Session 14

Who is in charge of your life?

From Luke: A 24-Day Devotional

In Luke 14, the Pharisees’ priorities stand in sharp contrast to Jesus’ transparency and compassion.

First, they seat Jesus across from a man in need of healing. Jesus is compelled to heal this man on the Sabbath, in spite of the Pharisees’ objections. Jesus asks the Pharisees if their sons needed healing, would they bend their own man-made rules to help? Their silence was telling.

Next, Jesus watches as guests posture and position for seats of honor at the table. While everyone else worries about where they were sitting, Jesus is worried about their hearts. He gently corrects their attitude by explaining why pushing ourselves forward is never the best way to gain attention. “...take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:10-11).

Jesus’ patience and restraint in dealing with the Pharisees is amazing. Instead of destroying them, He instructs them. Instead of belittling them, He corrects their faulty thinking as a loving Father would a wayward child.

We are quick to condemn the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. But if we’re honest, we would probably behave in the same manner given similar circumstances.

If Jesus came over for supper, what changes would He make to the guest list or the seating chart? Is Jesus seated at the head of our spiritual table? Do we care about the things that Jesus cares about? Or, are we more interested in our status and the perception of others?

It must have been embarrassing for the host of the dinner party to hear Jesus talk about his guest list and seating arrangements. I wonder if we would be embarrassed as well if Jesus came for supper. We would do well to begin the process of placing Him at the head of the table before He comes to set things straight.

Reflect:

• Does Jesus sit at the "head" of your life?
• What is one thing hindering you from taking your next step in your relationship with Jesus?
• What do you need to start doing or stop doing to take that next step?