BaptistWay Bible Series for March 7: Priority matters

Things matter to God. People matter to God. Our thoughts and actions matter to God. If we are serious about our commitment to God, then what matters to God should matter to us.

Luke 14:1-24 recounts the conversation Jesus had while attending a banquet in the home of a prominent leader in both civic and religious life. This banquet took place on the Sabbath (v. 1). In this setting, Jesus took the opportunity to discuss the issues important to him.

What is important to God, at times, is not what we expect. The students in our church spent a weekend retreat considering such unexpected truths. The theme of the retreat was “Flip.” Indeed God takes what seems correct and proper and flips it, changing our perspective. In light of this week’s passage, consider the following flips.

There is no wrong time to do what is good and right

Jesus healed a man who suffered from dropsy, a severe swelling of the joints. Anticipating criticism from many at the banquet for working on the Sabbath, Jesus emphatically states meeting human needs is more important than practicing religious rituals. So there would be no misunderstanding of his intent, Jesus spoke of the urgency of some situations: “If one of you has a son or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull him out? And they had nothing to say” (vv. 5-6).

Honor in God’s kingdom goes to those who humble themselves

When Jesus noticed the guests scrambling to secure the best seats at the banquet, he spoke a parable (an earthly story with a heavenly meaning). The jockeying for prominent places at a banquet mirrors the desire for recognition and fame in life. Jesus’ closing words flip our typical view of greatness: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (v. 11).

All people are important

While looking at the guest list, Jesus encouraged the host to change his understanding of people: “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (vv. 13-14). It’s easy to love those who are lovable. We all long to surround ourselves with people who are like us, who appreciate us. However, in the eyes of God, we miss the point when we ignore those who cannot repay us. We grieve the very heart of God when we ignore “the least” among us.

Salvation is a gift, given in response to faith, not a birthright

In the midst of this discussion, an unnamed man confidently remarked he looked forward to the eternal bliss of heaven (v. 15). Jesus responded with a parable which illustrated the folly of false confidence (vv. 16-24).

The story involved a host who planned a banquet, sent out invitations and made preparations for the festive occasion. When the employees of the host sent word to the guests to make their way to the party, “they all alike began to make excuses” (v. 18). Three excuses represent the callous, disrespectful attitude of the invitees: 1) the need to look at purchased land, 2) the need to tend to livestock, and 3) the need to remain with a new wife (vv. 18-20). A careful reading of the passage (vv. 16-17) assumes the invitees had accepted the invitation to the banquet and simply were waiting for word that preparations were complete and all was ready.

After sending out the invitation to any and to all who would come, the host pronounces a stern judgment: “I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet” (v. 24).

Though Jesus does not single out any group, his meaning (the flip) was clear. Those who believed they were the chosen ones, had rejected God’s invitation and consequently would never experience God’s salvation.

The present time is all we are guaranteed

Another flip reflected in this closing parable is seen in the excuses offered. Other issues and interests took priority. The invited guests felt time was on their side. Perhaps they felt there would be another invitation to a future gathering. That future invitation was never offered.

I find it easy, almost comforting, to look down upon those who showed so little respect for Jesus at this dinner. But if placed in the same setting, would I have responded any differently? I have been placed in a similar setting, and I am ashamed of my actions and attitudes. If I frame my response in light of crucial questions, the truth is not pretty.

Have I ever refused to do God’s will because it was not a convenient time? Yes.

Do I make it a daily practice to defer to others and humbly serve? No.

Do my actions reflect the conviction that God values all people? No.

Do I believe certain things are owed to me simply because of who I am, where I live and how I was raised? Yes.

Do my actions reveal I feel superior to others? Yes.

Am I guilty of letting good things keep me from experiencing God’s best? Yes.

Lord, forgive me for my shallow, pretentious living.