Distractions From Following Jesus
LENT DEVOTIONAL 2026 | DAY 26
Luke 14:1–35 (NIV)
By Kenneth Lim, Steward, Local Church Executive Committee
READ:
Luke 14:1–35 (NIV)
Luke 14 contains a series of Jesus’ teachings that challenged what the Pharisees thought Godliness looked like. Whereas the Pharisees were concerned with ritualistic conformity, Jesus prioritised healing the sick. Whereas the Pharisees sought to elevate themselves, Jesus taught that it is the humble who will be exalted. Whereas the Pharisees sought to gain status and prominence, Jesus warned that the cost of true discipleship is to give up all that we have.
In the centre of the passage, Jesus replies to a remark about the feast in God’s kingdom with a chilling parable: a man invites guests to a great banquet only for the guests to make excuses and refuse his invitation. Angered, the man instead invites the marginalised and far off and bars those who were originally invited from the banquet.
When I started my career, I wanted to serve God by accumulating skills and resources that I could eventually channel towards social good. But as I amble up the corporate ladder, I increasingly find my motivations pulled toward more selfish ambitions. God continues to remind me that, although I claim to work for His glory, I am often working for my own.
Luke 14 is therefore a sobering reminder to me that spending my life chasing after status and prominence will only result in ruin. And while I am often motivated by a fear of being worthless in this world, the parable of the Great Banquet reminds me that those who have no status in this world are in fact closer to the truth: that no worldly achievement could ever compare to the honour of being invited to God’s table.
I will therefore ask God to continue to search my thoughts and motivations as I continue to serve Him in all aspects of my life and hold myself accountable to my Christian community. I will give thanks to God for all He has done for me, lest I start to believe that my achievements are mine and that I can earn my own seat at the table.
Dear God, thank You that, through Jesus, You have invited us into Your Kingdom, even though we have done nothing to deserve it. Help me not to be distracted by selfish gain, but to keep my eyes fixed on You and what You call me to be. Fill me with compassion for the marginalised and teach me to love and serve them selflessly and sacrificially, as Christ did. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
[ Reflection Questions ]
- What are you chasing that distracts you from following Jesus?
- What in your life feels too costly to give up to follow Jesus?
- How has your faith moved you to serve the marginalised?
