What Jesus Did! 'Open to All People' — Luke 7:36

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat.
— Luke 7:36 NLT

Key Thought

Many Pharisees had repeatedly rejected Jesus, opposed his every move, and demonstrated an unwillingness to believe. [1] Nevertheless, since Jesus loves all people, he went to a Pharisee's home even though he knew that the Pharisee would likely treat him unfairly. [2] Jesus didn't rule out any person or any group from being exposed to God's grace. Let's not let our prejudices or the prejudices of another group or individual against Christians keep us from sharing God's grace with them.

[1] For example, Luke 5:21, 30, 6:7, 7:30; Mark 3:6.
[2] Luke 7:39.

Today's Prayer

Father, I admit that I have assumed some people had a negative attitude toward your word, your Son, or your people because of the way they talked or dressed or because of my past experiences with others like them. Please forgive me for my prejudice and for underestimating the power of the Good News. Help me love all people just as you have loved me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 3:16-17
  • 2 Peter 3:9
  • Luke 24:47-49

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 7:36 NLT — One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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