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).
Luke 14:18-20
Though many were invited to the large dinner (v. 16), several people made excuses. They foolishly thought routine activities were more important than God's call (see 8:19-21; 9:56-62; 12:31). They previous accepted the first invitation (see note on vv. 16-17). This meant that they thought they were part of God's kingdom because of their ethnic and religious heritage (Rom. 9:3-5). But when the kingdom came in Christ, they found reasons to reject him (Rom. 9:30-33).
Luke 14:21
streets and lanes. The places where social outcasts would dwell in ancient Israel.
the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. All outsiders who lived in need. These physical impairments often pointed to spiritual impairments (see Matt. 9:12; Acts 26:18; Heb. 12:12-13). God offers the kingdom to the needy and is ready is heal them.
lame. Such people were not permitted to fully participate in ancient Israel's worship (Lev. 21:17-23).
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