Hello,
Read Luke 14 and 15 (if you haven’t already)
These chapters of Luke are full of rich parables and teachings, with Jesus dining with Pharisees, teaching about humility, the cost of discipleship, and teaching both religious leaders and sinners at the same time with his trilogy of lost parables.
As we look at these passages and prepare for Christmas, I’m reminded of the humility of God that Paul reflects on in Philippians 2.5-11 and the story that Jesus tells about choosing the lowest place of honor at a dinner gathering. How does Jesus modeling humility impact you when you think about the incarnation, God becoming flesh and dwelling among us? What reflections do you have when you picture the Creator of the universe becoming a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and placed in a manger? How does this upside-down approach to living challenge you?
I would be remiss to not point you to the trilogy of parables in Luke 15—the lost sheep, lost coin, and two lost sons. Remembering that these parables are directed at both the religious people of the day and those who were rejected by religion how do they sound to you? Can you place yourself in the shoes of both brothers? I think that was part of the intention of Jesus telling this story. The “prodigal” also represents Israel’s story of squandering God’s inheritance as God’s chosen people. And yet, the religious elite easily forget this and place themselves in the role of the faithful, obedient older brother looking with scorn on those needing God’s grace. But, they themselves miss the boat when they forget their past.
Spend sometimes with each brother today, learning and relearning what it means to receive God’s grace.
Peace and Joy,
Matt