JESUS CHALLENGES THE HEART:

1. Jesus was invited to be watched instead of welcoming Him.

a. Luke 14:1-6

b. Mercy or man-made rules?

c. Compassion over tradition?

2. Jesus teaches true honor comes from humility.

a. Luke 14:7-14

b. God rewards Kingdom kindness.

c. Pride wants recognition; humility serves without reward.

3. Jesus exposes excuses.

a. Luke 14:15-24

b. Excuses instead of acceptance.

c. God’s heart seeks the humble, broken, and overlooked.

d. Excuses keep people from coming to Christ; half-heartedness keeps believers from going after Christ.

4. Jesus gives a requirement for true disciples.

a. Luke 14:25-35

b. Count the cost.

c. Surrender everything.

d. Salt that loses its savor is useless as disciples without commitment are ineffective.

e. Jesus gives three requirements:

· Superior love—Christ above family and self.

· Surrendered life—carrying the cross.

· Sacrificial commitment—giving up all claims to ownership.

f. The priority of Christ above all is non-negotiable.