One of the elements of Christianity that puzzles me, one that I can almost guarantee puzzles you, too, is the idea that we're disciples of Jesus, and/or that we're citizens in the Kingdom of God. Not that you don't think you are - I believe I am a disciple of Jesus, a citizen of the Kingdom of God - it's just that it's really hard to describe what those mean fully.
Our church uses three phrases for what it means to be a disciple, found in our mission - follow, become and do. Disciples' primary goal was to become like the rabbi, to do what the rabbi was doing. Similarly is the idea of citizens. We are citizens of the KoG, and likely another kingdom too - whether it's the US, or another country... maybe you're reading this and you're a sovereign citizen, or you somehow found this post and you're off-the-grid and won't allow anyone to claim you as their citizen. You're the exception.
Back to the point. Jesus, throughout His biographies, is teaching his audience (and us) what it means to be His disciples, what it looks like to fully live as a citizen in His Kingdom. In one example (Luke 14) he gets invited to a dinner at a Pharisee's home, and has three interactions (at least through v14 - there's another starting in v15). One is with the religious leaders, another with the guests, and the third with the host of the dinner. Each audience he specifically addresses an area they were lacking, falling short, missing the point, or possibly even sinning. Whether it was sabbath regulations, true humility and the humble/exalt balance, or authentic hospitality and the tendency to invite guests to 'gain' something.
I was struck by the fact that Jesus doesn't talk to the religious leaders about hospitality, or to the guests about sabbath regulations. Meaning that there was a specific area of their lives that Jesus wanted to poke, to speak into, and to call them to change.
This is my conjecture, so take it for what you will - but you're likely in one of those three groups, and I have one question for each for you to consider. It's possible you're in all three, or at least should wrestle with all three questions.
The religious leaders (Pharisees, Teachers of the Law) is for the Christian leader - pastor, small group leader, kids director, worship leader, youth pastor. The question: "What would prevent you from healing someone?" Which is what they were doing as to not violate the sabbath. But the question grows if you consider other acts of mercy we're commanded throughout the scriptures. What would prevent you from praying for someone? Showing mercy? Extending compassion? Sitting with over coffee? I still haven't fully figured out how this group could heal, knew they could heal, and yet refused to on the sabbath day.
The guests (moderate Christians, attending but perhaps not in leadership, middle of the pack sort of gal). The question: Do you want to be humiliated, or honored? That's an EASY one, am i right? Well, the answer lies in your ability to humble yourself, or exalt yourself. And this isn't just about dinner etiquette, but about living in the Kingdom. As a disciple. Do you demand honor, are you entitled to a certain level of respect because of your background, your years of 'service' to God, or even perhaps the radical generosity you've demonstrated in your giving.
The host (I'd say this is wealthy, influential, connected people). The question: Do you want to be blessed, or repaid? Jesus says if you wanna be repaid, invite those who can repay you - other 'hosts' or people like you. But if you wanna be blessed, invite those over who can't. You'll be a blessing, and be blessed, AND you still get repaid when Christ returns for the second (and last) time. He isn't saying don't invite those who can return the favor, but a key attribute of His disciples, of citizens in His kingdom is the ability to love the stranger, to be hospitable (Greek: philoxenia, φιλοξενία).
Maybe it's best you read through Luke 14:1-14 again on your own. Consider how the Spirit of God might be speaking to you, through His Holy Word, through this little letter I've written - so that you can further understand the costs and the benefits of being a disciple of the wisest and most powerful rabbi; a citizen of the best Kingdom with the greatest King.
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