When Jesus Gives Food for Thought (Luke 14)

Our Reading: Luke 14 

I find it interesting that Jesus, who was considered a threat to the Pharisees is invited to dine among them. Jesus, knowing the intent of their hearts, knew that He was being watched (v1). He takes this opportunity to use common, everyday custom and occurrences to provide some spiritual “food for thought.” If we take the time to sit with Jesus and listen to His Words, we too will be given instruction and insight meant to penetrate into our hearts and promote spiritual growth.

Jesus heals on the Sabbath:

The Pharisees had become so strict about following rules that they had even created elaborate interpretations of what it meant to “keep the Sabbath.”  This legalism had hardened their hearts and they had become enslaved to precepts and lost understanding of the principles God intended.  Thus, they accused Jesus of wrongdoing when he healed on the Sabbath. And Jesus gave them food for thought: “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?"” (v5)

To the Pharisees, the essence of the Fourth Commandment was this precept: Thou shalt not work. To the Lord Jesus, the essence of this commandment was this principle: Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. One could cease from work on the Sabbath (as the Pharisees did) without keeping the Sabbath holy. Contrarily, Jesus (and others, such as the temple priests) could also observe the Sabbath as a holy day by working on it. The Pharisees were so committed to the precept of not working that they neglected—indeed violated—the principle of keeping the Sabbath holy. (Bob Deffinbaugh, Bible.Org)

Choosing A Place of Honor:

God calls us to have humble hearts and not put “self” on the throne of our hearts. We all enjoy being chosen or recognized as important, or shown special consideration or honor. There is nothing wrong with being given recognition or honor but the heart that begins to expect entitlement will become vain and prideful. Jesus observed this behavior that day and he called it out. ““For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."” (v11) In the Kingdom of God, those who are humble will be the honored ones. What honor we strive for on Earth will not even matter. 

What’s In It For Me?:

Jesus also observed how much expense and show went into this great supper among the leaders of the community. Although there is nothing wrong with using our resources to foster relationships with others and enjoy communing with them, Jesus called into check a couple of things: 1. Those who were present had the means to repay the favor 2. Those present didn’t necessarily need what was provided.
Jesus wanted those present to think about Why they do what they do.  This is a great  question for us as well. Do we only give to get something in return? Are we also using our resources to promote true need in our communities?  Are we looking for earthly reward or spiritual?  “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."” (v13-14)

These were some of the things from this chapter that stood out to me.  I love how Jesus can take simple observations, provide meaningful “food for thought” and just pinpoint the “heart” of the matter so precisely and pointedly. I love to come to the table and sit with Him and learn from Him. He asks questions that make me have to examine my own heart and motives. But, He also shows me “His Heart” and provides me the motivation to change and seek His Will. What “food for thought” did you digest today?