April 16
Luke 14:1-14
Jesus at a Pharisee’s House
REFLECTION
Jesus was being watched always in an effort to catch him out in any perceived wrongdoing. On this occasion he pre-empted the Pharisees by asking this question. He had just had a run in with a Synagogue leader over the same issue so knew their views well. These fellow dinner guests were experts on the law, but Jesus took the wind out of their sails by healing this man on the Sabbath. By confronting the power-hungry individuals, he had in fact put a pin in their overinflated egos. He then goes onto tell them the parable of the wedding feast.
We can all probably call to mind those who have an overinflated ego. Those who believe they are more important than they are and loudly proclaim the fact will demand an acknowledgement of that status. For some in positions of leadership they use their status to gain advantages and put themselves first. Jesus not only questions their humility but goes onto question their motives.
Why do we do what we do? What are our motives? Do we do them out of Christian conviction or because it looks good? How many of us have been less than honest when writing our CV where we inflate our involvement in activities or groups?
Jesus calls us to have true humility, not presuming on any leadership position we may have, but showing deference to others in our shared humanity. He also calls us to question our own motives for acting. It must be in line with kingdom values, always.
QUESTIONS
- What are your motives for the actions you take or the groups that you join?
- Do you have a good understanding of who you are and how you fit into groups?
- In what ways have you experienced hierarchical bias?
- How have you reacted?
