Luke 14:1-6

Luke 14:1-6

1. Let us mark how our Lord Jesus Christ accepted the hospitality of those who were not His disciples.
2. Let us mark how our Lord was watched by His enemies.
3. Let us mark how our Lord asserts the lawfulness of doing works of mercy on the Sabbath day.

"We ought not to withdraw entirely from all communion with unconverted people. It would be cowardice and indolence to do so, even if it were possible. It would shut us out from many opportunities of doing good. But we ought to go into their society moderately, watchfully, and prayerfully, and with a firm resolution to carry our Master and our Master's business with us."

"He that desires to serve Christ must make up his mind to be "watched" and observed, no less than His Master...Let us endeavor to live daily as in the sight of a holy God. So living, it will matter little how much we are "watched" by an ill-natured and malicious world."

"The Sabbath was made for man, for his benefit, not for his injury, for his advantage, not for his hurt. The interpretation of God's law respecting the Sabbath was never intended to be strained so far as to interfere with charity, kindness, and the real needs of human nature."

Questions:

1. Ryle encourages us to follow Christ’s example of being in the lives of unbelievers, yet with intention. He challenges us to enter into such situations moderately, watchfully, and prayerfully, so that we are being light to those around us, and not the other way around. When in such situations, are we at very least praying for a door to be open for the Word to be shared? Are their situation we should avoid because we are unable to be a light there?

2. As Christians, we are to be the fragrance of Christ to the world around us, so we should not be surprised that the world is watching us. Are we living in such a way that not only do those around us know we are Christians, but that we are faithful witnesses of Him?

3. What is your view of the Sabbath command under the new covenant? Whether you are convinced by Ryle’s arguments or not regarding the Sabbath, it is not an option to have no view at all.