Great Plains Daily Devotional for 12/14/2019

After reading the entire chapter, pause and read the highlighted verses below for further reflection.
 
Today‘s focus is on verses Luke 14:7-11.
 
When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable:  “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.  If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place.  But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
 
Meditate

1. Meals were important social occasions.  Luke writes about where Jesus eats, who he eats with and where people sat. Jesus is not the model guest, following the social norms. What do you hear in Jesus’ words of teaching?
2. In Communion, we talk about feasting at the heavenly banquet.  The Last Supper points ahead to this meal but also reflects on Jesus’ meals with disciples, Pharisees, and crowds. Christ’s humbly interacts with others, even over meals. In this season, we recognize the act of humility, as God offers God’s self in the form of a child. How do you want to practice humility this Advent season?

           
Share
On social media — either Facebook, Twitter or Instagram —share an image and/or your reflections on today’s chapter. Please share only images that you have taken or for which you own the rights.  Be sure to include the hashtags #GPUMCAdvent and #Luke14 as we reflect together in community.
 
 

Prayer for Reflection

Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-7; 18-19
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12