Today’s Devotion
Topic: Public Conduct (Self Assessment 96)
Background: The Lord Jesus will not teach one thing and leave the other. He taught on every subject of life. On this particular day, when He had visited a prominent Pharisee, He decided to teach on courtesy and public conduct. Not necessarily that we should know how to conduct ourselves in public, but more, how our attitude in public exposes who we actually are within. Join us as we delve deep into the subject matter. Do not hestitate to share the revelations the Holy Spirit gives you with us. We learn so much from you.
Text: Luke 14:1, 7 -14
1 One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. 7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “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. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that 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. 11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Amen
Questions:
I. Jesus went to a Pharisees’ house to eat but there were many present who were watching Him carefully. Why do you think that was so? Of what benefit is that to us His ambassadors, knowing that people are likely to watch us too, especially in public?
ii) According to vrs 7, Jesus noticed that people like to pick the place of honor at a table. Why do you think that is so across cultures and countries?
iii) Read vrs 8 & 9 again, why do you think aiming at the place of honor on a table where the host has not placed you is not really a good idea? What are the consequences and what impression does such an attitude give about you?
iv. If we are not to place ourselves higher at an event, then what should we rather do and why? What will be the reward for doing that? (read vrs 10).
v. Does vrs 11 interpret that, those who sit at places of honor not conferred on them by the host exhibit some degree of pride? Kindly explain your answer.
vi. In verses 12 to 14, Jesus had an advice for His host. What did He say were the limitations of inviting fellow prominent loved ones to one’s banquet? According to Him, what will be more blessing to do?
vii. The lessons Christ taught in this passage seem to be very practical and apparent. Why has it been so difficult for mankind to follow its tenents till now? We almost always want to do the opposite, why?
viii. What have you learnt from today’s bible study?
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