What Jesus Did! 'Unhealthy Rush' — Luke 19:11-14

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

The crowd was listening to everything Jesus said. And because he was nearing Jerusalem, he told them a story to correct the impression that the Kingdom of God would begin right away. He said, "A nobleman was called away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then return. Before he left, he called together ten of his servants and divided among them ten pounds of silver, saying, 'Invest this for me while I am gone.' But his people hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We do not want him to be our king.'"
— Luke 19:11-14 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus was trying to slow down the rush going through the crowd. The rumor had begun to spread that the Kingdom of God was going to begin immediately on Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem. He chose to use a story to dispel this myth. The first part of the story is in today's verses; the remainder is in the next two devotionals. Near the end of the story, [1] Jesus gave the "punch line," indicating the consequences of what we do while waiting for his return. However, the key for us in today's part of the story is to notice how the followers of Jesus wanted to rush his work rather than letting him fulfill matters based on his Father's timing and will. Our impatience with the Lord's timing can lead us into making poor decisions.

[1] Luke 19:26.

Today's Prayer

Father, give me the wisdom to know your will for my life and the patient endurance to wait on your timing. Forgive me for my foolish impatience. Through your Spirit, please develop my self-control, patience, and peace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Galatians 5:22-23
  • Colossians 1:11-12
  • 2 Peter 3:9-10

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 19:11-14 NLT — "A nobleman was called away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then return."

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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