Thoughts for the Day

Jesus said to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’

Thoughts

We need to look back a little before Jesus spoke these words to understand them. He had been invited by a leader of the Pharisees to a meal on the sabbath, and while there he challenged them concerning healing someone on the sabbath, which of course is considered to be breaking the Law of Moses. His listeners say nothing, so Jesus heals a man with dropsy. Then noticing the way that the guests entered the house choosing the best places to sit, and seeing their motives he goes on to tell them the little parable, above.

Jesus is not telling us that we should not entertain friends or family, he was commenting on the motives of the host and those who attended the meal. What he is saying is that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and whoever humbles themselves will be exalted. We need to compare our Lord's love and generosity for us in offering His life for our sake and our eternal reward, against a short-sighted gain in this world.

And, yes, wouldn't it be lovely to invite someone unusual to dinner or to a party, folks?

Lord Jesus Christ,
help us not place ourselves above others,
and think we are better than them,
but to welcome all as God's children.
Helpt us to remember that
You call us to offer love to others
whatever their background
or standing in society,
and not be concerned
with ourselves.
Amen.