Luke 14:1–6

Luke 14:1-6 

English Standard Version 

  This reminds me a little of Teddy Roosevelt's Man in the Arena portion of his speech.  In it, he's lauding those who actually do, to the derision of those who opt to criticize.  

  Here is Jesus, asking those present at the dinner if it's lawful to heal him.  None are willing to object, for that would be discarding mercy, but they also aren't willing to defend the act of healing him, for that might entail breaking what had become a rather onerous set of rules to guide Sabbath observation.  None of the people there, many leading religious figures, is willing to take a stand.  They instead will sit back and wait to criticize Jesus, regardless of what he does.

  Jesus opts to heal, showing mercy, for such acts are not a violation of God's law.  If you have the chance to rescue another, you should choose that.  None of those present at the dinner is able to defend not healing the man.  They're speechless.

  So worry not about those who sit back and criticize.  They will always be present.  Seek mercy for the world, working for healing, and trust that in following the example of Christ, the Gospel is being proclaimed.

Luke 13:31–35

Luke 13:31-35 

English Standard Version 

  If the Pharisees warned me that the Roman ruler of the area were seeking to kill me, I'd probably think of what I needed to do to save my own skin.

  That's not what Jesus does.  Jesus isn't deterred by threats of violence -- he's on a mission, and he will not be deterred.  This is his dedication to saving you -- whatever cost is necessary, he will pay it so that you might be saved.

  What's also impressive is that Jesus' spirit isn't dimmed.  He mourns for the city of Jerusalem, and his intent is to gather the children under his protective wings, just as a mother hen would gather her brood.  There is a desire to protect, to shield, so that we might be safe.  That is the focus of Jesus, even in a time of trial -- the instinct is to save.  We see the fullness of Christ's love and the wonder of the invitation in this passage -- as the world is descending into chaos around him, he stands tall and invites others to come to him and find shelter.

Roadside Attractions and the Gospel

Luke 13:26–30

Luke 13:26-30 

English Standard Version 

  Social status matters deeply in this world.  The headlines are filled with important people.  There are magazines dedicated to tracking what celebrities wear, and restaurants hope that notable people will choose to eat there as an endorsement of the food.  Companies often give free branded material to famous people in the hopes they'll be seen wearing it and inspire others to acquire the products to imitate them.

  Jesus is telling us that the Kingdom of God operates on a somewhat different scale.  What truly matters is openness to the mercy and grace of God.  People from all around the globe will be gathered in the kingdom of God -- maybe that's not what the listener would've expected, but Jesus is reminding us that the Kingdom is more expansive than what we might imagine.  

  When you feel pressure to fit in, to follow along, ask yourself why.  What scoreboard are you tracking?  With whom are you trying to keep up?  Is this drawing you closer to Christ?