While attending a meal with religious leaders in Luke 14:1-24, Jesus broke with social norms and caused multiple disruptions. His goal was not to offend but to instruct, first about the use of the Sabbath day and then about the kingdom of God, which he compared to a great banquet. At the end of the parable, the invitation is still going out, so let’s enter while there is room.
The people could draw near to God only after the blood of the covenant was shed.
Happy are those who have the kingdom of God, even if they lack much on earth, and the most pitiful are those who do...
God's presence in the early church produced awesome acts of community giving and healing but also an awesome judgment against hypocrisy and deception.
