RADICALLY UPSIDE DOWN
Luke 14:7-14
Vv. 13-14a: “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.”
“When’s your birthday?” Jeremy asked Brad while they tossed football at recess from fifth-grade.
“ October 1st. Remember last year?”
“ At your Pizza Hut birthday blowout, I ate pizza until I couldn’t move! What’s happening this year?”
“Not sure” Brad said.
Jesus introduces us to lifestyles that are radically different from how people tend to behave. In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees and other important folks scrambled for people’s attention. They loved the spotlight, and the special notice heaped upon them. They delighted in extra benefits, like front-row seats. Do you think anything’s changed from Jesus’ time?
Jesus told a parable (PAR-a-bl is a story with a lesson) about people who attended a party. Some people sat down in the best seats. When the guest-of-honor came, he told them to move. They were so embarrassed that they left the party.
Are you disappointed when you aren’t included in the popular cliques (KLIKS are a group of people) at school, at church, around your neighborhood? Made up of people who think they’re elite (e-LEET means the best, selected few), cliques tend to look down on others. They snub whoever they consider unworthy.
We’ve all been there.
Being excluded is a downer. But rather than getting upset, we can cop a different attitude. Our rutter (remember rutter, from Spiritual Rutter, a devotion in July) reminds us of times when God led us through trouble to personal victory. Every child of God is beloved! We can choose to believe God—step out in faith with a smile and head held high—regardless of how we’re treated.
“Will you invite that guy who’s in a wheel chair?” Jeremy asked.
Brad smiled. “You mean Steven—of course! He’s a great guy. That disease he has, muscular dystrophy (DIS-tro-fee), may keep him in a wheel chair, but he’s cool. You remember him from last year, he was the life of the party! But, there’s someone else” Brad continued. “I want to invite Phil, another football lover. He’s cool, but very poor. Mom gave him some of my clothes last week.”
Take Home Nugget
It seems that Jesus’ way hasn’t caught on yet, if we’re still struggling to bring outsiders inside our friendship circle. Jesus has a message for us: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (v.11). Exalted (ex-ALT-ed means to be lifted high in glory. In Jesus’ kingdom, humility trumps pride every time!
Holy Jesus, help me to be humble
Remove from my sinful pride.
Without Your help, I’m sure to stumble,
So keep me closely by Your side!
J.D. Griffith
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment