Dear Explorer,
Read Luke 14:1-6
Where was Jesus when this healing took place?
We've already talked about the significance of sharing a meal with someone or eating their food. I believe this is just another indication that Jesus loved the Pharisees and was trying to reach them with the truth. We've also already discussed Jesus' healing on the Sabbath. He had no problem with it!
Read Luke 14:7-11
Jesus taught that His followers should always take the “lowest” seat. This is the opposite of what the Pharisees did. They always took the best seat. Their behavior implied that they were better than everyone else and therefore deserved the best treatment.
Was Jesus only talking about chairs? What else could this teaching apply to?
I think it applies to many, many things. The best seat, the most comfortable seat, the easiest task, the biggest piece of pie, etc.
Jesus taught His followers to care about others and therefore to think of ourselves as less important.
I always think of my best friend, Ellie, when I read these verses. Her daughters get frustrated when we are together, because we keep yielding to the other and no one will go first! It's rather funny. But she's a great seeker of truth and we both want to be obedient!
Now, was Jesus teaching us to have poor self-esteem?
Oh no! He was teaching us to realize that our value comes from God and will be rewarded by God. If I give you the most comfortable and most prominent seat and I take the floor – I will be rewarded with heavenly blessings that you'll never know about. My obedience will be rewarded by my Father – not by this world!
I arrived very early at our church in California and enjoyed watching people come in for the big Christmas concert. Many rushed to the front to get the “best” seats, others refused to give up their aisle seats and made everyone crawl over them. Some people would “test drive” various locations until they found the perfect spot. But everybody wanted the best seat in the house. What does that attitude communicate about them?
Do you think they were thinking about other people who might need to hear the Good News that night?
What would Jesus say to them?
Now, Jesus wants us to love people – even those who are misbehaving. He doesn't tell us how to behave so that we can “correct” others. He simply asks us to behave ourselves and teach others His Word. Then they will change their behavior.
One time when my son was about 2, I was helping in the church nursery. Jeremy approached a little girl riding the only tricycle. When she refused to give up the tricycle, he pushed her off and said, “Jesus said to share!” I think sometimes we behave that way toward other followers. Be careful! Apply these teachings to yourself first and then you can teach others – but God doesn't call you to “deal” with others or “straighten them out”. He'll take care of that. He calls us to love, love, love, and love some more.
Jesus reminds us to be humble as we concentrate on our own obedience and behavior.
In His service, dale
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