Sometimes in the West, Christianity can become a life accessory, like being a gym member, blogger, or gluten-free, locally sourced grocery buyer. It’s good for you, keeps you feeling balanced and only takes up a few hours of the week. This chapter knocks that hunky-dory arrangement right out of our hands.

“But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” (13-14)

“So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” (33)

Following Jesus is nothing casual. It takes a lot of humility, generosity and self sacrifice. It’s giving up self-proclaimed glory and cozy, symbiotic social circles.

Don’t let this discourage you, but don’t ignore it either. Jesus is the source of all you need along the way. He provides for us, so we can be generous to those who can’t repay us. He gives us our identity, so we don’t have to make a name for ourselves.

Knowing and truly experiencing Christ makes these sacrifices less burdensome, but maybe you’re struggling with parts of this chapter. Bring that to Jesus. He is all about transforming our heart of hearts, not just amending behaviors.

From the beginning of Luke, we’ve heard that this Kingdom is good news for the poor. Thank God for the ways He has blessed you, and provided for you, through the sacrificial love of others. Chances are, we’ve all received abundantly more than is asked of us.

-Bethany