Tag: jesus

Loving the Lost – Luke 15:1-2

Jesus’ deep love for the lost is clearly displayed in Luke 15:1–2. These verses reveal His tender and compassionate heart, particularly toward those who were marginalized by society. He intentionally spent time with sinners and outcasts, sharing meals and offering them dignity and love. Christians today are called to follow His example by developing a genuine concern for the lost. Unfortunately, the modern church often becomes insular—more focused on personal salvation and individual comfort than on reaching others. Priorities such as family, career, and personal convenience often take precedence, which contrasts sharply with the selfless, inclusive love that characterized Jesus’ ministry. As God incarnate, Jesus demonstrated a love that transcended all social barriers, embracing sinners without partiality.

In Luke 15:1–2, we read that “all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Him.” The inclusion of tax collectors is intentional; they were despised in Jewish society for collaborating with the Roman oppressors and for their notorious corruption. These individuals not only betrayed their fellow Jews but often profited by overcharging taxes and lining their own pockets. Seen as traitors and exploiters, they were considered among the worst kinds of sinners. Yet, it was precisely these individuals who were drawn to Jesus, and it was to them that He offered His presence and teaching.

Jewish cultural texts illustrate the disdain for tax collectors. The Mishna states, “If a tax gatherer entered a house, [all that is within it] becomes unclean… If thieves entered a house, only that part is unclean that was trodden by the feet of the thieves.” This reflects how tax collectors were regarded as even worse than common criminals. Despite this stigma, Jesus did not hesitate to associate with them. His love knew no bounds. He embodied a love rooted in mercy and compassion—one that acknowledged humanity’s brokenness and offered hope. Christians, who have experienced God’s impartial grace, are likewise called to love all sinners without discrimination, remembering their own prior state of spiritual blindness.

Many believers today are reluctant to engage with the lost due to fear, prejudice, or discomfort. The fear of rejection, a tendency to judge, or the reluctance to step outside of one’s comfort zone are common obstacles. However, Scripture calls for a selfless commitment to Christ’s mission. As 1 John 4:18 reminds us, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.” Overcoming these hesitations involves recalling Jesus’ Great Commission—to go and make disciples of all nations. Every Christian was once lost and came to faith because someone else chose to share the gospel. If our hearts lack love for the lost, we must turn to prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts and lead us in love. As the Spirit indwells every believer, one of the fruits of that Spirit is indeed love.

Jesus’ love for sinners was not passive. He spent time with them so that they would hear the gospel, repent, and believe for the forgiveness of sins. His meals with sinners were not casual social events, nor were they reduced to generic messages of kindness. He boldly preached the truth, calling people to turn from sin and follow Him. The gospel is meant to confront and convict, and while this may offend, it is also the pathway to salvation for those who are called. True love does not withhold truth; rather, it delivers truth with compassion and urgency.

Furthermore, Jesus’ willingness to eat with sinners demonstrated personal involvement in their lives. The fact that these sinners desired to be near Him and share a meal suggests a level of trust and admiration. In Jewish culture, table fellowship implied mutual respect and connection. For a rabbi to dine with the despised was unheard of, making Jesus’ actions profoundly countercultural. His humility gave sinners hope—hope that despite the weight of their past, they could be forgiven and restored. He not only healed bodies but offered salvation to souls, no matter how deep their sin.

R.C. Sproul once reflected, “Isn’t it interesting how Jesus drew sinners to Himself? Yet sinners tend to flee from us. I wonder what they saw in Him that they don’t see in us… Sometimes we think that God has appointed us not to be vessels of grace but to be the policemen of the world.” Jesus was approachable, and people flocked to Him. As followers of Christ, we must ask: how can we live in such a way that sinners are drawn to us to hear the message of hope? Integrity is essential. Chuck Swindoll once said, “Integrity is what you are when no one is looking. It means being deeply honest.” If we live with honesty before God, that same honesty will be evident before others. Christians must not exhibit moral superiority, but humbly recognize that they are saved only by grace. With a clear conscience, consistent prayer, and heartfelt love, believers can effectively point others to the gospel. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts, opens hearts, and brings the sinner to faith.

To truly love the lost requires action. It means intentionally spending time with non-believers, forming meaningful relationships, and identifying real needs. Through authentic friendship and consistent prayer, opportunities arise to share the gospel—not through forced encounters, but through loving witness. Prayer was central to Jesus’ ministry, and it must be central to ours. Soul-winning begins on our knees, and with God, no one is impossible to be saved.

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The Anatomy of Faith – John 20:24-31

In John 20:24-31, we find the famous story of Thomas after Jesus’s resurrection. Initially, he did not believe the other disciples when they claimed to have seen Jesus risen from the dead. Unless he saw Jesus himself and felt his hands, he would not believe. He needed evidence. Later, Jesus appeared to the disciples again and invited Thomas to touch his hands. Thomas believes and confesses to Jesus, “My Lord and My God”. This message is titled “The Anatomy of Biblical Faith”. Anatomy means examining something carefully to understand its nature and meaning.

We need to know who Thomas is. Thomas, also called Didymus, means ‘twin’. He represents someone who doubts, hence ‘doubting Thomas’ throughout history. His personality is impulsive and emotional, as seen in John 11:16, when he said, “Let us go so that we may die with Him”. But Thomas is also curious, as in John 14:5, when he asked, “Lord, we do not know where You are going; how do we know the way?”. He is also rational, stating, “Unless I see… I will not believe”. Thomas is the first example of evangelism because the other disciples told him they had seen the Lord. Thomas represents all believers in the beginning, as many of us have little faith and doubt. Faith is the initiating issue in our Christian life; without it, we cannot be Christians.

