GUEST LIST

GUEST LIST

READ:
Luke 14:7-14

When you give a feast, invite
the poor, the maimed, the lame,
the blind.  And you will be blessed.
-Luke 14:13-14

Qumran was a first-century Jewish community that had isolated itself from outside influences to prepare for the arrival of the Messiah.  They took great care in devotional life, ceremonial washings, and strict adherence to rules of conduct.  Surviving documents show that they would not allow the lame, the blind, or the crippled into their communities.  This was based on their conviction that anyone with a physical "blemish" was ceremonially unclean.  During their table fellowship, disabled people were never on their guest lists.

Ironically, at that same time the Messiah of Israel was at work in the cities and villages of Judea and Galilee.  Jesus proclaimed His Father's kingdom, brought teaching and comfort, and worked mighty miracles.  Strikingly, He proclaimed:  "When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.  And you will be blessed" (Luke 14:13-14).

The contrast between Jesus' words and the guest list of the Qumran "spiritual elite" is instructive to us.  Often we like to fellowship with people who look, think, and act like us.  But our Lord exhorts us to be like Him and open our doors to everyone.  -Dennis Fisher

The gospel must be shared with all,
Not just with those like you and me;
For God embraces everyone
Who turns to Him to set them free.  - Sper
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The inclusive gospel cannot be shared
by an exclusive people.  -George Sweeting

INSIGHT
Every parable had a trigger event that made Jesus tell it (e.g., Luke 12:13-16; 15:1-3; 18:9; 19:11).  Jesus told the parable in today's reading because "He noted how [the invited guests] chose the best places" (v.7).  The two places of highest honor were on the right and left hand of the host (cf. Matthew 20:21).  This parable teaches proper self-appraisal-it is better to be humble than humiliated (Luke 14:11), the same lesson of Proverbs 25:6-7.

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace