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

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Jesus traveled closer to Jerusalem. Some of the people thought that God's kingdom would come soon. Jesus knew the people thought this, so he told them this story: "A very important man was preparing to go to a country far away to be made a king. Then the man planned to return home and rule his people. So he called ten of his servants together. He gave a bag of money to each servant. The man said, 'Do business with this money until I come back.' But the people in the kingdom hated the man. So the people sent a group to follow the man to the other country. In the other country, this group said, 'We don't want that man to be our king!'"
— Luke 19:11-14 NLT
Illustration of Luke 19:11-14 NLT — "A very important man was preparing to go to a country far away to be made a king."

Key Thought

Jesus is trying to slow down the rush running through the crowd. The rumor has gotten started that the Kingdom of God is going to begin immediately on his arrival in Jerusalem. He chooses to use a story to dispel this myth. However, the key for us is to notice how followers of Jesus want to rush his work rather than letting him fulfill matters based upon his Father's timing and will. Our impatience with the Lord's timing can lead us into making poor decisions.

Today's Prayer

Father, give me the wisdom to know your will in 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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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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