unrewarded

Luke 14:12-14

"12 Then said He also to him that bade Him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.

13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:

14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just."

In our study this week we saw the eternal contrast: everlasting punishment for the unrighteous and eternal life for the righteous. This judgment applies to all nations and is based on actions that reveal the authenticity of our faith. It does not teach salvation by works, but shows that genuine faith naturally produces deeds of love and charity.

This truth stirs us to express Jesus’s selfless love through service to others—the visible proof of loving God by loving our neighbor.

Today’s passage from Luke gives an earlier teaching of Jesus that drives this point home. Speaking to the host of a banquet, Jesus teaches about humility and selfless generosity.

He does not forbid hosting family or friends, but warns against inviting them merely to receive social favors in return. Such acts bring only earthly repayment, not eternal reward.

Instead, believers are urged to invite those who cannot repay—the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind—reflecting God’s heart for the marginalized and vulnerable.

True blessing comes not from social gain, but from faithful service to those in need. Though unrewarded on earth, such kindness will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous—the very truth we studied earlier this week.

As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior this Easter, it gives us much to reflect on.