The unfaithful use of material possessions shows that we are enslaved to them and can’t be trusted with real treasure in eternity. 10-13
People are impressed with prosperity, but Jesus says materialism in the life of church leaders exposes a casual view of scripture. 14-18
Read More+ When we realize we are wasting God's resources and will be held accountable, it gives us a chance to think, act decisively, and make a fresh start.
+ We can make a fresh start today by investing God's resources in people who will become our eternal friends.
+ Resenting his father's gracious welcome to the prodigal younger brother, the older son refused to join the celebration.
+ Because we all are accepted on the basis of grace, celebration and joy can be our only response to humble repentance. Joy is the only option.
+ God our Father allows us to experience the painful consequences of sin when we walk away from Him and live for ourselves.
+ God our Father joyfully welcomes back all repentant sinners—even those who seem irretrievably lost.
+ The first recorded meal--when the first human couple eats forbidden food with a stranger; their eyes are opened and they are expelled from God's presence.
+ The meat in the new creation--the meal with the resurrected Jesus, tells us that paradise, God's presence, is once again open to us.
Read More+ The disciples' disappointment and crushed hopes about Jesus were caused by their failure to trust what they read in God's word about Him.
+ Jesus interpreted the contents of the Old Testament to be about Himself opened their eyes and put an end to their despair.
In response to the complaining of the religious leadership over His association with sinners, Jesus tells two stories — aimed at their uncaring, sinful attitudes.
+ God, portrayed as a man who searches the countryside for just one lost sheep until he finds it invites all of heaven to celebrate with Him over one sinner who has a change of heart.
+ God, portrayed as a woman who searches for her one lost coin until she finds it, calls for joyful celebration in front of the angels over just one sinner who has a change of heart.
+ Like Jesus, we should welcome all kinds of people, even outcasts, who hunger for God’s truth.
+ The religious leaders in Jesus’ day grumbled about the outcasts He welcomed.
+ To be a true disciple, our love for Jesus must be our greatest love. (vs. 25-32)
+ We may need to let go of some things in our life that prevent us from loving Him like that. (vs. 33-34)
+ God has invited everyone to His heavenly banquet, regardless of where they stand in society or what they have done. No one remains outside except by their own decision, their own choice. But there will be many who make flimsy excuses because they are not interested. (vs. 15-21a)
+ But God's banquet will still be held. The party will go on. The rejection of Jesus by the uninterested will not abort God's plan. God's banquet hall will be filled and it will be filled with people no one expected to see there—poor, outcast, and disabled. (vs 22-24)
+When you show hospitality — don't make it exclusive, inviting only those who can repay you.
+ Show hospitality to people who have nothing to offer you. It won't increase your standing in society, but you will be honored by God.
+ Overestimating and promoting yourself ultimately leads to demotion. ( vs. 7-9)
+ Take the low place - and you will ultimately be honored by God. ( vs. 10-11)
Read More+The Pharisee’s silent response to Jesus’ question about the Sabbath shows that they have refused to accept His teaching about the Sabbath.
+The Pharisee’s silent response to Jesus’ question shows that they know He is right, but they refuse to accept His teaching because of their self-righteousness and pride.
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+ Jesus' goal to die and rise again from the dead could not be derailed — even by Herod's threats.+ Jesus longed to protect Jerusalem from judgment — their continued refusal to accept Him inevitably led to their abandonment by God.+When the heavenly banquet begins, many will want to enter but will be refused: the time to knock on the door is now (vv. 22-25).
+ People will be welcomed to the banquet from all places and generations; but there will also be many shocked to find Jesus reject them (vv. 26-30).
Read More+ God's empire starts with freedom, looks small, but like a tiny seed; it can grow large to become a source of security and blessing for many people.
+ God's empire is unobtrusive at first, but like yeast, it spreads and touches whole lives, churches, and communities.
+ Rather than wait, Jesus intentionally freed a suffering woman from a lengthy bondage on the Sabbath Day, bring criticism rather than joy from a religious leader.
+ Jesus exposed the phonies of religious legalism pointing out that freeing people should not wait any more than animals should be kept waiting to quench their thirst.
Read MoreJesus urges the people of His generation to recognize Him and to respond in repentance without delay.
A life of ease and the absence of tragedy is a sign of God’s mercy and patience, not my own righteousness.
Read MoreFoundation: Trees play a prominent role in the Bible story, forming an extended chain of life, road signs for as on the redemptive journey, pointing ahead to God's ultimate provision of eternal life in Jesus. +
Significance of the Manger: The manger, made of wood from a tree, continues the tree of life. A trough for animals foreshadows the future kingdom of peace. (Genesis 1-2; Isaiah 11)
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