How does faith begin?

The timing of genuine faith is decided by God. God is the kickstarter. Faith is a gift of God. He has to present, give, initiate, start, open it up; then we will believe. When you start believing, it is true and persevering. Our faith may waver, but it eventually gets up again. After eight days, Thomas was with them. This is the day Thomas was saved; until God initiated, Thomas was not a Christian. God calls the sinner. Believers remember who shared the gospel with them; that is God calling them. So, we must continually share the gospel.

What is real faith?

Truth biblical faith is defined with two foundational elements.

The first is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Every Christian’s faith is grounded in Christ’s faith, which is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection defeated the final enemy of death. This truth must permeate every aspect of our faith. Jesus was bold to show the resurrection to Thomas. He commanded Thomas: “Bring your finger here and see My hands; and bring your hand here and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing”. Jesus wants to spread His resurrection, for everyone to live by resurrection faith. Jesus picked His resurrection as the specific, best miracle for our faith. Romans 10:9 states, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”. Everything about Jesus, the gospel, and salvation is true because the resurrection is true. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching and faith is in vain”. Satan relentlessly tries to distract our hearts from Jesus’s resurrection. Some deny or downplay the resurrection, hindering faith, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:35 and 2 Timothy 2:17-18. This resurrection defines our faith.

Faith is action and obedience. Faith becomes alive when the resurrection takes a central place in our lives. Think about Hebrews 11:36-37, how people endured hardships and became martyrs. Polycarp served Christ for 86 years and wouldn’t blaspheme his King and Savior, because Jesus is the living God. Daniel prayed despite the king’s edict because God is the living God. Paul and Silas prayed and worshiped in jail because Jesus is the living God, the risen Lord. When Jesus’s resurrection is the centerpiece, our faith continually revolves around it.

Second, an essential element in real faith is confessional. Thomas responded to Jesus’s resurrection with a confession: “My Lord and my God”.

  • Lord: This means Jesus is sovereign; He has full and complete control and authority. Jesus alone possesses controlling authority. Jesus’s Lordship is a fact. Genuine faith expresses Jesus’s Lordship in all circumstances. To follow Jesus, you must see Him as Lord. Matthew 19:21-22 shows Jesus’s demand for the young rich ruler to surrender everything. Without Lordship, faith is dead. James 2:26 says, “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead”. Works are our obedience to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
  • God: This means Jesus is deity; He is the only true God, divine in nature. John 1:1-3 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”. Philippians 2:6-7 shows He existed in the form of God. Colossians 1:16-17 says all things were created through Him and for Him, and He holds everything together. Nothing happens without His permission. We worship Jesus because He is God. True faith looks like 1 Thessalonians 1:10, “turning to God from idols to serve a living and true God”. Thomas’s confession, “My Lord and my God,” shows Jesus is ‘mine,’ indwelling and operating within. This means trusting the Lord in all circumstances, knowing He is Yahweh. Psalm 23:1-4 exemplifies this: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me”. John 10:11 says Jesus is the good Shepherd who gave His life for you; that’s why He became “my God and my Lord”.

Not all faith is equal.

Not all faith is equal. Jesus evaluated Thomas’s confession and implied a better, blessed faith. He said, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed?”. Jesus didn’t disqualify Thomas’s faith, but there is a better faith: “Blessed are those who did not see and yet believed”. Why is a faith without seeing stronger and blessed? Because seeing does not always mean believing; many people saw Jesus’s countless miracles, even Judas, yet still rejected or denied Him. Believing by seeing is not consistent. Faith is stronger when it’s without seeing. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”. It’s a deep trust in God’s character and His word, even when the outcome is not immediately apparent. Faith has its own sight. The centurion in Matthew 8:10 had such “great faith”. We believe in the deity of Jesus, which is superior to everything else and will be revealed one day. 1 Peter 1:8-9 says, “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls”. How can we have a faith that believes in the most difficult circumstances? Because of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:3 states, “no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit”. The Holy Spirit continually holds onto us as we believe and trust His resurrection and bow to Him as Lord and God.

True Christian faith is not blind.

Lastly, true Christian faith is not blind. Blind faith believes something without requiring or seeking evidence or reason; it is an unquestioning acceptance, even if unreasonable or illogical. Christians do not believe for the sake of believing. We believe because the content is true, not because emotions lead us. There is enough evidence. John 20:30-31 says, “Many other signs Jesus also did in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name”. The evidence shows itself today in the transformed lives of believers. We know how good Jesus is, His word, and His church. The power of God’s word transforms lives; for example, Robert Germaine Thomas, a missionary to Korea, whose Bible became a wallaper and simply by people reading that wallpaper, led to a house becoming the first church in Pyongyang. For Christians, blind faith is impossible because the word of God contains mountains of evidence. Don’t let your Bible get dusty; that’s a huge sin. The word of God is full of evidence to free us from blind faith, leading us to know who Jesus is and proving He surely rose from the dead, becoming God and Lord.

Conclusion

This is what faith is all about. Who’s going to defeat God and Lord? Who’s going to defeat someone who defeated death? He’s mine and He’s yours. Let’s walk by faith, not by sight.

