Humility and Generosity
Luke 14:1, 7-14 [CEB]
1 One Sabbath, when Jesus went to share a meal in the home of one of the leaders of the Pharisees, they were watching him closely.
7 When Jesus noticed how the guests sought out the best seats at the table, he told them a parable. 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding celebration, don’t take your seat in the place of honor. Someone more highly regarded than you could have been invited by your host. 9 The host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give your seat to this other person.’ Embarrassed, you will take your seat in the least important place. 10 Instead, when you receive an invitation, go and sit in the least important place. When your host approaches you, he will say, ‘Friend, move up here to a better seat.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. 11 All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up.”
12 Then Jesus said to the person who had invited him, “When you host a lunch or dinner, don’t invite your friends, your brothers and sisters, your relatives, or rich neighbors. If you do, they will invite you in return and that will be your reward. 13 Instead, when you give a banquet, invite the poor, crippled, lame, and blind. 14 And you will be blessed because they can’t repay you. Instead, you will be repaid when the just are resurrected.”
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Hi everyone!
I don't know about you, but I am finding it hard to believe (as I feel each August) that the summer is wrapping up, and September is around the corner. I hope you have enjoyed all the sun, warmth and fun you could pack in!
We have been making our way through Luke this summer, and this week the sermon text is Luke 14:1, 7-14, the Parables of the Great Feast and the Wedding Banquet.
This Parable is yet another one Jesus uses to illustrate more attributes of discipleship- living like Jesus, becoming like Him, doing as He did. And, the values of Generosity and Humility are front and center in this example He uses. Parables are timeless. They strike right to the heart of people, places and things that we in modern day times experience: wanting to be important, selfishness, pride vs. humility, and the human tendency to leave people out, vs. God's invitation to invite all in. This area of discipleship calls attention to the work the Holy Spirit does in our lives as we yield ourselves to Him, our desires, our self-centeredness, and human tendencies to want to be first, and be important in the eyes of the world. I struggle with this too, just like most people do. One phrase I learned awhile ago, through Athletes in Action was this, "An Audience of 1," (AO1):"
"Athletes in Action—and subsequently other organizations—began talking at their camps to collegiate and professional level athletes about playing with an “Audience of One.” The intent of the phrase is to help Christian players remember that everywhere in life—even in a stadium full of people—“we live and move and have our being in Him,” and it’s His pleasure we should pursue above all else.
Easier said than experienced, of course, since it’s normal to get caught up in the evaluation of the many audiences that surround us each day—the friends, family, coaches, social media followers, fans, etc.—but ultimately, there’s only One whose opinion about us really matters." https://www.thechristianathlete.com/blog/what-does-audience-of-one-mean
Last week as we worked through Luke 13, where Jesus spoke of Himself being the narrow door that is open to all, and also the One door, this story reminds us that Jesus is inviting us all to a Feast with Him! And, He is generous in His invitation, not leaving anyone out, and wanting all to come and dine with Him. This is such Good News that we need to take to heart for ourselves, and share with everyone!
Grateful for you all,
Pastor Kari