Morning Gathering
Good morning, everybody.
So you start talk. You don't even know what to say. Good morning. So preachers always do right ever been to church they all do that. Wright's know. I'm sure you've been seen this kind of thing to know this kind of thing before. I'm sure you've seen the kind of thing this kind of thing before where you have a fantasy dinner party come across this before you go to take the gas that you would invite to the best of her dinner parties, simply 10 conversation all that. So I think there was one that came out a week ago with a survey of only people from the UK in the last 35 years soon as I can if you can pick whatever you like celebrities famous people on these were the people right so know who do you think was the top voted female won the top Gomez bad as hell in there and she danced on French and Maggie Smith. He was tall was talk text.
Mary Berry, okay, Judi Dench. Don't take don't French. Okay. Yeah. Yeah, Mike Smith is actually bought someone crossed Brian Cox and previous to the border of deer in Temecula and Peter K. Tempe Gaston. All Prince Harry.
Alright, Prince Harry. Did not write was actually David Attenborough. See you in any other way to get rid of shooting with the Great British public there include all the people of all history which these things often do people live in our dad's fancy dinner party huge invite Usual Suspects Gandy Shakespeare Mother Teresa Muhammad Ali and pick your hope City Church. Jesus of Nazareth is an interesting character. I need those things to make these lists because that was true back in his time as well back in the first century in Jesus time people often invited me for dinner even his enemies. He was a big news. It was the Talk of the Town and if you were hosting the Mustangs dinner party, then you simply had to get him along that we're going to see is a big mistake because if you want Thoughts on holy living and some nice moral teaching then you've invited the wrong guy. It was a church. We've been working through week-by-week part of the Bible written by a doctor called Luke and Anna sisters compilation of eyewitness accounts of the life of Jesus. And this week is kind of a meal that Jesus went too far from being the ideal gas too insightful witticisms and Jen Flanagan was Jesus is the awkward dinner guests that they're going to wish they had never invited. So are we. Unless you we can take from it Susan would you come and read to us from Luke chapter 14, if you got one of the blue Bibles in front of you is Paige 1047 wood for the big number 14, which is the chapter from the start of that chapter 10 to the little number and when I reach the number at the end of number six to begin with so Luke chapter 14, we're starting from the first bet Susan when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent fantasy. He was being carefully watched. There in front of him was a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body. Jesus asked if a disease and expats in the law, is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not, but they remain silent so taking hold of the man. He healed him and sent him on his way. Then he asked them if one of you has a child or an Oaks at falls into a well on the Sabbath day will you know immediately who retired and they have nothing to say?
So Jesus comes along to this meal of a prominent Pharisee. So the Pharisees were the religious leaders of the day and amongst the most highest and strict groups around Jewish life centered upon living by The Commandments. They've been given to the greatest leader thousands of years before Moses by God and this through the fire season made a name for themselves by being the most committed to keeping those walls and the rules of Moses so so much so that he didn't just keep those rules. We made hundreds of others 613. I think it's the kind of rules that they added on to make sure that they weren't going to break any of the rules of Moses any of the laws of God submission didn't even come close to Breaking God's commands Roosevelt what to eat with the where where to go here. You could spend time with what you can say how much money you should give to various things all sorts of things review of this time. So people would look at all these rules.
Tunisia World these guys must be super Gold Leaf. God must really, you know thing. These guys are the top guys arrived and they were held as leaders in their Community people that you listen to so one of these leaders invites Jesus along and Luke tells us in the store that you can look at it done verse. When Jesus is being watched carefully No-No in a good way. They're not watching him carefully to learn from them because actually the words that are washed lurking leigh-anne Littrell words are used in back during their so their they're not watching them Health in a good way. It's likely to these events with all the crazy people arriving as well. So other people would be listening in the window was listening at the door at the run the edge of the room as the Great and the good gather to debate and discuss the matters of the day. So he's worth community events was supposed to be watching from abnormal swelling of the body. So the word in that the light of the word in the Bible there is dropsy, which is edema something like this fluid retention.