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Alive in Christ – Romans 8:9-11

In today’s society, identity has become increasingly defined by feelings and appearances rather than by objective truth. This confusion is not limited to gender or race but has also affected how people understand Christianity. Many assume that if someone looks, talks, and behaves like a Christian, then they must be one. This superficial approach resembles the so-called “duck test”—if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck. However, Christianity is not a matter of behavior or outward appearance. It is about life—eternal life that comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ. The true mark of a Christian is not church attendance or moral conduct but whether they have the indwelling life of the Holy Spirit. As John 3:16 emphasizes, eternal life is given to those who believe, not those who merely act the part.

Romans 8 powerfully distinguishes between those who are truly alive in Christ and those who are still spiritually dead. The apostle Paul outlines four contrasts in this passage: being in the flesh versus being in the Spirit, having the Spirit versus not having Him, being dead versus being alive, and belonging to Christ versus not belonging to Him. These contrasts reveal a binary reality: one is either saved or unsaved. There is no in-between. Christianity is not a sliding scale of righteousness or performance; it is a condition of being—either indwelt by the Spirit of God and alive or outside of Him and dead. The presence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life is the defining evidence of true salvation.

To be “in the Spirit” is far more than a metaphorical statement. It represents an intimate, spiritual union with God. Jesus described this kind of unity in His relationship with the Father, saying, “I am in the Father and the Father is in Me.” This mutual indwelling reflects the deep, mysterious relationship within the Trinity, and Jesus prayed that believers would share in that same union. Being a Christian means more than following teachings; it means being united with the Triune God. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we have been brought into this divine relationship. We are not merely followers or servants—we are God’s children, adopted and made new through His Spirit.

This union is made possible by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Paul makes it clear: if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Him. This truth dispels common misconceptions that equate emotional religious experiences or speaking in tongues with the presence of the Spirit. Instead, the Spirit’s indwelling marks a change in ownership and identity. We no longer belong to ourselves or to sin but to God. Our bodies become temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are liberated from the law of sin and death. Belonging to God means living under His love, protection, and lordship.

Although our physical bodies are still subject to decay and death due to sin, our spirits have been made alive through the righteousness of Christ. Romans 8:11 assures us that just as God raised Jesus from the dead, He will also give life to our mortal bodies through His Spirit. This resurrection is both spiritual and physical. The new life we have in Christ begins in the spirit, unseen but real. While we may not fully grasp or feel this transformation now, Scripture promises that we will one day see its fullness. Our current struggles and limited understanding do not negate the life we have; rather, they remind us that the best is yet to come.

This new life is accessed and sustained by faith, specifically, faith in Jesus Christ. Many people have faith in various things, but it is not faith itself that saves; it is the object of that faith that matters. Only faith in Christ, the Son of God, has the power to justify and give life. It is not the intensity or size of our faith that brings salvation, but the fact that it is rooted in the right person. Through faith, we are justified, reconciled to God, and indwelt by the Spirit. This grace transforms us from spiritual death to abundant life in Christ, a life that is rich not because of external blessings but because of our union with God.

The Christian life is deeply fulfilling because it is lived in relationship with the Triune God. This life does not depend on wealth, comfort, or worldly success but on knowing and being known by God. Scriptures such as Psalm 84, Ephesians 1, and John 15 highlight the joy, peace, and blessing that come from belonging to God. Our purpose as Christians is to glorify Him, and this purpose infuses even our pain and weakness with meaning. We are called to bear fruit, to grow, and to reflect God’s character in our daily lives. The presence of spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace, and more—is the evidence of our inner transformation. A life that shows no growth is not truly alive. As Paul says in Galatians, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”

To be alive in Christ means to live with purpose. Our aim is the glory of God in all that we do, whether in hardship or in joy. The life God gives us is not to be hoarded or lived for ourselves. It is to be used in love and service toward God and toward others. The Spirit gives each believer gifts not for personal gain but for the benefit of the body of Christ. Love is the first and defining fruit of the Spirit, and through it we fulfill our calling. As Christians, we are invited to abide daily in Christ, to drink deeply from His grace, and to walk in obedience. This is both our duty and our highest privilege: to live as those who are truly alive, empowered by the Spirit, and committed to the glory of God.

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Calculate the Cost, Part 2 – Luke 14:31-33

In Luke 14:28, Jesus uses a parable to illustrate the importance of deliberate decision-making: a man first sits down to calculate the cost of building a tower to ensure he has sufficient resources to complete it. In the same way, those who desire to follow Christ must thoughtfully evaluate what it means to live a life built upon Him. Discipleship is not casual. It is a commitment that requires intentional preparation and spiritual cost analysis.

To “count the cost” involves acknowledging and accepting the terms that Christ sets forth. As John Koessler observes, “In following Christ, we cannot simply follow our own inclinations. We cannot follow Him and the world’s way at the same time. Following Him may mean we lose relationships, dreams, material things, or even our lives.” This underscores the exclusivity of discipleship—it demands our full allegiance and a willingness to surrender anything that competes with Christ’s lordship.

Furthermore, to count the cost means responding to Christ’s call to serve Him out of wholehearted devotion, according to His will. Discipleship cannot be taken lightly, for nothing bears more eternal weight. Every act of obedience has lasting implications. Peter exemplifies this commitment in Matthew 19:27, where he declares, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You,” reflecting the seriousness of abandoning all for the sake of Christ.

Jesus’ teachings about eternal life are often paired with stern warnings. John MacArthur notes that Christ repeatedly emphasized the difficulty of the path to salvation: “The cost of following Him is high, the way is narrow, and few find it. Many who call Him Lord will be turned away from the kingdom of Heaven.” Salvation, then, is not a superficial decision but one that involves full submission and reverence for the gravity of the call.

