Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1; Philemon 1-21; Luke 14:25-33
This coming Sunday Luke continues what he started with Jesus as a guest of honor for a Sabbath meal at the house of an “archon” which is biblical Greek for a wealthy and influential leader in the community (14:1).
There Jesus instructs the host and the other guests that honor for God is the inverse of what it means for them. To be exalted in the kingdom of heaven, one needs to strive not for grandiose but humble ways (verses 7-11).
Jesus does not stop there. He instructs the host to leave behind the reciprocity that seems to be prevalent among him and his peers so he could be blessed. He tells him to reach also to those who are vulnerable, marginalized, and in no condition to repay favors, instead of only hanging around with those who could exchange benefits with him (verses 12-14).
This coming Sunday, we will find Jesus back on his way to Jerusalem and the crucifixion, surrounded by a large crowd. Suddenly, he feels the need to turn towards them and explain a few things that are vital if they wish to continue to follow him and be his disciples. If you found the first scene on the 14th chapter of Luke’s gospel challenging, even preposterous, wait for what comes next (Luke 14:25-33).
Here is one of the places in the bible where we are grateful for an evolved theological understanding over the centuries that does not place the absolute authority of scripture on reading every single verse literally. Otherwise, every single Christian would have to go full monastic to become a faithful follower of Christ. All of us would have to hate our families and be completely cut off from them. We would need to become pessimists and perhaps surrender to death. And we would need to give up all that we own. If that is what Jesus requires of our discipleship, then it would not be possible for the church even to exist. Our faith in Jesus Christ would not be passed along as we would keep it for ourselves. As we do have a great commission, to baptize, and to form new disciples, we have to figure out, to interpret, what Jesus is trying to convey to us in this time and place.
This commentary is not the place to reach a conclusion and get the sermon somewhat spoiled. It suffices for now that we do have a God who from the beginning wants us to embrace and promote life (Deuteronomy 30:19). We all heard that one needs to develop good life skills to do well. Perhaps Jesus is trying to make sure that we have the right tools for the journey.
Bridging Faith 