Condition itself is that it's a sign of another condition. So maybe they got kidney failure a heart failure some problem that is causing this fluid retention turn off snow recorded So this guy. He says there's some underlying condition you physically this guy because in those days it was a particular condition was linked with sexual wrongdoing. So this was in boxing is God's judgment for acting explain. This guy is suffering physically, but he brought it on himself. He hasn't kept the rules going to make an example of him. So that everyone can see all we all know what he's been swelling the body. So that's what time
Wig shops in right at the start of his account to look at it first few words that says one Sabbath. This is the Sabbath. This is the weekly Jewish day of rest for God had commanded the Jews not to work the rest from working we can imagine that they are fastidious in their keeping of that rule not to work. And so they protected by making roof on route to make sure that you don't work by mistake. So how far can you walk before it becomes work? How much can you carry before it becomes work you could you speak to you before, you know, you consider that work and won't connect rules rules all the vents on ceiling and their Traditions would see that healing this man who is suffering would be work and so shouldn't be performed on the side. So this is a tricky situation for Jesus some fool probably off are looking at it thinking can Jesus heal this guy schedule swelling of the tissues.
Complicate things going on there. You can you can heal that surely be able to do a visible condition that we can do that but the Pharisees are tied up Jesus to heal this guy shooting heal this guy because they're sitting positions are saying that they shouldn't because that's worked more. This guy's probably some kind of terrible deviant in their eyes even deserve it and this guy is not a good guy and doing something wrong with the crows watching on how can Jesus send him away? He's been making a Ministry of being very compassionate and caring trailer near cast not helpless guy if he can of course, they've constructed a so that either way Jesus is going to lose face here either he breaks the rules and the traditions of surrender the Sabbath by Human League I or he looks horrifying lose lose Night again, this is no surprise to Jesus. We don't need Bibles there says that he knows their thoughts because when you ask them to question the word there is he answered then you don't say anything but it says he answered then he answers them with this challenge. He answered them. Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not? There's three after 6. You can skip back in your buddy was Lisa, you'll see an almost carbon copy of this event occurring for someone needs healing on the Sabbath and Jesus asking the same question. Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath? Also? He's already healed other people on the Sabbath including that person in chapter 6, but also want to chat if their team there's other examples as well. They should know the right answer, but they think they've gotten snared on a technicality. No, just the Sabbath but this is someone who doesn't deserve it. This is not some poor soul who has been disadvantaged from birth born blind or born unable to walk. This guy is brought on himself. He's suffering because of what he is done by his behavior Shirley. Jesus won't heal such a big place. Jesus simply won't be able to do it until what do they do? It says there they remain silent Choice Awards. Maybe they still think they could be up for hands. You still think was going to happen. So you just going to leave. So he says them.
Jesus do you think they think inside that's what does happen before Jesus Takes the touch the guy takes then I probably some kind of hugger embraced. This guy who is Sara Lee being pretty well ostracized by Society to the Mormon. Jesus goes in hugs a guy brings them clothes and he wasn't no question about it. There's no question about the fact that his guys killed in the swelling but we don't find any of that this guy is all right. We don't know his name or circumstance or Anthony, but you sent the week. He wants us to focus on the discussion between Jesus and the Pharisees. So if one of you has a child or an AUX the falls into Wellness Sabbath day would you know immediately provides the answer being Yes, of course. It was something that you actually cared about it besides it was precious to you. You would work on the Sabbath if you'll do the right thing of your own self interests how much more will a loving caring God wants to heal this man who is suffering whether it's on the Sabbath or not? mic drop I could have done that. I've got to bring the money to the Pharisees this time which was a game or 6. They have nothing to say nothing remain silent actually have nothing to say. No. They don't just sit there thinking they still got the upper hand still thinking they're going to catch Jesus say he's dismantled their great plan, and there's nothing left to do but go. Now if you can with us the last few weeks, you'll see there's a thread running through this section of the Bible. And if you go back to the previous chapter from verse 22, you can read this later. If you like we go to section all the way through including a section through 2 verse 24 this chapter and Peter is going to tackle the next last section of this next week. And this whole section is about Jesus is the way to God is through a narrow door hard to get through easily missed. And the reason the store is hard to get through and easily missed is fine here in this passage. How did goes against the way that we naturally think the Gold Fever is Northern but keeping rules. His favor is given even to the underserved.
