ inviting benevolence results in imperishable relationships. Jesus promised that generous disciples will be repaid at the resurrection. Whatever reward we receive at that time will be eternal and everlasting, far surpassing any repayment we might receive today… “Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Luke 12:33-34).

As we grow up into Christ, our charity reveals our hearts are approaching heaven as we grow in…

The Benevolence that is Blessed.

The Testimony of Humility

 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14: 7-11).

Humility is not easy or natural. Since the beginning, pride has led us to exalt ourselves and has made us vulnerable to the temptations of our adversary the devil… “The serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:4-5). Humility is evidence of the new birth and a maturing faith that marks true disciples as set apart from the pride and selfishness of the rest of the world. Today we examine a parable of Jesus that exhorts us to imitate His humility, and I know that diligent disciples will experience His grace as we ask Him to establish and grow within us the testimony of Humility.

Humility reveals the command of Christ. Jesus’ parable centered on the position of the guest in light of the preeminence of the host. He exhorted His disciples to follow the example of the guest that would choose the lowest place, thereby making room for the host to place the guest where he thought best. Maturing disciples are growing in their understanding and trust in the sovereignty of Christ over everything, and we are learning to hear and obey His command regarding our position in every circumstance and relationship… “He (Christ) is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent” (Colossians 1:18). When we put on humility we make room for the blessings of the command of Christ in our lives.

Humility reproduces the compassion of Christ. The proud guest in Jesus’ parable was focused on getting the best seat for himself. In taking the lowest seat, the humble guest left many better seats for others. Jesus often exhorted His disciples even more directly to put others first… “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12). He was a living example of this indispensable trait of true disciples… “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). When we put on humility we put others first and they see the compassion of Christ.

Humility reflects the character of Christ. Jesus could have inserted Himself as the guest into this parable. If anyone at this Sabbath dinner “at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees” (Luke 14:1) deserved the highest seat of honor, it was the Son of God. This parable is prophetic in light of Christ’s divine mission… “Being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:8-11). The Holy Spirit exhorts true disciples in every age to glorify God by reflecting the humility of Christ to a proud world… “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5). When we put on humility we fulfill our call to reflect the humble character of Christ to others.

As we grow up into Christ, His grace works within our hearts to cultivate…

The Testimony of Humility.

The Holy Work of the Sabbath

One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully. And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?” But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away. And he said to them, “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?” And they could not reply to these things (Luke 14:1-6).

The Sabbath was a time to rest in the Lord by withdrawing from the busy activity of the world, gathering together with God’s people, and worshipping the Lord. From God’s introduction of this special day, the Sabbath was to mark His people Israel as a special people… “Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the LORD, sanctify you” (Exodus 31:13). Christ followers are to keep the Sabbath too because it is one of the blessings we inherit because we are grafted into Israel… “But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree” (Romans 11:17). We keep the first day of the week as a Sabbath because it reflect our rest in the finished work of Christ in the resurrection and is a sign that we are God’s born again children… “So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his” (Hebrews 4:9-10).

Over the years the Pharisees had developed a large list of things that were to be avoided on the Sabbath. They created and enforced Sabbath laws that were so concise and complicated that they even counted steps that were allowed on this holy day. This was never God’s true intention. Jesus revealed the truth of God regarding the Sabbath and showed His disciples what He wanted the Lord’s Day to look like in the days to come. In today’s text, “the Lord of the Sabbath” (Luke 6:5) provides an example for true disciples and the local church in every age of the holy work of the Sabbath.

On the Sabbath diligent disciples should connect with people. On this Sabbath Jesus dined with Pharisees. Our Lord’s Day worship and fellowship should connect us with God and with each other to encourage and mature our faith… “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:23-25). But our Sabbath gathering should also reflect the seeking and inviting heart of Jesus for the lost… “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). The effective disciple making local church helps people connect on the Sabbath.

On the Sabbath diligent disciples should care for the needy. Jesus’ agenda for this Sabbath dinner was interrupted by the presentation of a man with dropsy. Without hesitation Jesus used this needy man to create and present a lesson to His hosts and then He healed him. Our Lord’s Day gathering should remind us that our needs are Christ’s opportunities to reveal His glory… “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). The culture shaping local church cares for the needy on the Sabbath.

