Making An Impression

Making an Impression

Luke 14:1, NIV

One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched.

Setting the Scene

Jesus lived under constant scrutiny. People approached him intending to trip him up and possibly arrange for his death. Invitations came with strings attached, and open doors were also possible traps. Jesus’ response to these dangerous circumstances was fearless but not careless. He made decisions based on a sense of timing. Beginning back at Luke 9:51, Jesus had been intent on moving toward Jerusalem, where he knew all the elements of God’s plan would come together at the Cross. So he accepted these invitations knowing full well that his enemies were trying to build a case against him that they could use to remove him from the scene.

Luke tells us that this event occurred on a Sabbath. Why were the Pharisees having a banquet on the Sabbath? Could Jesus have turned the Pharisees’ own behavior against them on this occasion as he did on others? They were adept at going to great lengths to keep a distorted view of the law of the Sabbath that nevertheless allowed them to do what they desired. The preparation of food for this meal would have been carried out the day before.

We are told that the host for this occasion was a “prominent” Pharisee (meaning “leader” or “ruler” among the Pharisees). This term of authority is the same one John used in his account of Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus (John 3:1). It is possible that the invitation to Jesus was genuine and that the prominent Pharisee, someone like Nicodemus, wanted to interact with Jesus, even though his companions had ulterior motives for their presence. Jesus’ later words directed to the host (Luke 14:12-14) were more instructive than harsh. The Lord may well have been giving priceless direction to one of his undercover disciples.

But the tone for the occasion is set by the phrase “he was being carefully watched.” Lines were being drawn. Strategies were being devised. The religious leaders felt threatened by Jesus as someone who might tip the balance of power among competing Jewish groups or create instability in the tense stalemate with the Romans. But Jesus came to resolve the eternal problem between God and the human race.

Getting Personal

How many of your social activities allow you to make a difference for God?

What opportunities do you have to hang out with those who don’t believe in Christ?

Jesus didn’t hesitate to show up despite the expectations of a mixed welcome. His decisions weren’t based on what would make him look or feel good; they were based on how he could best serve his Father’s plans. Our lives will take a different course if we are open to motives other than self-service when we decide where to spend our time.

Talking to God

Thank God for sending Jesus to inhospitable places—like our world, where we desperately needed to be rescued. Ask him to broaden your own ideas of where you might go, or whom you might invite into your home. Ask him to help you focus on seeking the Father’s pleasure over your own.