The pharmacy's thing that God is some kind of cosmic school teacher for you. Get the grade that you desire. You keep the real you score. Well enough go to the Loo Cassidy. I'm like this guy, but if you don't keep the rules God will punish you like the puffy Chaffin our story here. But Jesus is showing the gods favor cannot be aired God doesn't tally up the good things have been done and see if they are we the bad is merci is his fever what the Bible calls his grace cannot be errands. And in fact, it is given and not deemed it is accepted rather than earned. This is no engine problem. Is that speaks to the heart of her? We think even though in modern 21st century life everyone knows deep down that there is more to life than the heater know the Bible says that's because God has set eternity in our hearts is built into us the question of there must be more to life than atoms in human know the reason we question asked questions because the race and because that's built into us to ask that question. There is more to life. If there is a God and what matters more than finding a football please send why he will accept me if you will accept me. Bible says that we will all have to give him a time for our lives before go after we die and receive his judgment. And so when you are cold, what are you going to see? How are you going to give an account of your life? How would you set yourself? Think about a few things? You might see things like, you know, I follow the rules at school either good guy at school. Just have to let go degree. I'm committed to lifelong learning, learning how to steal from work. I give money to charity. I generally don't accept pay my taxes. We got to my family and work hard to provide for my kids and we talked to my elderly parents. I don't even complain about it. Then I'm vegan. I don't use single-use plastic items cuz I care about the environment. I recycle I'm politically active. I am totally woke. I'm aware of how problematic my privileges I help with the local tennis club. I'm active in my community church. I'm in the Band. I lead a small group. I went to Bible College PhD in theology 10 weeks. So what's that? Just maybe I'll beat.
We'd only be possible. Because that would reduce your grade. So I'm probably high even if we somehow I could keep every single rule still be called.
Have you never been angry with someone never had a selfish thought rusted after somebody or something being jealous of someone to others Diamond, even if only in your mind?
He says that if you Harbor hatred and anger in your heart towards someone that's as bad as murdering them that you should treat others better than the way you treat yourself. Do you go to devote yourself? So wholeheartedly to living for God that the love you have for your family looks like heat when they're compared. How you doing that scorecard? I can tell you I'm not doing very well. The kid uses the God's grace and his favor is undeserving and it has to be that way because none of us deserve it by healing this guy. back to dinner party
was Luke to our feet with remain silent. We've just about ruled out the super awkward phase where Jesus asked the question. No one said anything has been a bit of clearing of throat sand Shuffle in the feet clinking of glasses. And we're off to the next section with back to your Bibles on verse 7. We're going for vegetable. When you noticed I the guests pick the places of owner of the table he told on this parable. When someone invites you to a wedding Feast do not take the place of honor for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so the hose to invited both of you will come and say to you get this person your seat then humiliated. You will have to take the least important place, but when you're invited take the lowest place, so that's when your host comes he will say to you friend move up to a better place. Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests for all those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Then Jesus said to his host when you give a luncheon or dinner. Do not invite your friends. Your brothers are sisters your relatives or your Rich neighbors. If you do they may invite you back and so you will be repaid but when you give a banquet invite the poor the cripples the leading the blind and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. Thank you Susan nightmare Jesus for the jugular rather than letting it go and moving on and getting back to the dinner and having some gentle chitchat. How do you really tables have turned here? So Jesus, Jesus is saying you think you're watching me. I'm watching you and here's what I think. Articles on the driver's point home with these two little lessons know who the first one is a PC thing ordering those days the tables were this kind of you shape. Okay, and the host wood said the top in the middle and the gas in descending order of importance in the limbs. So the owner guests will arrive forever if they disowned her guests arrive first and fill up from the bottom and the owner guess what arrived last so that everyone can see them come in and take them Greek places of honor at two or three imagine you're sitting there and you get asked to move down in front of everybody else comes along and shuffles ready to leave for the Mother-in-law in front of everybody. That's just embarrassing.
Fine, but not final freeze their look at it done verse 11 tells us that it's about something more than table manners for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled. But the one who humbles himself will be exalted. This is about spiritual matters. This is about how God treats us. The way to please God is not through showing off but humbling yourself. It's not beating your chest and boosting the way too many of our leaders like to know these to get the places of pride in God's kingdom. He's absolutely the opposite everyone who exalts himself will be humbled. But the good news is that the one who humbles himself will be exalted. To God's grace. It can't be aired it's a gift it isn't deserved. Is for anyone who knows that they can't impress called you can earn it and you don't deserve it and all these leaders are barging in with their sharp elbows to show off their supposed importance to God in front of others. Pizza Granger pointed to this quotation this week, which I think is helpful to claim God's approval as of right on the grains of one's position in the Church of one's reputation in the community or even one good opinion of oneself is a positive discrimination disqualification. There is no entry through the narrow door for the one who is leading with status symbols and a sense of his own importance. This idea of relying on anything to Aaron cause fever not only isn't right. He actually prevents you from receiving the gift of God's grace with God to let go in order to take hold and if you fail to humble yourself and let go of these things God will humble you in the final analysis and you will not receive his favor. Lied Animal same times. I need a volunteer willing or otherwise. I'm going to pick up laundry Rose. He loves volunteering, completely unprepared. You can stand there for me for a second. Schedule. Perfect. I'm going to load up with all the things that make him a great guy all the impressive things that you can feel other things on his things, but you know what you're supposed to say, Cambridge.
