DAY #118: Luke 14:7-24

In Jesus’ day, Jewish custom at a dinner was to arrange couches in a U shape with a low table in front of them. Guests reclined on the left elbow, and they would be seated according to status, with the place of honor being the seat at the center of the U. The seats would decline in status the farther away from that seat of honor. If arrivals had placed themselves in the best seat and then someone more respected arrived, they would be asked to move to lower seats. By then, the only seat that would still be open would be at the foot of the table.

This may seem like an odd bit of social manners given by Jesus, but his meaning went much deeper. This wedding feast pictures the Messiah’s Kingdom. Those who seek honor for themselves will be disgraced. Jesus explains that honor cannot be taken, it must be given by God. He will not honor those who seek to honor themselves.

Jesus explained that people should sit at the foot of the table. This would show that the person had not overestimated his or her own importance. Then, the host may ask that person to move to a better place. Then, instead of being disgraced, the person would be honored. The principle would be true in that situation, and in the Kingdom of God—the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored. The host, God himself, will make the final seating arrangements in his Kingdom. People dare not presume upon their own importance; how much better to be honored by God.

While guests ought not presume upon their importance in the eyes of their host, hosts should not be exclusive about whom they invite. Jesus explained that they shouldn’t invite only people who can pay them back. Instead, they should invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. When God’s people can do good, without expecting reward or repayment, they will have truly served him unselfishly. God will reward those who so willingly serve him.

Jesus then began to spaek about the resurrection, and it sparked a comment from a man sitting at the table (apparently a Pharisee or teacher). This Pharisee assumed that he and his fellow Pharisees and other leaders would have the privilege to share in the Kingdom of God. They counted on their ancestry and their law-keeping to have reserved places for them. Jesus would shatter this preconception.

It was customary to send two invitations to a party—the first to announce the event. Thus, this man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. It does not appear that anyone had declined, so the man made final preparations in order to have enough for everyone. The second invitation told the guests that everything was ready. In this case, the man’s servant personally notified all the guests that it was time for them to come.

The guests in Jesus’ story insulted the host by making excuses when he issued the second invitation. The guests decided that other matters were more important at the time. The point is that nothing should become an excuse to put off joining God’s Kingdom. All pursuits, no matter how valid they seem, can rob people of the great celebration with Jesus. Let nothing stand in the way of following Christ.

Upon learning how his invitations had been snubbed, the master of the house was angry. But his banquet was ready, the food had been prepared. Instead of abandoning the whole prospect, he sent his servant to bring into the banquet hall the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. This done, the servant reported back that there was still room for more. So the master again dispatched the servant to go throughout the country lanes and behind the hedges and fill the house.

This story would seem scandalous to Jesus’ audience. No ancient wealthy person would ever invite the poor. This startling statement told Jesus’ hearers that God’s Kingdom is especially for the poor. Not a morsel of food was to go to waste. If the previously invited guests would not accept the hospitality of the master, then he would invite those who would.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Once again today, it is impressed upon my heart to do whatever I can - really, whatever I must - to get people the good news of Jesus Christ. The good news of His love. The good news of His offer of eternal life and forgiveness of sin. The good news of His mercy and kindness and grace. the good news of His Resurrection.

Lord, give me a sense of urgency. Give the people of COV a sense of urgency. Every day put it in our hearts that time is running out. Everyday, remind us that we are closer to drawing our last breath. Everyday burden our soul with the truth that we are closer to the return of Christ.

"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways and be wise!— Which, having no chief, overseer, or ruler, provides her food in the summer and gathers her supplies in the harvest. How long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep?"

Proverbs 6:6-9 (AMP)