Tag: luke

The Passion of Jesus for the Lost – Luke 15:1-4

Introduction

When we look at Luke 15:1-4, one thing we want to focus on Jesus’s passion to reach out for the lost sinners. Jesus shows the true heart of the father who does not take pleasure in the lost perishing without repentance. Tax collectors and sinners – the most hated people – are now sitting with Jesus, having fellowship. This is the result of Jesus’s passion for the lost.

Jesus is passionate. When challenged by the Pharisees and scribes, Jesus doesn’t react with silence or aggression. Instead, He tells them a parable. Even in this hostile situation, Jesus uses a story to make hard truth clear and understandable. He not only loves the tax collector but the Pharisee and scribe as well and tries to help them understand God’s heart.

Jesus doesn’t give up on His critics. Even with Judas, He showed compassion despite knowing what he would do. What made Jesus so passionate? Prayer and compassion cannot be separated. Hebrews 5:7 shows Jesus offering “prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears.” His compassion comes from His relationship with the Father.

Matthew 9:36: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” The result? He fed 5,000. To keep our compassion for the lost: look at the cross often and consider their eternal destiny. Without compassion, evangelism becomes legalistic work. With compassion, it’s voluntary and natural.

Why we must be passionate? It’s natural for genuine Christians. Jesus uses a rhetorical question in the parable – of course a shepherd would seek his lost sheep. Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses.” Everyone truly saved has the Holy Spirit and should naturally share their salvation with others.

Jesus goes after the lost. Luke 15:4 says “go after” – present tense, meaning the Holy Spirit still does this through us. Luke 19:10: “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” Jesus moved His whole being to pursue the lost, and so should we. He is the good Shepherd who knows His sheep and His sheep know Him. He calls out to them in order to find them.

His passion is relentless. The text says “until he finds it” – never giving up. What’s behind this relentless passion? Love – 1 Corinthians 13 says love is patient and love never fails. God sent Him to save the lost. This was His mission. Jesus is relentless because of joy – Hebrews 12:2 shows Jesus enduring the cross “for the joy set before him.”

We need action plans: pray and identify mission fields, build genuine relationships, be ready to share the gospel. Set personal goals such as bringing at least one person to Christ every two months. Our goal is not to bring them to church but to Christ.

The elect, those chosen by God, are still waiting for someone’s passionate effort to reach out. The lost sheep are waiting for the gospel to come from us.

Conclusion

Passion for sharing the gospel may cost time and comfort, but it brings God’s approval and eternal reward. We haven’t earned His passion – it’s given from Jesus Christ.

How do we know we’re saved? We love Him deeply in all circumstances. That’s why we’re to be passionate. The result is up to God, but we must continually share and live out our passion that God has given us.

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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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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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Calculate the Cost – Luke 14:25-30

The real disciples of Jesus Christ are those who love Him more than anyone or anything, willing to take up their cross and follow Him. Our text this morning comes from the Gospel of Luke 14:25-32, where Jesus’s words on discipleship are sovereign—not meant to upset, but to reveal what every believer must do. Discipleship is not a small matter or a mere choice; it is a matter of life and death that must happen to every single believer. Jesus says that everyone must “calculate the cost,” a phrase familiar from our daily lives, like when we shop for groceries or budget for our needs. Just as we know our budget and what we can afford, so too must we count the cost of following Jesus. Biblical discipleship requires us to recognize and agree to the terms Jesus sets, which may include losing relationships, dreams, material things, and even our very lives. What does it take, and what is the outcome of following Jesus Christ? Counting the cost is essential to true discipleship.

Counting the cost is not a small matter; “it’s a matter of death and life”. As John Koessler said, “Counting the cost” means recognizing and agreeing to some terms first. 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…” Jesus demands this severity because He wants to build his church (Matthew 16:18). He is the first builder. Being a disciple means we enter the fight against the devil. Jesus is building His church, which the gates of Hades will not overcome. Jesus is not looking for many but a few. Like Gideon, who defeated the Midian armies with only 300 men, Jesus seeks a dedicated few. As John Wesley stated, “If I had 300 men who feared nothing but God, hated nothing but sin and would be determined to know nothing among men but Jesus Christ him crucified, I will set the world on fire”.

Failure to count the cost means we will turn away at the threat of sacrifice and rebel against Christ when difficulties arise. Judas failed to count the cost, leading to his betrayal and suicide. We often drop God’s word, prayer, and church, while clinging to our ambitions and idols. This means we didn’t calculate the cost at the beginning. The result is that the building is left unfinished. The person may have the form of holiness, but there’s no power of holiness in their lives. They are like the unfinished Oceanwide Plaza twin buildings in downtown LA, an ugly symbol and a shameful symbol of failure because they ran out of funds.

Jesus Himself is the initial original builder. Philippians 2:6-8 says Jesus “emptied Himself, by taking the form of a slave” and “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” in order to fulfill His mission of redemption. He counted the cost to build His church. In the same way, our discipleship must calculate the cost and be built on Christ.