Total Commitment and Total Surrender
A crucial component of discipleship is complete, unconditional commitment to Christ. Throughout history, nations at war have required unwavering loyalty from their citizens—even to the point of death. Likewise, Christ calls His followers to an even greater level of devotion, one that may cost their very lives. What often stands in the way is our lack of faith and human pride. Overcoming these barriers requires abiding in Christ continually, drawing strength from Him for both endurance and victory over sin.

Scripture gives us powerful images of this level of commitment, especially in the context of the end times. Revelation 20:4 presents a vision of faithful believers who were martyred “because of their witness of Jesus and because of the word of God.” They refused to worship the beast and were rewarded with reign alongside Christ. Such examples underscore that unwavering loyalty to Christ—regardless of cost—is the standard of discipleship.

True assurance in our commitment comes when Christ becomes our ultimate aim. Only those with undivided hearts can truly follow Him. Discipleship demands that all of life be oriented around Christ, with nothing withheld. This heart posture must precede action; it is the only acceptable offering.

But how does one practically live out this commitment? Acts 2:42 gives us the framework: devotion to the Word of God, genuine fellowship, the breaking of bread (communion), and persistent prayer. These spiritual disciplines serve as the fruit of discipleship. Through them, we grow in love for God and for others, manifesting the marks of a true follower of Jesus.

Even more fundamental than commitment is unconditional surrender. Jesus illustrates this through another parable: a king facing certain defeat wisely sends a delegation to seek terms of peace (Luke 14:31–32). In the same way, surrendering to Christ involves acknowledging our inability to save ourselves and entrusting everything—our future, ambitions, and rights—into His hands.

A life of surrender and commitment becomes a powerful testimony of faith. Abraham demonstrated this when he was willing to sacrifice Isaac in obedience to God’s command. His actions showed both total trust and complete surrender. Similarly, Paul gives voice to this lifestyle in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…”

In verse 33, Jesus concludes by declaring, “So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” One of the most common obstacles to full surrender is the love of money and possessions. Acts 3:6 reminds us of the value of spiritual wealth over material wealth. Christ must be recognized as the source and owner of all we have; anything less risks idolatry.

Money is perhaps the most persistent idol in history, and even believers are not immune. As 1 Timothy 5:8 warns, failing to provide for one’s household is worse than disbelief. Similarly, in Matthew 19:21, Jesus tells the rich man to sell all he has and follow Him. These verses highlight that stewardship, not ownership, is the Christian view of resources.

Ultimately, what matters after death is not how much we accumulated but what we surrendered for God’s glory. Our willingness to part with material wealth for His sake reflects the sincerity of our discipleship. As 1 Timothy 6:10 states, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Thus, Christ must be Lord not only over our hearts but also over our possessions.

John Flavel succinctly captures the essence of biblical stewardship: “If I am the Lord’s, then, my time, my talents, and all that I have are His.” The call to discipleship encompasses every area of life. True followers recognize that everything belongs to God and must be used to honor Him. Only then can we truly say we have counted the cost.

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Test of the Jesus Disciple – Luke 14:25-27

Love and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ are the defining characteristics of a true disciple. In the Gospel of Luke, two distinct groups of people emerge: the first is a large crowd that follows Jesus out of curiosity or self-interest, yet does not demonstrate genuine love or obedience. The second group consists of true disciples—those who sincerely love and obey Christ as they follow Him. Luke also identifies two essential conditions for discipleship: prioritizing Christ above all, including one’s own life, and willingly suffering for His sake.

The large crowds that followed Jesus likely did so for a variety of reasons. Some were drawn by His miracles and teachings, others were curious about His character, and many hoped He was the long-awaited Messiah who would liberate them from Roman rule. However, not all who followed truly believed in Him or loved Him. In the passage examined today, Jesus confronts the crowd with the true cost of discipleship—a message that ultimately causes many to turn away, revealing the authenticity of their faith.

Jesus poses a powerful challenge: “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). This statement is not a call to literal hatred, but rather a demand for radical prioritization. A true disciple must love Christ so supremely that all other affections pale in comparison. Genuine discipleship is marked by eternal life, entry through the narrow gate, and a personal commitment to Christ above all else.

Jesus’ use of the word “hate” is hyperbolic, meant to underscore the level of devotion He requires. He is not advocating animosity or neglect of family but emphasizing that loyalty to Him must come before even the closest human relationships. In a world where family often holds the highest place in one’s life, Jesus calls His followers to place Him at the very center.

Moreover, Christ teaches that a disciple must even “hate” his own life (Luke 14:26). This concept involves self-denial—the rejection of selfish desires and ambitions in favor of honoring and obeying Christ. A.W. Pink describes this as “loving and obeying Christ, to honor Christ, and to spend ourselves for Him.” The Apostle Paul echoes this in Galatians 2:20, stating that we are “crucified with Christ,” indicating that self-denial begins at salvation and continues throughout the Christian life.

The second condition for discipleship is a willingness to suffer for Christ. Jesus declares, “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27). Carrying one’s cross symbolizes a readiness to endure shame, hardship, and sacrifice for the sake of Christ. It is a daily, active commitment to follow Him regardless of the cost.

What does it mean to carry our cross? It may involve:

  • Shame: Facing rejection or ridicule from the world for following Christ.
  • Obedience: Choosing God’s will over personal comfort, regardless of circumstance.
  • Love: Sacrificially loving others, including enemies, as Christ loved us.

