New Year: Luke 14-16 for Nov 3

In Luke 14, Jesus didn't just leave those who opposed Him to themselves (14:1-6). That laissez-faire idea is a modern resort, often in matters of religion. But Jesus dealt with matters of religion without it.

Two parables, that of the guests (14:7-15) and the dinner (14:16-24) illustrate problems with the life of immediate-advantage-seeking, the first, with those we want to be with, the second, with those we don't want to be with. To those whom you want to be with, don't put yourself in front as their indispensable companion (14:10-11). And those whose invitations get insulting replies by us (14:18-20) will put on their big dinner without us (14:24). As for who we ourselves invite (14:13-14), do what the text says God will do, and states that Jesus constantly does (13:17; 14:4-5) with "the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame" (14:21).