Notes on Luke 14:3-17

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).

Luke 14:14

Jesus's emphasis was on serving those who have nothing to offer in return (see vv. 12-13). resurrection of the just. All will be resurrected on the last day (see 20:35-26; Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29). The just are those who respond to the gospel and spend eternity with God. They are counted just because of the righteousness of Christ that is counted as theirs by faith (Rom. 4:22-24; 8:1-4; 2 Cor. 5:21). repaid. Seeking honor from those who can repay might bring a benefit in this life (vv. 12-13). However, humble generosity without thought of personal benefit will be rewarded in eternity.

Luke 14:15

The imagery of the meal (vv. 9-13) and mentioned of the resurrection (v. 14), provoked a response. bread in the kingdom. This is the promised banquet with God promised for believers on the last day (Ps. 22:26 Isa. 25:6; Rev. 19:9). Jesus would warn about the danger of refusing God's invitation (vv. 16-24).

Luke 14:16-17

large dinner. The guest's comment about God's kingdom feast (see note on v. 15) led Jesus to teach on the subject. invited. In Jesus's day, two invitations went out for banquets. Both were personal, face-to-face invitations. The first involved a servant going from house to house, telling the people they were invited to the dinner. At that point, they could accept or decline he invitation. They accepted this first invitation, a second one would come when the dinner was prepared and ready to eat. Jesus used this familiar image to teach about God's invitation to be part of his kingdom and experience salvation (see Matt. 22:2-3).

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