On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.  Luke 14:1

This line, from the beginning of today’s Gospel, reveals two things worth pondering.

First, Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees.  This was no small thing.  In fact, it was most likely the source of much discussion among the people and the other Pharisees.  It shows us that Jesus does not play favorites.  He did not only come for the poor and weak.  He also came for the conversion of the wealthy and powerful.  Too often we forget that simple fact.  Jesus came for all people, loves all people and responds to invitations from all who want to have Him in their lives.  Of course this passage also reveals that Jesus was not afraid to come to the home of this leading Pharisee and challenge him and his guests so as to move them to a change of heart.

Second, this passage states that people were “observing Him carefully.”  Perhaps some were just curious and were looking for something to talk about later with their friends.  But others were most likely observing Him carefully because they truly wanted to understand Him.  They could tell there was something unique about Jesus and they wanted to know more about Him.

These two lessons should encourage us to realize that Jesus does love us and will respond to our openness to His presence in our lives.  All we have to do is ask and be open to Him coming to “dine” with us.  We should also learn from the witness of those who were observing Him carefully.  They reveal to us the good desire we should have to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.  Though some who observed Him carefully turned against Him and mocked Him, there were others who observed Him carefully and embraced Jesus and His message.  

Reflect, today, upon your willingness to invite Jesus into the home of your heart and life’s situation.  Know that He will accept any invitation you offer.  And as Jesus comes to you, give Him your full attentiveness.  Observe all that He says and does and let His presence and message become the foundation of your life.

Lord, I do invite You into my heart.  I invite You into every situation in my life.  Please come dwell with me in my family.  Come dwell with me at work, among friends, in my hardships, during my despair, and in all things.  Help my attentiveness to You and Your will and lead me to all You have in store for my life.  Jesus, I trust in You.

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