February 1st, Sunday: Luke chaps. 13-14

Luke 13

We'll highlight tragedy, hypocrisy and opportunity.

How easy is it to ask about others' tragedies and fail to learn lessons they teach.

You know the big question is not 'Why do people die in tragic and seemingly meaningless ways?'

But the real questions is 'Why does God keep me alive?'

'Am I really worth it?'

'Am I bearing fruit, or just taking up space?'

Of course we are worth it, simply because we're made in the image of God.

Hypocrisy.

The hypocrite here is the ruler of the synagogue.

He was a hypocrite because he treated animals better than people.

And we keep doing the same thing in modern times.

Suppose the woman (whom Jesus healed) did come to the synagogue on another day, could that ruler of the synagogue have healed her then?

Of course not!

And of course we wonder how many needy people come to church meetings looking for love and help, and then go away disappointed?

There's an old saying, 'Yesterday's a canceled cheque, tomorrow's a promissory note, today is the only cash you'll have.'

So invest it wisely.

Opportunity.

God's kingdom is at work in this world.

But many people fail to take advantage of their opportunities.

God feeds the birds of the air, but He doesn't pry open their beaks and stuffs the food in!

Instead of entering the kingdom, some people only ask questions about it, continually.

Listen, salvation is not a theory to discuss – it's a miracle to experience.

No wonder Jesus wept when He saw sinners passing by their opportunities to be saved.

Don't wait for opportunities to come, they're right in front of us, here, today, now.

They are already here.

Luke 14

Do I exploit people?

When we eat together, it should be in loving fellowship and in joyful gratitude to God.

But the Pharisees turned the tables into traps and exploited people.

They used a man with a handicapping condition and try to catch Jesus, trying to capture and trick Him.

They went to feasts only to receive honours, and they invited to their feasts only people who would return the favour.

Hospitality is only a ministry if only our motive is to help others and glorify God

We'll learn that salvation is a feast, not a funeral.

And God wants His house filled.

As His servants, we have the privilege to tell the world.

'Come, for all things are now ready.'

That is inherent in the gospel.

Now, even if some reject the invitation, we just keep on sharing it, we keep telling it.

See they who think that they are the least worthy, are the ones He wants to have at His feast.

You know, it's easy to be part of the crowd and follow a popular Jesus.

But that's not true discipleship.

He calls you and me away from the crowd, to take up our cross and follow Him.

When it comes to winning the lost, God wants His house filled.

It is a big party!

But when it comes to discipleship, Christ thins out the ranks and wants only those who die to self and live for Him.