Bible Studies

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The Gospels
Luke 14:1, 7-14 – Kingdom Building 101
Key Verses: (NRSV)

• 1: "On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sabbath, they were watching Him closely." - They were watching to see if they could find ways to trap and disparage Him.
  
  
• 8: "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host." – Jesus told parables to describe the Kingdom of God. It was a common practice at a wedding banquet to strive for the seat closest to the bride and groom so everyone could see your importance.
  
  
• 11: "For all who exalt themselves shall be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." - In the Kingdom, glory comes to those who focus on the needs of others first.
  
  
• 12: "When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid." - Hosting a dinner becomes an analogy for the work we do in behalf of God's kingdom. When we reach out in ministry, the motives behind our efforts become scrutinized.
  
  
• 13-14: "But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. ¹⁴And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." - For are we not all, at times, poor in spirit, crippled emotionally, lame in our excuses, and blind to the Spirit of God? It is only at the cross and the forgiveness of these sins where we will find our just reward.
  

Points to Contemplate:

• Are you being watched closely? The Pharisees were watching Jesus' every action, deed, and word in order that they might find some inconsistency or fault. As a Christian, is the world watching your actions and deeds? Are you being scrutinized for your faults and your failures? If so, what can be done to insure that you are not providing fodder for the cannon? What inconsistencies in your behavior are causing barriers to the building of God's kingdom? Do you see the importance of holy living? Does this help you understand why Jesus focused most of His teachings and parables on the Kingdom of God - to help you know how to live your life?
  
  
• Are you humble? Why is humility such an important Christian trait? Why does Jesus spend so much time discussing the aspects of self-denial and humility? Is it to insure that the god of self-righteousness does not rule your life? Is it to give you an understanding of priorities and purpose? Is it to open your heart to the experience of agape love? Is humility about self-effacing or about providing you access to the kingdom of God? Jesus "humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:8) Are you willing to set your self aside in order to gain access to the glory that Christ has available for you?
  
  
• Are you hospitable? Do you realize that Christian hospitality is more than mere entertaining? Do you see that true hospitality is the ability to provide shelter and comfort to those in need? As you go through life how often do you find yourself in need of comfort? Isn't everyone poor, crippled, lame or blind at some point in their lives? Does this teach you the importance of Christian "hospice?" That the more you involve yourself in the care of others, the more your needs will be met? Aren't you blessed to be a blessing? Who will you be a blessing to today?
  

Promises of the Gospel:

Jesus takes every opportunity under the watchful eyes of the Pharisees to teach what the kingdom of God should be like. He never fails to hold a mirror before them to clearly demonstrate the error of their ways. Likewise, He holds a mirror before us revealing the glory of the kingdom of God that is available to the world when we learn to set aside our selfish tendencies and prideful ways. Through true humility where our focus is constantly on the needs of others, we experience God's kingdom. When hospitality for others is based on providing comfort and love the glory of heaven is revealed for all to see. In this way, our needs are met and our participation in the building of God's Kingdom assured.

FUMC Devotionals

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