James MacDonald describes the life of a true disciple in vivid terms:

“The opposition of loved ones. The reproach of the world. Forsaking family and the comforts of life. Complete dependence on God. Obedience to the Holy Spirit. Proclaiming an unpopular message. A path marked by loneliness. Attacks from religious institutions. Suffering for righteousness’ sake. Slander and shame. Pouring out one’s life for others. Death to self and the world.”

The Apostle Paul expresses a similar sentiment in Philippians 3:8–11:

“More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.”

To come to Jesus is to live as He lived—with purpose, resolve, and unwavering obedience to the Father. Though disciples may suffer outwardly, inwardly they possess an eternal hope. The Apostle Peter writes that Christ left us an example in His suffering:

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth. When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:21–23).

Every true disciple should strive to echo the words of the Apostle Paul at the end of his life: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). For those who may feel unsure about their own commitment in light of these teachings, it is never too late to repent and turn to God. As long as we live, His grace remains available.

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Danger of Assuming Salvation – Luke 14:15-24

Our attention is drawn to Luke 14:15-24, the parable of the great feast or dinner, which is parallel to the parable of the wedding feast in Matthew 22. The parable is a response to a remark made by one of those reclining at the table with Jesus: “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God”. This statement, potentially suggesting that everyone present or all Jews would be saved, prompted Jesus to reveal that many assume they are saved and who is actually saved.

Jesus described a man hosting a big dinner and invited many people. This host is identified as God, holding a great feast representing the kingdom or salvation. The invitation system in that day involved a dual confirmation: an initial oral invitation followed by a second message from a slave when everything was ready. In this parable, the host sent one slave at the dinner hour to say, “Come, for everything is ready now”. This single slave is understood to be the Messiah, Jesus Christ, proclaiming that the kingdom of God is at hand. Salvation is absolutely based on God’s invitation and initiative, originating from God’s predestination and election. God has no obligation to invite anyone, as all deserve eternal punishment.

When the slave delivered the second invitation, those who had been invited and initially accepted, began to make excuses unanimously. The excuses included buying a piece of land and needing to see it, buying five yoke of oxen and needing to try them out, and having just married a wife. These excuses, though some might seem rational or urgent on the surface, are wicked and foolish in rejecting God’s offer for salvation. These excuses are based on man’s total depravity, meaning people are born dead in sin, held captive by a love for sin, suppress the truth, and are hostile toward God. They are driven by the self, prioritizing their ego, selfishness, and self-righteousness over Jesus Christ. Their excuses are also a form of idolatry, placing priorities like possessions (land, oxen representing wealth) above God’s invitation. Furthermore, the excuses are dishonest and based on lies. The married man’s excuse is so brazen it’s almost a joke. People think these excuses make sense because they are blind. Ultimately, the excusers delay or reject because they hate God.

When it comes to salvation, many people have a false sense of security. Like the builders in Thailand, who were confident in their structure despite using substandard materials, leading to collapse during an earthquake and many tragic deaths. Similarly, some people might assume they are saved based on external actions like being born in church, being baptized, serving the church, or even dying in church. Being in the church is different from being in Christ. There are many churchgoers who are “almost Christian”. Those who appear perfect in action and words but lacks the true power of godliness. The almost Christian is genuine, sincere, and passionate in their thoughts and deeds. However, salvation is not about outward form but inward transformation and the power of godliness. Relying on lineage (like having Abraham as a father) or religious practices for salvation is a false assumption.

Upon hearing the excuses, the head of the household became angry. God does not always smile, and His wrath is expressed. The one who does not believe is already judged and will eventually face judgment. While God is angry towards the ones who reject Him, He is gracious to those who are rejected. The master then commanded the slave to go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in the poor, crippled, blind, and lame. These represent truly repentant people who recognize their need, their inability to save themselves, and humbly seek God’s mercy as beggars, not creditors. The slave reported that the command had been done, “and still there is room”. The master, being gracious and passionate, then commanded the slave to go out into the highways and along the fences and compel them to come in so that the house may be filled. This is God’s passion, showing His true heart for the lost, demonstrated ultimately by the sacrifice of His Son. God stopped at nothing to save the sinners. His grace is abundant, powerful, and available. The sinner must seek it. Even today, God still invites,and the door of salvation remains open.

There is a consequence for rejecting God’s offer of salvation in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The master declared, “None of those men who are invited shall taste of my dinner”. This means exclusion from the dinner, the kingdom meal, which signifies no salvation. Generally speaking, anyone who makes excuses to reject God’s offer will not taste His dinner. This exclusion from the kingdom means being in hell, a place of never-ending suffering. Rejecting Jesus means shutting out the blessing of God.

Salvation is fundamentally God’s work, originating from His invitation and initiative. It can be hindered and rejected by those who make wicked and foolish excuses rooted in total depravity, self, idolatry, and hatred of God. False security based on external religious association is not true salvation. However, salvation is still possible due to God’s grace and passion, extending the invitation to those who recognize their need and humbly repent. When this offer is rejected, it incurs severe accountability and results in exclusion from the kingdom. Believers, having experienced the wonderful gift of salvation, should follow God’s example and continue proclaiming, “there is still room”, compelling others to come to Christ. 

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Kingdom Economy: The Value of Humility – Luke 14:12-14

Christians are called to be citizens of God’s kingdom, defined by a lifestyle rooted in love and humility. These kingdom values shape not only individual character but also the communal and eternal economy described in Scripture. The passage for today centers on the “kingdom economy,” particularly emphasizing the cost and reward associated with humility. While God, in His sovereignty, is not indebted to humanity, there is one notable exception: He promises to reward believers at the resurrection of the righteous. This divine “repayment” implies a moral and spiritual exchange rooted in grace, not obligation.

