Luke 14:1 - Sabbath Sunday in charming Capernaum. Jesus received a surprising invitation to dine at the House of a Ruler of the Pharisees, an Eastern Banquet.
No surprise that he went and "they watched Him carefully." The word "watched" in the Greek text in verse 2 means "sinister espionage." Oh my! I dislike people watching me to prove me wrong.
And who appears on this Sabbath Sunday Supper at the distinguished Pharisee's home but a man needing healing. It was a set-up. A Pharasaical snare. What will Jesus do?
No words are spokenl in this text, yet, but Jesus responds to their THOUGHTS with a question. "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?" Is the Jesus we so love responding to our thoughts this day?
The Pharisees were stuck if they said yes He could heal for it was not a written law; if they said "no healing," they would be proved wrong---very soon---within minutes. Jesus entered the drama and healed the dropsy. Unbelievable. The man wasn't even a dinner guest for he was sent on his way. Hmmm.
So, Jesus goes on to tell a parable about dining at a wedding feast but this wasn't an analogous parable like others---it was truth. These men were more interested in real estate and business and success and prestige and family.
They missed the Ultimate Invitation bid of Luke 14:17 - "Come, for everything is ready now." Bidden!
This Sunday we celebrate a parade that has continued for 2,000 years. You have an invitation to come. The Suffering Servant walked the Palm Sunday route fanned by royal palms, "Hail to the King." He came on a donkey of peace not a flamboyant ride for a conquering Messiah.
I shook and sobbed to my core as I silently surreptiously surrendered and shuffled down that palm sunday descent into Jerusalem.
I've accepted the Ultimate Invitation to come near to Him.
Will you draw near to your God this day and long for only what He can do and give and make of you?
He longs for you.
A reading for Palm Sunday
ReplyDeleteA word for a pilgrim longing for the next World
A beautiful picture of Jesus, our healer, our wisdom, our judge.
Is having compassion then healing on a Sunday work? How many times do I get trapped into a small-minded legalism and ignore the greater truth?
The one-question final exam for His children: How well did we love? It's not too late. The road back starts with humility. Take the small seat at the back and look to Him.
Singing with my longing heart, "All glory laud and honor to Thee Redeemer King." Blessed Palm Sunday. Time for a Holy Week of Remembrance and Introspect...