Well Soul Podcast
Life leaves our souls feeling parched. Come away to drink in Scripture, reflect, and pray for refreshment. Seana Scott, a seminary-trained writer and speaker, guides you in this weekly devotional podcast designed for you to connect with God. Refresh your soul at the Well of Living Water that never runs dry.
Well Soul Podcast
Ep. 16 | LUKE 14: How to Fully Experience the Kingdom
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In Luke 14, we hear about those who make excuses instead of coming to a King's banquet—as being compared to the Kingdom of God.
Jesus is calling for disciples who don't make excuses—but disciples who are willing to follow Jesus even if it means leaving everything behind.
Take a few moments to ponder what might be hindering you from fully following Jesus so that you can full experience the Kingdom of God as Jesus' disciple.
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RESOURCES:
Bible Study for Luke: Latte with Luke by Dr. Sandra Glahn.
Videos for Luke: Bible Project Luke 1–9, Luke 10–24
Well Soul Resources
- 10 Questions to Ask for Spiritual Renewal
- Is it okay to question God?
- S.I.M.P.L.E. Guide to Inductive Bible Study.
- 4 Simple ideas to read Scripture when you don't have time.
- 1 Practice to walk closely with Jesus.
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IN Luke 14, we read a series of events and Jesus’ teachings. Today, we will hear about those who make excuses instead of following Jesus—and Jesus calling for the lifestyle of a disciple—as we reflect about our own lifestyle of discipleship.
This Christmas season, may we consider how to not be so caught up in the merry, that we miss the holy like some of those in our stories today.
Luke 14 opens with the Pharisees watching Jesus closely and being more concerned with following the religiousness of the Sabbath than the power of God freeing someone from the effects of sin—in this case, a man debilitatied with a swollen body.
Jesus asks the Parisees if they would rescue their child or an ox (a business staple in those days) on a sabbath. The pharisees do not respond.
Then Jesus teaches about humility—don’t see to sit in a place of honor or only invite those to your home to eat who can make you well connected or return the favor—rather, those who humble themselves will be exhalted and those who are generous toward those who cannot repay them—the humble—the generous will be repaid at the resurrection when Jesus returns.
We then arrive at our passage for today.
One of those dinning with Jesus said, “Blessed is the one who will wat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” . . . and Jesus responds with a story illustration.
Before I read, take a moment to breath and invite the Spirit of God to speak to Your heart through today’s passage.
Come, holy spirit, come. Speak to us through your word.
Luke 14:16–24
16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’
18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’
19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’
20 “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’
21 “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’
22 “‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’
23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’”
What is the Spirit teaching or reminding you of from this passage
Dwell on that for a moment.
The story Jesus shared illustrates that many people—possibly including us—make excuses for why we can’t follow Jesus ALL the way.
What responsibilities or relationships do you have that sometimes distract you from fully listening and following Jesus?
(pause)
The next passage in today’s chapter talks about the cost of being a disciple.
Jesus teaches in a hyperbole, an exaggerated statement used to make a point. He says, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brother and sisters—yes,e ven thrier own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
Of course, God is not telling us to literally HATE our loved ones, but our commitment to following Jesus must be greater than anything, even how much we love those closest to us.
Then Jesus talks about choosing to follow him is like making a plan to build a tower—you first figure out how much it is going to cost and you make sure you are able and willing to pay. . . or like a king that is going to war and considers if he can win . . .
And then he says this one sentence I want us to really soak in today.
“Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”
(repeat). . .
“Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”
Following Jesus is an all-in-game. In the beginning of our chapter, the some of the Pharisees were not willing to follow Jesus because they are hardened by their religious trasitions and prideful positions.
Some others were not willing to come to the banquet, the kingdom of God in jesus’ story, because they busied themselves with life—with property, and business, and relationships.
The cost of discipleship can cost us everything.
Are we willing?
Those of us who are not WILLING to give up everything cannot be his disciple.
Take a moment to process and pray. What is something you are holding onto that is hindering you from being able to say with confidence “I am willing to give up everything to follow Jesus?”
Take a moment or two—be honest with yourself and with God. Ask for God’s help. He knows our hearts better than we do.
Let’s pray. . .
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