He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ Luke 13:32 (Luke 13:23-14:35
Jesus went into a Perean province ruled by the debauched ruler Herod Anitpas, who earlier ordered the beheading of John the Baptist. Herod was presently concerned about a public uprising as Jesus came healing and performing all manner of miracles, but Jesus had no fear of Herod as His time will come in Jerusalem.
While dining at the home of a Pharisee on the Sabbath, Jesus makes several observations and used the event to teach truths. A man with a painful disease asks for healing. Jesus first asks those who are sitting before an opulent feast if it was lawful to heal this ailing man. They remained silent so Jesus continued. He inquired of their action if it was their child or their valuable ox stuck in a ditch. Would they act according to their law, or respond in love, compassion, and meet the need? Jesus restored the man’s health and sent him on his way.
As the meal progressed Jesus used the typical behavior of the religious rulers to make several points. As each person sat according to their social status, Jesus reminded them there is no gain in self-seeking assertiveness. Humility and meekness bring Glory to God. There is no honor in giving generously to those who can reciprocate, but in ministering to those who have no hope of ever repaying, you please God and blessings await in eternity.
Across the Jordan River Jesus went to spread the good news. There was a hostile government wishing Him dead, but a lost world was crying out. There were many who sought to enter the Kingdom by means other than Jesus. There will be a day of judgement when they will know they were sadly mistaken. The Pharisees ached for Jesus to come to their way of thinking and see the Law as they did, from their perspective, with their agenda. Actually, Jesus did see these things…..and knew they were wrong. Through instruction and action He showed them a better way. They just didn’t want it, so they stewed and brewed and plotted His death. They unknowingly signed their own death sentence.
There is only one way through the narrow door to Heaven and the first step is confessing that Jesus is the Christ and He died for you. Don’t let a wide load of stubborn assumptions and personal agendas keep you from entering through this door, because there is no other.
Love,
Gretchen