Luke 14
In Chapter 14, Luke recounts 4 stories from Jesus' travels. Jesus would mix in parables, stories with meaning behind the obvious, as he taught those around him He would use parables get something through the thick skulls of those who he was teaching.
He starts with his fourth teaching about the importance of people over the Sabbath - the holy day for the Jews, where they were to do no work at all. He then tells two stories about meals, or banquets. In the first story, Jesus is actually at a meal, while the second is a parable about a great banquet. The point is clear in both stories, Jesus holds a special place in his heart for those who are misfits that have been humbled in their lives. The ones who fight their way to the place of honor have no place in this new kingdom he is inviting us into. The fourth story is a story of commitment - the story itself contains Jesus' use of two parables. A man building a house, first counts the cost of the house, or he will not be able to finish it and people will laugh at him. The same goes for king going into battle, he will first count the cost of the battle before going to war. Our commitment to the Father, our following Jesus, is not something that we lightly venture into. We cannot flippantly enter into this life because the life is bigger than just an accoutrement to our own version of our lives. Following Jesus is a holistic life-change that requires our total attention and total devotion.
What do these stories say about this man, Jesus, whom we are following? What things do we see are important to him, and therefore should be important to us? Remember, we are not simply following a system of beliefs, but a person. First century Christians were not called Christians, but were referred to as "people of the way." If we are to follow Jesus, we will be known as people who have adopted a certain way of living that is counter-cultural to our me-centered world we live in today. We follow Someone who valued helping people over observing religious ritual. Someone who valued humility over prestige or accomplishment. Someone who cherished the poor over the prominent. Someone who valued the mission more than the material. Someone who wants his house full and will stop at nothing to see that happen, even if he has to amend his guest list. Someone who values giving without getting. Someone who understands the value of careful consideration, rather than flippant following of others. Are you listening to this? Really listening? (34)
We follow Someone.
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