JESUS INVITATION – LUKE 14:1-24
Jesus came to earth to offer a personal invitation.
An invitation back into relationship, into his kingdom to be a kingdom person, with place and purpose!
Jesus’ invitation is about a kingdom compassion (v.1-6)
We see a clash of kingdoms. The world, says, you’re invited, you’re welcome, as long as you do what we say, live how we expect, fit in with our rules and regulations. Jesus says, you’re invited, you are welcome. I set the rules (holiness) but also fulfil the standards of the rules because you can’t (salvation). My invite , Jesus says, comes from a place of compassion.
Jesus’ invitation is about kingdom humility (v.7-11)
We see a clash of kingdoms. The world says, organise your own place. Make sure you have what you need, are seen. Jesus says, you’re invited, you are welcome, but your status isn’t defined by you. We all come with the same status. Sinful, spiritually weak, emotionally brittle, those in need of healing. And it is Jesus who elevates. Humility is knowing our place, our position, our very purpose is defined by the host, the one who invites, Jesus.
Jesus’ invitation is about a kingdom generosity (v.12-14)
We see a clash of kingdoms. Our modern world is about immediate return. The world is about, “What can I get out of it?”
Jesus says, you’re invited, you are welcome, the sinful, spiritually weak, emotionally brittle, those in need of healing.
Jesus’ invitation is about a kingdom reward (v.16-23)
We see a clash of kingdoms. We live in a society that is happy to be inclusive, but not exclusive. There are those who are including of God, but not exclusively God’s. those who accept my invitation, are rewarded. They have a chance to sit at the table with the host. To do life with Jesus.
Are we increasingly reflecting, in all we say and do, a kingdom invite with compassion, humility and generosity, so all will see that reward?
THE COST OF FOLLOWING – LUKE 14:25-34
What do you think it means to follow Jesus?
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Jesus has no hidden agenda, just outright honesty. He is inviting us to follow. He isn't seeking popularity or fame.
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The cost of following and PRIORITIES (v26)
To follow Jesus is a total change of our priorities. This could include rejection by family and friends as a distinct possibility.
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The cost of following and PAIN (v27)
To follow Jesus is to carry your cross and certain death. Death to self-interest. Bowing to His rule in our lives and being prepared to suffer for Him.​
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The cost of following and PRICE (v28-32)
We must count the cost before we commit. We must evaluate the cost of not following Jesus. Remember, we can't afford not to accept the invitation.
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The cost of following and PROCESSIONS (v33)
We so easily allow things to steal our devotion away from God. Everything we have is because God allows it.
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot
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​The cost of following and PORTENT/WARNING (v34-35)
To follow Jesus means total commitment. You can't sit on the fence.​