A man wanted Jesus to settle a money dispute he had with his brother, but Jesus told him that was their job. He told everyone to guard against all kinds of greed, and that a person's true life has nothing to do with possessions. Jesus told a parable about a rich man who stored up all his riches and then lost his life. Jesus told the 12 not to worry about their bodies, what they would eat or wear. "Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes." (NIV ch 12:23) God feeds the birds and you are worth more than birds. Worrying won't help you live longer. God takes care of His workers. Your heart is in what you treasure. Be dressed and ready to go to do the Lord's work. You never know when you will be asked to help, or when the Son of Man will come. A wise and faithful manager will tend to his master's needs carefully. A foolish manager will not. Where much is given, much is required. Jesus knew that those who split from the family to follow Him would cause pain. The people could predict the weather, but they couldn't see what was right in front of them. Jesus advised people to settle disputes before they went to court.
People asked Jesus about the people Pilate killed while they were offering sacrifices to God. Jesus pointed out that people die without reason often, and gave the example of the tower of Siloam falling and killing 18 people. (Bible scholars aren't exactly sure where this was.) Then Jesus told them the parable of the fig tree that needed more time to bear fruit, but it would run out of time if it didn't produce. One Sabbath day a crippled woman came into the synagogue. When Jesus saw her, he healed her. An official was angry, and told the people to work 6 days only. Jesus pointed out that anyone would water their animals on the Sabbath. Jesus described the kingdom of God like a tiny mustard seed which grows to become a big tree, or a little yeast that makes dough rise. The people asked Jesus if only a few would be saved. He told them to try to go through the narrow door and that many would expect to enter, but wouldn't be allowed because they were wicked. Those who are last will be first and those who are first will be last. Some Pharisees came to Jesus and told him that Herod wanted to kill Him. Jesus said that it was not right for a prophet to be killed anywhere but Jerusalem.
On another Sabbath Jesus was eating at the home of one of the leading Pharisees; and the people were studying Jesus carefully. A man with swollen arms and legs came in and Jesus asked the teachers and Pharisees whether or not the Law allowed healing on the Sabbath. So Jesus healed the man and then asked them if they would pull an animal out of a well on the Sabbath? They couldn't answer Him. Jesus noticed how some of the guests were choosing the best seats for themselves, so He told them about humility and hospitality and to make themselves humble to avoid embarassment. If their host gave them a better place to sit, that would bring them honor in the presence of all the other guests.
Tomorrow read Luke 14:12-16:31
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