Notes on Luke 14:1-15

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).

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).

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