This is the second time (Ch 9) in these first few chapters that Jesus specifically teaches the high & humble cost of following Him. And I believe it begins with the renewing of our mind (Rom 12:2). Jesus brings a whole new way of life & thinking that confronts the old ways of law & tradition. We see this as He again addresses healing on the Sabbath. This time He asks them straight out “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” Survey says……..nothing……..silence……..they knew the answer but admitting it was ok would go against their tradition!
Then Jesus tells a parable to teach the humility of those who desire to follow Him. Bottom line: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Next, Jesus tells the parable of the great feast where people are too busy, or it was inconvenient to come to the King’s banquet so then the King invites ANY who would come.
Finally, Jesus again talks about counting the cost of following Him. Here, Jesus does not mean we are to “hate” these people. What is meant is that He (Jesus) receives priority over your parents, your spouse, your family and even your own life! The cost is high because it’s meant to be a totally different lifestyle, a transformed one (Rom 12:2). What good is salt (believers) if it has no taste (no difference in living)?
SO WHAT?!
*Jesus’ words often left people speechless. As you read your Bible, the Word of God, I hope you & I are left speechless at times as well! No other book in the world is “living and active” and cuts to our soul like the Bible. I hope these devos are helpful, but never put them in the place of God’s Word!
*And ok….. humility. The joke goes, “I had a friend who received a humility award…..but then he showed it to someone…..” ha, ha. Indeed, “the last shall be fist and the first shall be last.” We are so good at exalting the unholy trinity of Me, Myself & I! Always remember, life & eternity is NOT about us!
*Jesus is calling us to His banquet, to follow Him. Are we ready or we you too busy with school or pleasure or work? As great a school district or as great a job or as enjoyable as pleasure is, if you give them every waking moment of your day they’ll take it. Then you can become unavailable for the things of God. Or maybe it’s inconvenient to fit God in. Let me encourage you, God doesn’t want to be squeezed in. Put Jesus at the center of your life and work everything else in. He wants to be the hub on your wheel of life, not just a spoke!
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