Commands39 (Luncheon): Goodbook 03-10-2017

One of our challenges for 2017 is to learn and live all 50 commands of Jesus. Jesus said that following his commandments is a way to love him and a way for his love and his joy to fill our lives (John 15:9-12). In his Great Commission, Jesus told his followers to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything he commanded us (Matthew 28:19-20). So we are learning and living one command of Jesus at a time. Here is our command for this week...

Week 39:

"Then (Jesus) turned to his host. 'When you put on a luncheon or a dinner,' he said, 'don't invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will repay you by inviting you back. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the godly, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you,'" (Luke 14:12-14).

Application:

Try to remember the last time you hosted a lunch or a dinner. Who did you invite? Did you invite friends or family? Or did you invite the poor, crippled, lame, or blind?

Just to be fair, the last dinner we hosted was a birthday party for my father-in-law. We had family over. Thankfully none of us was poor, crippled, lame, or blind. So is Jesus condemning this kind of dinner party?

It helps to understand that Jesus was at a dinner party when he was giving this teaching. He regularly ate with tax collectors and sinners. This time, however, he was eating with a prominent religious leader. Apparently, the host thought pretty highly of himself, as did the guests. They were all rushing to take the best seats and looking out for their own needs. Jesus wanted to stress the importance of humility and caring for others. Rather than hosting a meal for people who could improve our status or repay our kindness, Jesus encouraged them to intentionally do good deeds to help those who could never repay.

Jesus brings the Gospel into our homes and kitchens. He helps us see that all of life has the potential to bring his Good News to others. Even when we are hosting a dinner or lunch, we should be thinking about how we could make the greatest impact for God’s Kingdom.

Does this means we have to change our guest list for the next birthday party? It could. But I think the bigger lesson is to think beyond ourselves to consider those whom we could include or serve. Maybe there is a person on your block who could use a friend or a meal. How about inviting them to the next gathering you host? Maybe you know of someone who lost a loved one or is down on their luck. How about taking them out for a meal and conversation?

This lesson might also challenge us to get involved with ministries that directly serve those in need. Are we helping care for the poor and the hungry? Hesed House, for example, provides volunteers with opportunities to prepare meals for the homeless and dine with guests. Are we helping care for those who have special needs? We don't have to look far to find ministries that work with special needs, nursing homes, hospitals, etc. Jesus cares a lot about his children in need. The way we spend our time and money should reflect his compassion.  What can you do?

Share your comments and application ideas…