What Jesus Did! 'Tables Turned' — Luke 13:28-30

Sunday, August 30, 2015

"You will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in God's kingdom. But you will be left outside. Then you will cry with fear and anger. People will come from the east, west, north, and south. They will sit down at the table in the kingdom of God. People that have the lowest place in life now will have the highest place in God's kingdom. And people that have the highest place now will have the lowest place in God's kingdom."
— Luke 13:28-30 NLT
Illustration of Luke 13:28-30 NLT — "You will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in God's kingdom."

Key Thought

Luke repeatedly emphasizes a very convicting theme in Jesus' ministry: the religious tables being turned at judgment! Jesus repeatedly warns pretentiously religious people of their eternal destruction. These people make a big show of their religious dedication. They act like they are pious when they are not. Many of these folks look down on others out of their own self-righteousness while refusing to live with the love and the character of God. Great joy awaits God's children when his Kingdom is fully realized. Those who only appear religious will face a fearsome condemnation. Many who don't seem to be of the "right religious stripe" today actually have lived with Jesus as their Lord and have reflected the love and character of God in their daily lives. They will enjoy the bliss of the Father's eternal blessings. Great will be their joy!

Today's Prayer

Father, I want to live as a person of spiritual integrity. I want my life to reflect your love and righteousness. Reveal to me and take from me any hint of hypocrisy, arrogance, and self-righteousness. Make me genuinely holy, not just by grace, but also in my daily interface with others. May my life bring others to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Psalm 19:12-14
  • Luke 5:27-32
  • Matthew 20:16

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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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