Thirdmill Study Bible

Notes on Luke 14:16-35

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).

Luke 14:23

highways and hedges. Places outside the city. This likely refers to the inclusion of Gentiles in the kingdom. This was promised in the Old Testament, but still unexpected in Jesus's day (see Ps. 86:9; Isa. 49:6; 56:6-8; Jer. 3:17; Acts 15:7-9; Rom. 15:7-16).

Luke 14:24

invited. That is, accepted the first invitation but refused to come when the feast was ready (see note on vv. 16-17).

Jesus' Call to Discipleship - Luke 14:25-35

Jesus's call to the crowds (v. 25) was about basic discipleship. This is not about how one is saved. Rather, Jesus gave a picture of what it looks like for saved believers to live as his disciples. Salvation is freely given (Eph. 2:8-9). But discipleship costs everything we have (v. 33).

Luke 14:26

Compared to one's love and commitment to Jesus, love for family appears to behate(Matt. 10:37; see Gen. 29:30-31; Deut. 21:15-17). As Lord, he takes priority over all others.

Luke 14:27

cross. Symbolically, a disciple's old life dies when he comes to faith in Christ. In return, Jesus gives new spiritual life. This includes a new mindset, lifestyle, and priorities (see Rom. 12:1-2; Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:1-3). This might result in pain and suffering for Jesus's sake (see Matt. 5:11; Acts 5:41; 9:16; Phil 1:29).

Luke 14:28-32

Jesus illustrated this point with two parables. When a man decides to build a tower (vv. 28-30) or go to war (vv. 31-32) he will first count the cost. Will he have money to finish the building project? Does he have the military strength to defeat his enemy? Likewise, Jesus warned that one should not make a rushed decision to follow him.