True blessing, as understood in the Christian context, is not merely earthly happiness, but spiritual fulfillment that stems from God. Though people often pursue happiness through worldly means, Scripture asserts that blessing is unattainable apart from addressing the problem of sin. In the New Testament, Jesus outlines the path to blessing in the Beatitudes, where He states, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). This reflects the paradox of kingdom life—those who recognize their spiritual poverty are the ones who inherit the riches of God’s kingdom.

Timing is crucial in understanding the promise of reward. The repayment occurs at the “resurrection of the righteous,” a time when God will evaluate the lives of believers. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:10, “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” The Greek term for “judgment seat” is bema, which historically referred not to a place of punishment but to a platform where rewards were distributed. Jesus uses this concept to teach that believers will be judged not to be condemned, but to be rewarded based on their faithful service.

Significantly, those who will receive this divine repayment are described as people who extend hospitality and compassion to society’s marginalized. This is shown in the parable of the Great Banquet that Jesus speaks to, where true generosity is shown not by inviting the wealthy or influential, but by welcoming “the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind” (Luke 14:13). In contrast, hospitality extended only to the socially elite reflects a transactional culture—one of self-interest, not kingdom values. Jesus critiques this mindset, noting that if one loves only those who reciprocate, “what reward do you have?” (Matthew 5:46). Such actions, while socially accepted, do not merit divine repayment because they are not grounded in agape—the selfless, unconditional love of God.

So, when does God “owe” anything to His people? Only when they live out agape love. Those who embody this divine love toward others—especially the vulnerable and overlooked—reflect the heart of Christ and participate in the values of the kingdom. Jesus modeled this love by humbly serving and caring for sinners and the spiritually needy (Matthew 15:31), ultimately offering His life in obedience to the Father’s will. For His loving humility, Jesus was exalted by God (Philippians 2:9–11), providing the ultimate example of the reward awaiting those who follow Him in love and humility.

Furthermore, genuine hospitality in the kingdom of God is distinguished by its sacrificial and inclusive nature. It does not consist merely of providing resources or performing community service. Rather, it involves extending personal invitations, forging relationships, and offering love to strangers. Kingdom hospitality arises from a heart transformed by Christ and reflects an eternal perspective—one that values treasures in heaven above rewards on earth (Matthew 6:20–21).

How can believers sustain this kind of life? Through humility. Love, according to Scripture, “does not seek its own” (1 Corinthians 13:5). As Tim Challies writes, “Love is impossible without humility. If I want to excel at love, I first need to learn to be humble.” Andrew Murray adds that true humility is only proven in our relationships with others, as we learn to forsake self and allow God to be all. The ultimate display of divine love and humility was Christ’s sacrifice for us “while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8).

As God’s people, we are invited to see His kingdom by faith and to live according to its values now, with eternity in mind. Those who understand the kingdom economy—where humility and love hold ultimate worth—must live accordingly. The reward awaiting believers in heaven will reflect the depth of their love and humility on earth. Therefore, the Christian life is not merely about right belief but about embodying the heart of Christ: loving others through humility, serving without expectation, and investing in the eternal.

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Humble Yourself – Luke 14:7-11

The context for our parable today is the kingdom of God. Jesus has been teaching and revealing who He is (the Lord of the Sabbath) and what the kingdom of God is like. Here, Jesus teaches that entering the kingdom of God requires humility. Humility is not a simple or easy subject, yet it is significant. Without humility, Christians cannot endure to the end of their pilgrimage. Many fall away before the end because they are not humble enough to trust and depend on the Lord. While humility is praised across many religions, true humility requires looking to Jesus Christ himself. We must avoid merely moralizing humility; true humility is interpreted in the context of Jesus Christ.

Conversely, we must understand the profound danger of pride. Pride is described as extraordinarily evil and wicked. It is the “sin of sins.” Pride is clashing with God by attempting to be Him, fight Him, or go over Him. Pride leads to the Lord’s immediate attention. God reacts quickly and fast to pride, unlike many other sins. Proverbs 6:16-17 states that Yahweh hates six things, and chief among them are haughty eyes – pride. Pride involves forgetting our identity as creatures and acting as if we are the Creator. It is full of self, self-righteousness, and self-centeredness, holding an idol of self. The worst form of pride is spiritual pride, hypocrisy without internal transformation or holiness. Pride does not remain neutral; it always leads to consequences. As scripture warns, pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Pride is like standing on bubbles; it wins no glory and no crown.

Jesus illustrates the path of humility and the folly of pride in a parable about a wedding feast. The wedding feast represents the kingdom of God. Those who proudly take the places of honor risk being asked to move to the lowest place in shame. This shame, in the context of the wedding feast being the kingdom, signifies being cast out or destruction, which is hell. Even performing outwardly good actions means nothing before God if they are done with pride. Pride blinds people and keeps every Christian from the narrow gate because it is too tall and too big in both thought and action. They think they are in, but they are cast out. In contrast, the one who takes the last place, who humbles himself, will be invited to move up higher by the host (who is God) and receive honor in the sight of all. This humility in earthly life ultimately points to the glorification of believers in the future. Abraham provides an example by humbly allowing Lot to choose the best land, even though he had every right to choose the land first. Abraham was ultimately recognized and honored by God and became the spiritual father of every believer.

