As you've probably noticed I'm trying to blog every day in December; working through the book of Luke. Well, yesterday was a different day here and by 11pm last night when I finally had a bit of time to sit, I didn't feel right about trying to just throw together a post about chapter 13; I decided to sleep and that I'd do two posts today to "catch up". After reading chapter 14 I realized that these two chapters tie together quite nicely; so to highlight that and change things up I'm putting them together in this post.
There's a bit of a different "theme" in these chapters. Jesus isn't really referred to by any "title" here; so. instead of the "Jesus is" tag that I have been using I'm going to use "Jesus says/teaches". Let's dive in...
Jesus says/teaches...
Chapter 13:
- His desire is for us to repent so that we will not perish (vs. 5)
- like the owner of a vineyard who desires his trees/vines to be fruitful; Jesus desires that we will produce fruit for the kingdom of God. (vs. 6)
- We are to care more for people than for animals or any man-made traditions (vs. 15)
- He is the Lord/Master of the kingdom of God (vs. 25)
- He weeps when we reject Him & the blessings He desires to give us. (vs. 33)
- Jesus desires our repentance and He desires to shelter His people (vs. 34)
Chapter 14:
- Jesus again heals on the Sabbath and challenges the Pharisees to care more about people than animals or man-made traditions (vs. 3-5)
- Stay humble/Have humility (vs. 11)
- Give without any expectations (vs. 13 -14)
- Answer God's call. Don't be so distracted by the things and cares of this world that you miss God's blessings (vs. 18-19)
- Keep Jesus as the first priority in your life (vs. 33)
Throughout all of these teachings is the truth that Jesus desires a deep, honest relationship with us. He wants to be our Lord and Master, first in our hearts. As we draw near to Jesus and are sheltered under His wings then we are to show that same love to others; through giving, not exalting ourselves over others, and caring more for those around us that for our traditions, routines or animals. Be focused, generous, humble, sensitive to sin and quick to repent, above all keep Jesus first!
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
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