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Luke-14

The Sally and Paralytic: A Devotional Study on Luke 14​

Introduction​

Luke 14 narrates two of Jesus' miraculous healing stories. These stories illustrate Jesus' heart for the broken, calling us to be similarly compassionate and beyond what we're capable of doing. Let's explore these two stories through a devotional lens.

Section 1: The Sally (Luke 14:1-6)​

Devotional Thought: Jesus, coming to a Pharisee's house to dine, returns a message conveyed as an insult to Him. A sinful woman, called a sinner, enters the Pharisee's home with an alabaster jar of fragrant oil, weeping over Jesus' feet, washing them with her tears, drying them with her hair, and kissing them. Jesus responds by forgiving her sins. This woman's actions echo Isaiah 61:1's prophetic message to heal the brokenhearted. In this story, we see Jesus' deep compassion for the brokenhearted. As we delve into this passage, let's reflect on how we might extend the same compassion to others.

Reflection Questions:

  • How often do we reflect the overwhelming love of Jesus when encountering broken and hurting people?
  • How can we create an atmosphere that encourages deep compassion for the brokenhearted?

Section 2: The Paralytic (Luke 14:7-11)​

Devotional Thought: Jesus comes to a synagogue on the Sabbath. A man is laid before Him, unable to speak due to a severe illness. Four men carry this paralytic to Jesus as the crowd grows, unable to enter the house. Moved by their faith, Jesus forgives the paralytic's sins. The Pharisees question Jesus' authority to forgive sins, and Jesus offers evidence of His divinity: the ability to forgive sins, prophesied to by Isaiah in Isaiah 38:21. Today, let's contemplate Jesus' power and the Pharisees' lack of faith.

Reflection Questions:

  • How often do we grapple with faith or doubt when confronted with Jesus' power?
  • How can we cultivate faith when experiencing profound circumstances?

Section 3: Conclusion (Luke 14:12-14)​

Devotional Thought: Jesus concludes the chapter with two parables. In the first, a man plants a mustard seed, which grows into the largest shrub. Jesus' parable conveys that the Kingdom of God begins small and grows infinitely. In the second, Jesus urges us to seek worthy positions at a banquet. Some are invited, others not. This parable conveys that future gratitude doesn't confer favor in the present.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do we contribute to the Kingdom of God, starting small and growing?
  • How do we best utilize our tables, inviting the brokenhearted and less fortunate, as we follow Jesus' example?

Conclusion:​

Both stories in this passage highlight compassion, healing, and miracles. Each miraculous act bears witness to Jesus' identity as the Son of God. May we reflect faith and compassion, as Jesus carried into each encounter. The figures in Luke 14 continue to impact our spiritual journeys as they model what it means to follow Jesus.