My family has been moving to a new home across town for the last month. Circumstances allowed us to move gradually, which was nice in some ways and unsettling in others. We’ve been in a state of flux, not always entirely sure how far ahead to plan or where we’ll be sleeping the next night.
The Jewish people who went to listen to Jesus had been waiting for a warrior-king Messiah to restore glory to Israel for a very long time. But time again in his teachings and ministry Jesus took their long held expectations and turned them upside down. I imagine his many disciples were feeling unsettled. Was anything they knew about God still true?
In this collection of parables, days 19-22 of our Lent Readings, Jesus teaches us how to approach and respond to the heart of God.
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Day 19 – Luke 11:5-10
While teaching his disciples to pray, Jesus shares a story about a man making an unusual request at an inconvenient time.
“Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’;”
Maybe this was a normal request for the people of the day but I can’t help thinking it is utterly ridiculous! Your friend came in at midnight – really?? You have nothing to offer him – really?? You think I have three extra loaves of bread I can just give you – really??
But Jesus says, despite the absurdity and untimeliness, the man will get up and help his friend. If we, in our broken humanity can respond favorably to the “impudence” (v. 8, also translated as “shameless boldness” and “persistence”) of our unprepared friend, how much more will our perfect heavenly Father respond to us?
Day 20 – Luke 14:7-14
Jesus attends a feast at the home of a Pharisee. The behavior of the guests sparks a parable on humility.
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (v. 14)
Like the Pharisee’s guests, I often assume I deserve more than I actually do. I should leave the honoring up to God, following the example Jesus, the ultimate picture of humility.
“Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.” Philippians 2:5-6
Day 21 – Luke 14:15-24
In today’s passage, the banquet conversation continues and Jesus tells another parable.
“A man was giving a large banquet and invited many. At the time of the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, because everything is now ready.’
“But without exception they all began to make excuses.” vv. 16-18
Back in those days, the guests had already accepted the invitation for the specific date of the feast. However the time was not announced until the day of the party.
As Christians we have already accepted the invitation to the marriage feast. Will we be ready when the time comes or full of excuses?
Day 22 – Luke 15:8-10
Charles Spurgeon claims that the woman in this parable represents the Church seeking out the lost. Following the dinner Jesus shared with a Pharisee and his specially chosen guests, Luke 15:1-2 tells us,
“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’”
The collection of parables that follows, the Lost parables, not only reveals God’s tender heart toward all people, especially the broken, unrighteous, guilty, and undeserving, but how we who have received his grace can share in his joy when the lost are found.
‘Rejoice with me, because I have found the silver coin I lost! ’ I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.” (vv.9-10)
[…] story sounds pretty similar to a parable we’ve already read, and you’re right! (Luke 14:15-24, day 21 of our Lent readings). But in Matthew’s account, Jesus expands the […]