True humility is essential. It is not hiding, self-hatred, weakness, or continuous self-deprecation. These can be outward displays masking inner pride. True humility is characterized by giving up the self and taking a place of perfect nothingness before God. It is sinking down into one’s own nothingness while remaining trustful, patient, and meek, surrendering entirely to Jesus Christ. Humility is regarding others as more important than ourselves, not just looking out for our own interests, but also the interests of others. This makes humility sacrificial. The ultimate example is Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, emptied himself by taking the form of a slave, becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross. (Philippians 2:6-11) Humility means being lost, ruined, and undone, yet victorious in Christ. Humility is the first duty of God’s creatures and the root of every good quality. Without it, grace cannot take root. To believe in Jesus means having the humility of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, how can we live in humility? Firstly, by becoming a genuine Christian. Without humility, one cannot become a Christian. The first act of becoming a Christian involves self-denial, rejecting the self, and accepting the exchange of our self for Christ, who is the substance and source of humility. When Christ lives in you, humility lives in you. Secondly, by frequently visiting the cross of Jesus Christ. When tempted by pride, look at the cross. The cross is the greatest symbol of humility, where pride was crucified and is gone. Fixing our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross, helps us practice internal self-denial and absolute submission to the Father’s will through humility. Putting yourself under the authority of God’s Word is also humility. Trusting in God, especially in difficult circumstances, like giving thanks in all things, is humility.

Living in humility allows God to lift us up in His timing. Humble yourself before the Lord in faith, and He will lift you up. Humility is a sign of our true salvation, the key to true repentance and genuine saving faith. As we learn from Jesus, the embodiment of humility, our own humility can increase. We are invited by God, and by living humbly before Him, we can be called His friend.

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What a Precious Salvation – Luke 13:34-35

In today’s text, salvation is shown as the most valuable gift bestowed by God, emphasizing its rarity and significance. Despite being widely offered, Scripture underscores that only a few will ultimately be saved, pointing to the gravity of embracing this divine gift with one’s entire being. The author frames salvation not as a peripheral spiritual idea, but as the sole matter of importance at the time of death, one that determines entry into the eternal kingdom of God.

One of the primary reasons for salvation’s value is its origin in the character of God, who acts out of love, grace, kindness, and compassion. The lament over Jerusalem in verse 34 illustrates how God’s offer of salvation was tragically rejected by the very people He longed to save. Though Jerusalem was chosen by God and honored as the dwelling place of His temple, its history of killing prophets reflects a persistent rejection of His messengers. Still, Jesus’ sorrow over the city signifies God’s deep compassion, and His determination to offer salvation not just to Jerusalem, but to the entire world.

Furthermore, salvation is seen as God’s ongoing mission, demonstrating His persistent effort to reach humanity. The phrase “how often” reveals His tireless pursuit of sinners, highlighting that God never ceases in His redemptive work. Even after Christ’s resurrection, the Spirit continued spreading salvation through the early Church and beyond, ensuring that the gospel would reach generation after generation. This unrelenting divine initiative is what ultimately enables believers to hear, respond to, and accept the message of salvation.

The imagery of God gathering His people like a hen gathers her chicks reveals both His protective nature and His desire to draw humanity into intimate relationship. Salvation is not simply about deliverance from sin, but about being drawn near to God. In doing so, God transforms sinners not only into citizens of His kingdom, but into priests—representatives of His presence and truth in the world. This divine gathering reflects not only justice but a nurturing heart, echoing maternal tenderness found in Scripture.

However, the passage also confronts the tragic reality of human rejection of salvation. Though God offers numerous opportunities for redemption, sinners often resist it, not on intellectual or emotional grounds, but because of a willful preference for sin. According to the author, the human condition, being spiritually dead, naturally gravitates away from God. Thus, the refusal of salvation is not due to God’s failure to offer it, but the sinner’s stubborn desire to remain apart from Him.

The stakes of rejecting salvation are portrayed as ultimate and irreversible. The Bible offers vivid imagery of hell and eternal separation from God, reinforcing the urgency of embracing salvation in this life. Once a soul has passed into eternity without Christ, there remains no further opportunity for redemption. This understanding compels believers to proclaim the gospel boldly, while there is still time for others to respond.

Salvation’s worth is also reflected in the eternal hope it offers believers. In contrast to the despair of judgment, salvation brings a lasting joy rooted in the presence of God. Christ Himself modeled this hope during His suffering, enduring the cross for the joy set before Him. The Christian’s hope, then, is not based on circumstances, but on the future promise of glory, a hope that sustains believers through trials and gives them a vision of heaven even amid life’s darkest moments.

In conclusion, the passage encourages believers to treat salvation with reverence and seriousness, understanding its divine origin, enduring hope, and eternal consequences. It calls for a life marked by “fear and trembling,” not out of dread, but in recognition of the immense gift that salvation is. More than anything else, salvation is presented as the greatest treasure one can possess, both now and forever.

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The Evidence and Impact of Jesus’ Resurrection – Acts 25:18-19

Traditionally, we celebrate two major Christian events every year: Christmas and Easter. Easter is all about Jesus passing over from death to life. While many people believe in these events, there are always those who doubt, attacking Jesus’ birth and especially His resurrection. They try to say it’s just like old myths, like Horus and Isis or the Indian Krishna, who supposedly died and rose.However, when you really look at it with careful consideration, it’s completely different. These myths lack the message of hope that we find in Jesus’ resurrection. And did those mythological figures visit Jerusalem and die there? No! Jesus himself said in Luke 13:33 that a prophet must perish in Jerusalem. The Messiah had to die and be crucified there. These other stories don’t fit that historical reality. And it wasn’t just because people back then were dumb or gullible. These other mythologies weren’t powerful enough to change the world like Jesus’ resurrection. People are drawn to Christ, their lives are changed, and they have hope beyond death because of it.

