Called to Serve

March 3, 2019 Background Scripture: Luke 14:7 – 14 Lesson Passage: Luke 14:7 – 14 Jesus often observed people’s behavior in different settings, and used those occasions as teaching moments. Of course, one of his most powerful teaching techniques involved the use of parables. Such is the case in today’s lesson. The special occasion in today’s lesson was a Sabbath dinner. The setting was the home of one of the chief Pharisees where Jesus was an invited guest. Jesus observed the behavior of both guests and the host. Jesus saw individuals seating themselves in what was considered the prominent places in the house—or at the table. The scriptures do not reveal how the places were determined but one can imagine that either there was a separate dining place, or the seats closes to the host were the reserved section for special guests. Jesus spoke a parable to them. As one of the guests, Jesus’ parable spoke first of the behavior of guests. The parable spoke of an individual seating himself in a position of honor and later being asked, in front of the other guests, to yield the position to a more honored person. Jesus spoke of the shame associated with such a public request. On the other hand, Jesus talked about taking a lower position as a guest and having the host request you to move to a more honored one as a way of receiving public honor. In other words, the parable taught that seeking recognition for one’s self can lead to public shame while humbling one’s self can lead to public honor. This is a biblical principle that is presented in the book of Proverbs. God even spoke of humbling one’s self as a condition for receiving the answer to one’s prayers. This was part of God’s response to Solomon concerning prayers that would later be made in the Temple. Secondly, Jesus addressed the host in the same parable. The host was admonished to not be guilty of trading favors with others who could return favors. Jesus’ advice was to not invite guests to a dinner who can return the favor by inviting you to their dinner. There is no lasting reward in doing that. When a host invites guests, who are not able to return the favor, then the reward, or payback, of doing so will be received at the resurrection of the righteous. This will be a lasting reward and not a temporary exchange of niceties. Whether one is being catered to or is catering to others, there is an opportunity to serve. The quality of our service is determined by the principles in the parable Jesus presented. No matter our position or lot in life, one will always have the opportunity to be a servant through deed or disposition. When we are being served, or catered to, our disposition will bespeak a humble heart or a heart of pride. When we are hosting others, our guest list speaks volumes about our disposition or perhaps even our misguided intentions. People often use parties for their personal benefit. Jesus taught that parties should be for the benefit of serving others. There is a supper that God has sent invitations to many guests to attend. Let us remember, everyone who receives a calling of God has a calling to serve. Robert C. Hudson February 13, 2019