What Jesus Did! 'Do Good Without Expecting Repayment' — Luke 14:12-14

Monday, September 4, 2023

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Then [Jesus] turned to his host [at a dinner]. "When you put on a luncheon or a banquet," he said, "don't invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you."
— Luke 14:12-14 NLT

Key Thought

Much of life involves the expectation of repayment for the things we do — I'll do this for you, and you'll do something for me. Some relationships are built on doing things for each other, which is not necessarily bad. The expectation of repayment can exist even though it may not be stated explicitly. However, Jesus wants us to follow him into a more redemptive purpose in our relationships. He challenges us to bless, benefit, and befriend those who cannot repay us for our interest, concern, and kindness. Doing so leaves the rewards of our actions as the intrinsic blessing of helping someone else and a deep trust that what we do and how we do it matter to our God — and God promises to remember!

Today's Prayer

Father, open my eyes to the opportunities you provide me to bless others in Jesus' name. Forgive me when I invest all my time, effort, and interest only in those whom I already know and who can repay me. Use me to bless those from whom I can expect nothing in return. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • James 1:26-27
  • Matthew 5:43-48
  • Matthew 7:12

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 14:12-14 NLT — "When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,"

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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