Jesus’ resurrection is unique. Even within Judaism at the time, resurrection was seen as a group event at the end of the world, not a single Messiah dying and rising. And while Romans believed in a spiritual resurrection, Jesus’ resurrection was bodily. He ate with His disciples, cooked for them and showed Himself for 40 days. It was a physical resurrection. And we believers expect the same for ourselves someday.

Now, look at Apostle Paul in Acts 25:18-19. His Jewish accusers couldn’t bring charges of evil deeds. Instead, it was about disagreements in their own religion and this Jesus, “a dead man whom Paul asserted to be alive”. His core message was “Jesus is risen!”. That’s why he was arrested, that’s why he was going to Rome, and that’s why he would eventually be executed.

What evidence did Apostle Paul have? And how did this resurrection shape his life? These are key questions. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is everything for Christians. If it truly happened, if that tomb was really empty, then it changes everything about how we live and think. Jesus becoming the first fruit is our pattern for future resurrection. Without the resurrection, there is no hope at all.

Imagine if Jesus never rose. The gospel would be empty words, God’s promises unsustainable, our faith useless, and we would still be lost in our sins. As 1 Corinthians 15:14 says, “if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain”. Without the resurrection, we might as well just live for today because tomorrow we die. In fact, without the resurrection, Christians would be the most pathetic people, wasting their lives.

But the resurrection is a divine vindication, affirmation, and validation. Without Easter, the cross means nothing; Jesus’ death would just be another death. So what is the evidence Jesus rose? Some point to the empty tomb and the gospel accounts, which contain historical facts. Paul’s conversion itself is powerful evidence. And the birth of the church on Pentecost is another amazing sign. But for me, the best evidence is the eyewitness accounts. Paul was one of many who saw the risen Lord.

Consider the women at the tomb. At least five women – Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, Joanna, and another – saw the risen Lord and talked to Him. In the first century, women’s testimony wasn’t considered trustworthy. Yet, the Bible records their account. This points to its truthfulness. The Gospel of Peter, a later writing, tries to say male Jewish officers were the first witnesses, precisely because they knew women’s accounts weren’t valued. This is why it’s not part of the Bible and not a true gospel.

Richard Bauckham, a great theologian, highlights how these women saw Jesus die, saw where He was laid, saw the empty tomb, saw the rolled-away stone, and saw the angel. Even Bart Ehrman, an agnostic historian, is struck by the consistency in the independent accounts placing Mary Magdalene at the cross and the tomb. He admits it seems likely that the empty tomb tradition is rooted in history.

And Apostle Paul himself? He saw Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 15:8-9, he says he was like one untimely born, even considering himself the least of the apostles because he persecuted the church. He hated Christians, plotted to kill them, including Stephen. But Jesus showed him mercy through the resurrection.

Then there were James, Jesus’ half-brother who was a skeptic, and Peter (Cephas) – they also saw Jesus after His resurrection and became pillars of the early church. Apostle Paul, James, and Peter all have one thing in common: they were martyred for their belief in Jesus’ resurrection. They never recanted, even until death. People die for what they believe is true, but no one dies for a lie. These men willingly faced death for their testimony of the resurrected Christ.

Think about the reaction of the chief priests and Pharisees. They remembered Jesus saying He would rise after three days, and they were afraid His disciples would steal the body and claim resurrection, making the “last deception worse than the first”. If Jesus hadn’t risen, wouldn’t they have just produced His body? The tomb was empty. In the book of Acts, the apostles kept preaching Jesus’ resurrection, and the high priests never refuted it by showing a body.

Chuck Colson explains the truthfulness of the resurrection through the Watergate cover-up which he was a part of. Twelve of the most powerful men couldn’t maintain a lie to protect the President for more than three weeks. How could twelve ordinary men 2,000 years ago consistently maintain a lie about something they knew was false, even to the point of death? They couldn’t have been telling anything but the truth. Apostle Peter even asked to be crucified upside down.

Why? Because the resurrection defeats and destroys sin. Sin brings death, but the resurrection brings life. Because of the resurrection, we are personally transformed. Without it, the cross is meaningless. But the resurrection is a divine victory over sin and death. Even Paul, who was a blasphemer worthy of death, found forgiveness and purpose because of the risen Lord. The resurrection conquered Satan.

Five points on Jesus’ resurrection:

  • Christ alone saves. No other religious leader has risen from the grave.
  • It confirms the veracity of God’s Word. The Old Testament prophesied the Messiah’s death and resurrection. Scripture is truth.
  • The resurrection shows that Jesus is God. When Peter preached on Pentecost, he declared that God had made Jesus both Lord and Christ because He was resurrected.
  • The true church is built by the risen Lord. Jesus promised, “I will build my church”. He is the head of the church. The church endures because He lives.
  • The resurrection empowers us to serve the Lord. Paul, by the grace of the risen Lord, was transformed from a persecutor to an apostle who labored tirelessly. Knowing the risen Lord impacts how we serve, reaching out to the lost. Therefore, we should be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing our labor is not in vain.

His resurrection is everything. It’s our foundation and our direction. Like Apostle Paul, we should forget what lies behind and press on toward the goal. At the end of his life, Apostle Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing”. (2 Timothy 4:7-8) His whole life was shaped, driven, and governed by the resurrection. May we all realize that Jesus is truly risen, not just in theory but in practice, impacting us deeply now and giving us hope for the future.

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