To count the cost and build true discipleship, four things are necessary:

  1. True Belief: A genuine believer is transformed, desiring a new nature and daily struggling with the old. This internal fight, as Paul described in Romans 7:24, “Wretched man that I am who will deliver me from the body of this death,” is a normal Christian experience leading to victory, for “there’s no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
  2. Trust: “Unless Yahweh builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1). When we trust God, He builds in our hearts. Like the Thessalonian Christians, we must “turn to God from idols to serve a living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9).
  3. Obedience: R. A. Torrey defined obedience as “the entire surrender of our wills, ourselves, and all that we have to Him”. Obedience says, “Take me, do with me what you want to send me where you want me to go and use me as you desire me to be used for you.” This complete surrender of ourselves to God is the condition of our receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Do you obey God’s commands?
  4. Prayer: Prayer and discipleship are inseparable. The Gospels show Jesus constantly praying. Then the disciples prayed in the book of Acts, leading to the birth of the church. Prayer is like a radar to detect Satan’s work and it is God’s appointed way for obtaining things, and the most important business of a disciple’s life. The quality of our discipleship depends on prayer.  “Prayer is just the heart’s response. We breathe in Scripture and we breathe out prayer, Breathe in and breathe out… That’s the basic shape of Christian as everyday communion with God. Prayer is the breath of heavenly life.” (Michael Reeves)

Counting the cost is crucial for Jesus’ name and our own credibility. Failure leads to public ridicule, as Jesus warns: “This man began to build and was not able to finish” (Luke 14:30). Counting the cost means our hard work, our sweat, and blood for discipleship. Kanye West’s public turn, claiming “I’m god” and rejecting the fear of God, serves as a recent example of total failure due to not counting the cost. Counting the cost is a lifelong process that makes our lives fuller, fruitful, and better. Let us keep trusting, obeying and praying in all circumstances so Jesus looks really worthwhile more than anything as we glorify Him in our discipleship.

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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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Jesus Heals; Only He Can Satisfy Our Needs – Luke 14:1-6

God is the Creator of all things, and humanity is the pinnacle of His creation, having been made in His image. Yet, ever since the Fall, human beings have sought to fill the void left by the broken relationship with God—a relationship that once existed in the perfection of the Garden of Eden. St. Augustine famously remarked that humanity has a “God-shaped hole” in the heart, which only God Himself can fill. As a result, sinners live in a state of constant restlessness. True peace and deliverance from sin and judgment can only be found in God.

In the biblical passage under consideration, we encounter a man suffering from a condition known as dropsy. While not fatal, this illness left him in desperate need of healing. Upon encountering Jesus, the man received not only physical restoration but also spiritual healing—an inner renewal that surpassed mere bodily relief.

Jesus had been invited to a meal at the house of a Pharisee leader on the Sabbath. The Sabbath held deep religious significance for the Jewish people. However, over time, the religious leaders had burdened God’s simple commandment to rest with numerous additional regulations, transforming it into a legalistic observance that was difficult, if not impossible, to follow. These leaders closely observed Jesus, hoping He would violate their man-made Sabbath laws, thereby providing them grounds for accusation.

Despite having seen Jesus’ works and heard His teachings, the Pharisees and legal experts never asked Him the most vital question: whether He was the promised Messiah and Prophet. They did not seek salvation from Him. This same type of spiritual blindness persists today in what might be called “almost Christians”—those who outwardly appear religious but lack genuine faith. Like the Pharisees, they may lead others astray, appearing pious while lacking the truth and transformation of a real relationship with Christ.

True Christianity is marked by a continual abiding in Christ, as described in John 15:5. Believers are branches connected to the true vine, Jesus, and their lives reflect a commitment to His word and love. Those who truly remain in Him demonstrate their faith through obedience to His commandments (John 15:10). This consistent connection to Christ distinguishes authentic followers from those who merely profess belief without genuine discipleship.

The Pharisees and lawyers, despite their extensive knowledge of the law, lacked sincerity and integrity. Jesus, fully aware of their hearts, exposed their hypocrisy. The text illustrates this when the leaders remain silent in response to Jesus’ questions:

  • “And Jesus answered and spoke to the scholars of the Law and Pharisees, saying, ‘Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?’” (v. 3)
  • “And He said to them, ‘Which one of you will have a son or an ox fall into a well, and will not immediately pull him out on a Sabbath day?’ And they could make no reply to this.” (vv. 5–6)

We must ask ourselves whether we are truly honest with God, especially in times of need or uncertainty. Do we earnestly seek His healing and submit to His will, or do we cling to our own desires and understanding? Genuine faith requires surrendering control and aligning our hearts with God’s word and purposes.

Jesus’ confrontation revealed their duplicity, a theme He addressed repeatedly (cf. Luke 13:15). In contrast, we are called to be people of integrity—honest before God so that we may receive His healing and forgiveness.

Spiritual healing comes only through union with Jesus Christ. The man with dropsy serves as an example of approaching Jesus with one’s burdens and trusting in His power to heal. In response to Jesus’ question, the religious leaders remained silent, but Jesus acted: He took the man, healed him, and sent him away (v. 4). In doing so, Jesus revealed His identity—not only as healer, but as omniscient Lord of the Sabbath, the very one who instituted it. By His actions, He demonstrated that true obedience to God’s law is fulfilled in love (Romans 13:10).

Furthermore, the man with dropsy exhibited a longing for something greater than physical healing; he sought the One who is the Bread of Life and the Living Water. Only Christ can satisfy the soul that honestly and humbly seeks Him. With compassion and authority, Jesus restored the man and sent him out—likely to testify about what the Lord had done. Those who genuinely seek salvation are given the opportunity to encounter the compassionate Savior. Jesus’ invitation still stands: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:29).

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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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