Gospel Truth in Luke 14 (Nov 30)

Christ Models Compassion

With His gaze fixed in Jerusalem
and the consummation of his
earthly ministry, Jesus intensifies
His final training of the disciples.
The subject of stewardship is a
central theme, for the disciples
will soon be entrusted with the
precious message of the gospel.
Jesus outlines the duties of a
servant. Finally He underscores
the importance of prayer.

Lord, help us Be Compassionate:
Jesus asked the Pharisees: Well,
is it permitted in the law to heal
people on the Sabbath day?
When they refused to answer,
Jesus touched the sick man and
healed him and sent him away.
Then he turned to them & asked:
Which of you doesn’t work on
the Sabbath? If your son or your
falls into a pit, don’t you proceed
at once to get him out (Lk 14:3-5)
So, He told a parable to those
who were invited, when He noted
how they chose the best places…
Those who exalt themselves will
be humbled & those who humble
themselves will be exalted (v7-11)
Invite the poor, the crippled,
the lame and the blind. Then at
the resurrection of the righteous,
God will reward u for inviting those
who could not repay you (v13-14).

Lord, forgive us when we get
caught up in tradition or legalism
and follow those things instead
of following you. It is easy to get
tangled in religious activities &
forget there is a world outside.
Help us to practice the heart of
Christianity: to love God and to
love others. And help us to be
compassionate to those in need.
Bring us into harmony with you;
and help us to live in such a way
that others will see you. Amen.

Lord, help us to avoid exalting
ourselves or promoting our own
interests over interests of others.
Help us to choose to live humbly
and not allow success to go to our
heads lest it results in pride that
can derail God’s work in our lives.
Lord we give you freedom to work
in & change our life for the better.
For being exalted by You is better
than exalting ourselves. Amen.

Lord, You always have a soft heart
for the poor, the hurting and those
who can’t fend for themselves.
Remind us Your people in a high
paced society such as in S’pore
that we are your children that
should reflect your compassion.
Prompt us to help others in need
knowing that you will reward us
when we do on that day. Amen.