THEN SAID HE ALSO…

Jesus was invited by many people for a meal, during His earthly ministry. The list had all kinds of people – rich, poor, dreadful Tax Collectors, outcasts, and religious leaders. The incident recorded in Luke 14 is a very interesting and insightful, to those who were present then, and to us, even today.

A Pharisee invites Jesus for a meal on a Sabbath day. It appears that it was planned and agreed invitation – “7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,” – Luke 14:7.

Jesus teaches a profound truth to all the high and mighty that were on the guest list. This is important for us too. Jesus says, “12…When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee.” – Luke 14:12.

Jesus proposes an alternative guest list – “13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:” – Luke 14:13.

Jesus then goes on to give the reason for Him to say so, in Luke 14:14 – “14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.”

It speaks the heart of God. God is concerned about those who are helpless and need mercy and grace. Hasn’t He been good, gracious and merciful to us, the poor, needy and helpless? Wouldn’t it be good for us to follow the LORD in how we spend our time, effort, resources and energies?

When we care for those who cannot give us back anything in return, we are helping the really needy people. Let us follow what the LORD is asking of us. We will be blessed in more than one way…nay, in a WHOLESOME way!!!