Miracles of Jesus Table

14:1 one of the leaders of the Pharisees Jesus’ third meal with a Pharisee in Luke’s Gospel (compare 7:36; 11:37).

they were watching him Others at the dinner were looking for a way to publicly discredit Jesus (see Matt 19:3 and note).

14:2 suffering from edema Refers to a condition in which fluid accumulation in connective tissues or bodily cavities causes swelling and inhibits circulation.

14:3 permitted to heal on the Sabbath Jesus previously healed at least two people on the Sabbath: a man with a withered hand (Luke 6:6–11) and a disabled woman (13:10–17).

14:5 son or your ox falls into a well Jesus’ point is that the religious leaders will work to save that which is important to them, so He too should work in order to restore a life (compare 13:15).

14:6 they were not able to make a reply A similar reaction as the last time Jesus healed on the Sabbath (compare 13:17).

14:7 the places of honor The prominent seats where attendees were highly visible and likely close to the host or other distinguished guests.

14:10 Then it will be an honor to you In contrast to the shame of having to move from the place of honor to a lower place, a guest who chooses a less distinguished seat will be honored when the host elevates him or her to a better position.

14:11 will be exalted Implies being exalted by God. Jesus consistently teaches a reversal of expectations (compare 9:48; 13:30; 18:14).

14:12 the one who had invited him The Pharisee (v. 1).

14:13 the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind The people Jesus mentions would have been social outcasts. To their conditions, Jewish people often ascribed some sort of sinful behavior (John 9:2). Jesus’ ministry is to these type of people (Luke 4:18–19).

14:14 they are not able to repay you The truly humble person gives without hope of reciprocation. Jesus’ statement in vv. 13–14 sums up the heart of His teaching, calling His followers to care for their neighbors out of love and to give no thought to self-interest.

the resurrection of the righteous Refers to the resurrection of God’s people at the time of judgment—an idea rooted in Dan 12 (see Dan 12:2 and note).

14:15 one of those reclining at the table Luke 14:1–24 takes places at the home of a Pharisee (v. 1).

eat bread in the kingdom of God Alludes to the great messianic feast anticipated at the start of the era inaugurated by the Messiah, which involves people from all nations (Isa 25:6; compare Luke 12:36 and note; Rev 19:6–10).

14:16 a large banquet Matthew records a similar banquet parable in Matt 22:1–14.

14:17 it is ready Suggests that the feast was prepared.

14:18 began to excuse themselves They refused to accept the invitation, citing what they believed to be more important obligations.

14:21 the poor and crippled and blind and lame Corresponds with Jesus’ recommended guest list in the previous parable (Luke 14:13 and note).

14:23 the highways and hedges Likely refers to extending the invitation to travelers. This may represent the inclusion of Gentiles (non-Jews) in God’s kingdom (compare 13:29 and note).

press them to come in Foreigners and marginalized people likely would be hesitant to accept an invitation to such a banquet.

14:24 none of those persons who were invited Another role reversal; those originally invited were excluded and those who were originally excluded participated in the banquet.

14:26 and does not hate Jesus is using hyperbole—a figure of speech that relies on exaggeration to make a point. He is not encouraging His followers to turn against their family members; rather, He is explaining that even devotion to family does not supersede the call to discipleship. Jesus and God’s kingdom must come first in the life of a believer. Compare Matt 10:37 and note.

14:27 carry his own cross With death awaiting Him in Jerusalem, Jesus wants His disciples to understand that they may be subject to the same fate. See Matt 10:38 and note.

14:28 calculate the cost Jesus encourages His followers—as well as those in the crowd of pilgrims who had not yet become His disciples—to consider the great sacrifices involved in their decision. This section is unique to Luke’s travel narrative.

14:33 who does not renounce all Jesus sees an abundance of possessions as a hindrance to faith. He instructs His followers to rid themselves of anything that prevents a total commitment to God’s kingdom (see note on Matt 19:21). For many this meant selling everything they had for the betterment of the impoverished and for the sake of spreading the news about Jesus. This is seen in a tangible way in the lives of Jesus’ earliest followers (e.g., Acts 2:42–47).

14:34 salt Salt was used as a preservative and for flavoring (compare Matt 5:13 and note).

14:35 neither for the soil Even tasteless salt could be harmful to soil in large quantities.