Notes on Luke 14:26-15:32

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.

Luke 14:33

Jesus deserves all that we have (Matt. 13:44-16). Therefore, disciples are willing to give up everything to follow him (5:11, 28; 12:33; 18:22).

Luke 14:34-35

Salt has many uses, including as a fertilizer. But, it was used as a preservative and for flavor. In the ancient world, natural salt was often mixed with other minerals, like gypsum. Over time, the salt may dissolve, leaving the impurities, and the salt could lose its effectiveness over time. When that happened it would simply be thrown away. Jesus used this example of salt to teach about the distinctiveness (saltiness) of his disciples (vv. 26-33). ears to hear, let him hear. See note on 8:8.

Jesus' Parables of Pursuing the Lost - Luke 15:1-32

This parable is made up of three stories: the caring shepherd (vv. 4-7), the searching woman (vv. 8-10), and the gracious father (vv. 11-32). All three teach many of the same things over the course a repeated cycle — something is lost (vv. 4, 8, 24), then it is found (vv. 5, 9, 24), and there is great rejoicing because of it (vv. 6, 9, 24). The parable served two purposes. First, it extended an invitation to the sinners listening (v. 1). Second, it offered a defense of Jesus's ministry to those complaining (v. 2). Jesus made clear that he had come to seek sinners (5:31; 19:10).

Luke 15:1

tax collectors. See note on 3:12. sinners. Other professions believed to be immoral by scribes and Pharisees. They were often grouped with tax collectors (5:30; 7:34; 19:7). Together, this group represented society's outcasts who were known for their wickedness. listen. This follows from the previous section (14:26-35). These people were attracted to Jesus because they understood his message (14:35). He was glad to welcome them (14:21; 19:10).

Luke 15:2

Pharisees and the scribes. See note on 5:17. grumbled. Much like ancient, unbelieving Israel (5:30; Num. 14:27; Josh. 9:18; Ps. 106:25). The Pharisees and the scribes were known for their meticulous keeping of God's Law. They would actively avoid contact with sinful people (5:29-32; 7:39; 19:7). However, their reputation was hollow (Matt. 23:27-28). Their righteousness wasn't a true righteousness that comes by faith and repentance of sin. Otherwise, they would have loved their neighbor and rejoiced to see sinners experience salvation (Ps. 71:15-16; Matt. 22:37-40).

Luke 15:3

parable. See note on 8:1.

Luke 15:4

Shepherding was a common practice in the agrarian society of Israel. The imagery of shepherding was also a common Old Testament theme for spiritual leaders over Israel (Jer. 3:15; Ezek. 34:2-10), including God (Ps. 23:1; Isa. 40:11). the lost. The recovery of the lost sheep is more important than tending the others who are safe. Unlike the neglectful shepherds of Israel, Jesus seeks after the lost (19:10; Ezek. 34:4, 11, 16).

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