Dropsy is swelling which causes the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a rapid increase in weight over a short period of time (days to weeks). And Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” But they kept silent. (Luke 14:3-4) Now, their silent! After the last healing He did on the Sabbath, in which He called them out on their hypocrisy, they have no words. (see THE GOSPEL: Care for Animals, but Even More for Eachother) And He took him and healed him, and let him go. Then He answered them, saying, “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” And they could not answer Him regarding these things. (Luke 14:4-6)
Even in the midst of noticing people's needs and helping them, Jesus is very observant of what's going on around Him. So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:7-11)
This sense of entitlement is so evident in our society today. We see it very clearly in the entertainment field, those who are well known and make a lot of money always appear to get the best seats at the sports events, concerts, restaurants, because society perceives them as being worthy. We even see this in our worship centers, with just as many people sitting in the pulpit as in the congregation. A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor. (Proverbs 29:23) Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” [Proverbs 3:34] (James 4:5-6) Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,... (I Peter 5:6)
Again, we need to pay close attention to what Christ Jesus said, ...go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ There's nothing wrong with sitting in a "higher" place, or the "best seats". The problem is thinking we deserve to sit their because of who we are or what we have. We should rather "sit" wherever, and wait to be recognized or asked to move "up". More applicably, we should serve and help in whatever way is needed, knowing that God, ...your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. (Matthew 6:4) For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:12-14) It's one thing to be invited by someone to an event, you can't help whether you've been invited or not. But the motives of the person who does the inviting is entirely different.
Yet again, our society is a perfect example of this. Many of us grow up and are close to certain people, who may or may not have as much as we do. But when some of us reach a certain status, based on societies perception, we have to get "new friends", even though these people don't have a vested relationship with us. Even in the church, the body of Christ, we will feed each other for all kinds of special occasions, but won't feed the homeless in the communities our churches are located in. Hear this, all peoples; Give ear, all inhabitants of the world, Both low and high, Rich and poor together. My mouth shall speak wisdom, And the meditation of my heart shall give understanding. ... Do not be afraid when one becomes rich, When the glory of his house is increased; For when he dies he shall carry nothing away; His glory shall not descend after him. Though while he lives he blesses himself (For men will praise you when you do well for yourself), He shall go to the generation of his fathers; They shall never see light. A man who is in honor, yet does not understand, Is like the beasts that perish. (Psalm 49:1-3, 16-20)
Rather, we should care for the needs of each other, stay humble, and treat all people the same, just like the "church" did at it's conception: Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. (Acts 2:44-45) No, we don't have to sell all we have, but we do need to realize that Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the Lord your God, also the earth with all that is in it. (Deuteronomy 10:14) “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. (Acts 10:34-35) For there is no partiality with God. (Romans 2:11) Therefore, ...do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (Hebrews 13:16)
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