He's nice to people. He's a good guy. Camsoda technology. You had kids kids works for Amazon.
He's a good guy. He's a good guy. He helps an ass you a good Bible teacher. Yankees are the trash excellent on your excellent find God's grace to you and you won't go to Greece and so what you going to do? He's going to let it go. You could not work. I was wondering how you know they're there.
I was worried you might know actually you cling to these things. You actually become unable to claim to the thing the Masters you simply have to let go in order to take hold. But if you can humble yourself and if you can let go then you can take hold of this gift of Grace I know is that you don't deserve it and you will be exalted when it really matters being exalted for being a good guy in this world doesn't matter but being are mangoes favor and being exalted in the final analysis is the one thing that matters but Jesus isn't done yet. Don't do this call do this because Jesus wants everyone to see what gods characters like in who is favored. His phone is really sticking with the leaders here. We've done it verse 12, when you give a lunch when you go to lunch or dinner invite your friends or brothers or sisters your relatives you rich neighbors basically over when you just invited if you do they may invite you back it so you'll be repaid but when you give a banquet invite the poor the crippled Laying the blame you be blessed with only kind of repay. You you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. Your actions should reflect God's don't just invite the Great and the good to pay you back in time and invite those the campaign you back again this last freeze tells us this is about something more than who you invite to a party. This is about how God deals with us God's grace. His fever is given it can be earned that is given to the undeserving with a feeling great. I know only that it's given to people you don't expect you can never be repeat the newest repair you can turn it it don't deserve it and you can never pay it back is the good news of great. Joy for all people that Luke talks about in the beginning of his a kind of the birth of Jesus can go back and read John chapter to the heaven and Isis. This is good news of great joy, this is what it is. This is what it is. It looks like Jesus isn't going to make the fancy dinner party list for these Pharisees games caused quite a stir in there and you can go on to see there's even more of a start to come next week. But do these pharmacies get their do the understands for Jesus is trying to say by doing these things and saying these things are they are they finally getting to understand it. If it wasn't to Jesus that they let go of themselves humble themselves and clean only to go speed race will maybe you know the story But if you don't stick with us as we work through Luke week by week because you'll see that they don't get it. In fact they resent and then their opposition to Jesus actually grows and grows and grows to the point then eventually put him to death in an agonizing way. And yeah, this death looks like failure and the end is actually the beginning of God's plan to restore and receipt redeem broken people through Jesus death on his resurrection to Life as we sign a boat today. He dies for us so that God can freely offer us this restoration disgrace this favor to those of us who can tear in it don't deserve it and you can never ever play it back. And his death is the ultimate example of what Jesus has been teaching here in these little lesson Jesus God in human form humbles himself all the way today for the undeserving for the broken. He humbled himself more completely than we could ever do to do what we could not do to bring us bring us back to God restores to God another part of the Bible. Luke said Christ, Jesus till he was called did not think of equality with God as something to clean to instead he gave up his Divine privileges and he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being when you appeared in human form. He humbled himself in the beatings to God and died a criminal's death on the cross. I'm true to the promise of verse 11 in today's passage. It goes on to say therefore God exalted him to the place of highest honor and gave him a name above every name that are the name of Jesus every knee should buy in heaven on Earth under the Earth every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Friends don't miss out on God's Gift of Grace. Let go of what you build your hopes on take hold of his grace finding the death of Jesus in your place humble yourself to receive it and you will be exalted when it really matters at Shopko Robert Herrick some together from many years ago. Was it like that? So I guess we pulling me Room Humble. We must be if the heaven we go high is the roof there that the gate is low. What's the 30 seconds to reflect possession was being said and then I'm going to pray. So let's have some quiet together.
Gracious God your grace to us is on this Earth. Endeavorairnet I can never pay it back. We need your help to see what things in our lives were clinging to we Sinclair in your favor. She was when we need to let go to take hold of your free gift of Grace. Father help us to Humble ourselves to have you raise us up because of what Jesus has done for us Lord were so quick to exalt ourselves and puff ourselves up forgive us we pray. It was never humble ourselves before you and ask for your forgiveness and mercy challenges to do this soon. Thank you for your Amazing Grace. How sweet the sound that saved a Wretch like Me Like Us. Father we wear lost but you came to find us and claimed us. We were blinds help us to see. We must change to become part of your family and receive your favor in Christ's name. We ask it I'm in.
Thanks again for that.