On the Sabbath diligent disciples should compel the lost. Jesus confronted the Pharisees and compelled them to consider a deeper understanding of God’s purpose for the Sabbath. His argument was theological and he used a personal illustration to challenge the hearts of these curious men who were “were watching him carefully”. His message was so compelling these professional interpreters of the law “could not reply to these things”. Our Lord’s Day gathering should be infused with a compelling proclamation of the gospel… “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). The gospel proclaiming local church compels the lost to consider Christ on the Sabbath.

As we grow up into Christ, our faith is perfected in a local church that is fully engaged in…

The Holy Work of the Sabbath.

The City that is Blessed

At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ” (Luke 13:31-35).

What is your destination today? Is it a great day at work? Is it a good grade on a test or paper? Are you settling into a new job or a new neighborhood? Maybe you just hope to get through another day. Let’s face it, we do not know the final destination of any road we embark upon each day. For sure we have a plan, but as disciples of Christ we are promised that our precious Lord has a more premium plan than we might ever imagine… “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). As maturing disciples we are learning to give Him more control over the steps and direction of our daily walk… “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). Jesus was undeterred as He journeyed toward the earthly city of Jerusalem and He taught His disciples by example how to resist the world’s course, to fix our hearts on the Lord’s goal, and to follow His leading toward our glorious destiny in the heavenly Jerusalem as He persevered in His own journey toward the city that is blessed.

Jerusalem is the city of distinction for Christ’s devotees. Jesus’ example of uncompromising commitment to finish the journey to Jerusalem reminds us that as His followers, we are not of the world, nor are we to be conquered or controlled by anything of the world… “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). In resisting the urging of the Pharisees and rejecting the threats of Herod, Jesus showed us how resist and reject the influence of our culture as we faithfully pursue the only good, acceptable, and perfect will that is of God.

Jerusalem is the city of determination for Christ’s deputies. Jesus showed us that our journey toward heaven is not only personal. Along the way He wants us to reflect His example that true discipleship touches lives and impacts the world around us with His grace and mercy… “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). As we journey through this suffering world toward our eternal rest, Jesus fills our path with people and circumstances that need the power of His grace and mercy to flow through us into their lives, that they might be compelled to join us in our journey.

Jerusalem is the city of destiny for Christ’s disciples. Jesus’ journey toward the historic city of Jerusalem and to a fixed appointment with the cross was part of His journey toward a heavenly Jerusalem that was inexorably connected to this earthly city… “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel” (Hebrews 12:22-24). This is the everlasting city that should be the final destination of every true disciple because it is the capital of eternity and the tabernacle of God forever… “I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God’” (Revelation 21:2-3).

As we grow up into Christ, we seek to share His grace and mercy as we draw ever closer to…

The City that is Blessed.

The Door that is Narrow

He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last” (Luke 13:22-30).

In a time when Jews believed that only the most wicked and evil among them would not be allowed into heaven, someone in the crowd wanted to know if Jesus was going to change that. The question reveals the heart of a follower that was incited by the possibility that Jesus was truly the Christ, the Son of God, with authority over the living and the dead… “For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living” (Romans 14:9). Jesus’ reply is precious and filled with encouraging truth about the door that is narrow.

Faith in Jesus Christ is the narrow door. Jesus did not give a direct answer to the question “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” Instead He revealed a much more important truth about heaven. Certainly the question how many will be saved is much less important than the question how can anyone be saved? Jesus seized this opportunity to echo the wonderful truth that He is the only way to heaven… “’In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:2-6). In another place Jesus even more clearly identified Himself as the door to salvation… “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:9). Jesus also taught that faith in Him was the key to unlocking and entering the doorway to salvation… “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26).

Many will strive but not be saved. Jesus told the inquisitor that many who strive to be saved will not be saved. It’s clear that He was referring to those who seek salvation through their own effort. Salvation by works is an abomination to God because it denies and rejects the sovereignty and grace of His Son, Jesus Christ… “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The Holy Spirit affirms this truth about God’s grace in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians… “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Many will be saved without striving. Jesus revealed two truths about those who will enter into salvation by grace through faith in Him. First, they will be many, as they come from the four corners of the earth. Second, they will be from the Jews, who were the first, and the Gentiles, the last to hear the gospel. This truth is confirmed in the Revelation Christ shared with John… “They sang a new song, saying, ‘Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth’” (Revelation 5:9-10).

As we grow up into Christ, we are ever more thankful for the grace that gives us faith to open…

The Door that is Narrow.