Luke 13:34
Jerusalem, Jerusalem. The repetition of the name was a sign of deep affection (see 10:41-42; 2 Sam. 18:33; Matt. 23:37).
kills the prophets. See notes on v. 33; 11:47-48.
desired to gather. Jesus displayed his compassion on his people, though they sinfully rejected him. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 18:32; 1 Tim. 2:4, 6; 2 Pet. 3:9).
Luke 13:35
house. A metaphor for the people of ancient Israel. They would be rejected by God because they would reject Jesus (vv. 6-9; Jer. 12:7; 22:5; Matt. 23:29; 1 Pet. 2:4-8).
until you say. Jesus quoted the priestly blessings from Ps. 118. Jesus was greeted with this phrase by the disciples when he entered Jerusalem (19:38). However, this looks forward to the last day when Jesus returns as judge (Matt. 23:39; Phil. 2:10-11). Though some Jews would be saved, the majority of believers would be Gentile as the church grew (Acts 13:46-47; 18:6; 28:25-26).
Luke 14:1
Sabbath. See note on 6:1.
house. In addition to resting from work on the Sabbath, godly Jews would gather together for prayer, singing, the reading of Scripture, and teaching in synagogues (see note on 6:46-49). Afterward, it was common for them to meet in one another's homes in fellowship around a meal.
Pharisees. See note on 5:17.
watching. The Pharisees' leader had Jesus in his home to try and catch him in some mistake (6:7; 11:54).
Luke 14:2
edema. A condition where the body retains fluid in its cavities or tissues causing it to bloat. This can be especially painful condition. Some teachers thought it was a condition associated with sin.
Luke 14:3
A trap was set for Jesus (14:1). They wanted to see him heal on the Sabbath in order to accuse him of breaking their tradition (see note on 13:14). However, Jesus turned it back on the spiritual leaders in ancient Israel. He challenged their traditions in light of God's law for Israel (6:9; 13:15-16).
Luke 14:5
Jesus vindicated the healing by pointing to basic compassion. Even his enemies would save a son or an ox on the Sabbath, which was lawful (see 13:15; Deut. 22:4; Matt 12:11). Jesus saw a person in need and acted accordingly (see Matt. 22:38-40; Gal. 5:14). The Sabbath was not meant to be a burden to the people. It was meant to be a compassionate gift from God (Mark 2:27).
Luke 14:6
A similar but more emphatic statement than verse 4.
Luke 14:8-10
Jesus spoke against self-promotion. Rather than assuming one's greatness by sitting down in a place of honor, one should sit far away. Do not try to create a place of importance for yourself. Let others recognize whatever real prominence you might have. (see Prov. 25:6-7).
Luke 14:11
What is practically true in life, is especially true in spiritual realities (18:14; Matt. 18:4; 23:12). Jesus called for people to humble themselves with the promise that God would reward them on the last day (13:30; see Jas. 4:6, 10; 1 Pet. 5:5-6). The theme of reversal is key in Luke's Gospel (see 1:48, 51-53; 2:34; 4:18-19; 6:20-26; 7:9, 29-30; 10:21; 16:19-26; 18:9-14; 20:16-18).
Luke 14:12-14
See
BC 37.
Luke 14:12-13
Jesus is not against love and hospitality toward family and friends (see 10:38-42; John 12:1-8). Instead, he emphasized the motive for generosity. Instead of inviting those who can repay your kindness, invite those who cannot repay (v. 14). Those in God's kingdom should aim for selfless generosity. Believers use the resources they've received from God to bless others around them (see Gen.12:2-3; Zech. 8:13; Acts 2:45; 4:34-35).
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