Conversations over meals can be consequential in variety of ways.
slow down and be together
Share stories
Get to know one another (Tell me something about you that will help me understand or truly know you better- Dobson)
Teach and learn biblical truths
Influence
CG meals
Family meals
Wedding or funeral meals
Social
Luke 14 begins by noting the Jesus is at those of a Pharisee for a meal.
This dinner conversation is filled with topics that rubbed against their culture - healing (on the sabbath), humility, hospitality, and honor (as in honoring your word). We addressed the healing portion last week as Jesus healed the man with dropsy or edema. This week, we get to consider the next three as Jesus uses this meal as the storyboard upon which to tell a tale with earthly application and eternal significance.
Jesus teaches that we should seek the honor that comes from God by living humbly with generous hospitality while prioritizing fellowship with Him.
So, as Jesus observes the maneuverings around this meal, He notices how the people are jockeying for the best seats. In response, he urges them and us to…
Act with humility (7-11)
We may be inclined to imagine a table like many of ours - long and narrow-ish. For these first century Jews, their tables were not likely long and narrow, but rather low and shaped like a U. The host or the guest of honor would sit in the center of the bottom of the U and everyone else would fan out on either side. (Bock)
Jesus’ encouragement here to take a lower seat is a matter of practicality and even common wisdom.
Proverbs 25:6–7 ESV
Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence
or stand in the place of the great,
for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”
than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.
Another proverb notes:
Proverbs 29:23 ESV
One’s pride will bring him low,
but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
So on one hand, Jesus’ instruction is a matter of practical prudence. But His instruction also begins to get to matters of the heart.
comparison -
sizing each other up
make judgments on value of each other
seeing self importance based on the sliding scale of whose in the room, rather than on what God says
Pride - self importance, significance
In relation to each other, humility should be our default attitude for our interactions.
As it pertains to our relationship with Jesus, we should have a similar outlook of humility. Not taking salvation for granted. Seeing our salvation as a humble gift rather than a position of pride. When we get an opportunity to share the gospel with others, it will come across - not that we are better, but that we are merely “one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread” - as DT Niles has said.
Philippians 2:5–11 ESV
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus humbled himself and the Father exalted him!
Luke 14:11 ESV
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
So Jesus urges that we have an attitude of humility, when relating to each other.
where are we tempted to think that we deserve honor or recognition because of - status, title, abilities, …?
Where are we more concerned with what people think about us than what God thinks about us?
As the dinner progresses, Jesus makes a comment to the host of the party, essentially urging that we should…
Express generous hospitality (12-14)
Jesus says:
Luke 14:12–14 ESV
…“When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
For the last few years, the Fair Access committee has hosted a VIP breakfast on the morning of Poolesville Day. This breakfast is made up of the commissioners, local organization leaders, pastors and church leaders, school officials, and periodically some students. There are also County, state, and national politicians. This is an opportunity for local leaders to meet with county, state, and national leaders to advocate for policies and programs that benefit Poolesville and the Ag Reserve. In many ways, it’s been a quite effective program as the High School construction, private/public partnerships for Crossvines, and other programs have been funded. The couple of times that I’ve been able to attend, I’ve found it quite interesting. In attending, I feel a bit like a fish out of water - I understand why I’m there, but also feel out of place. At the same time, there are people dropping names, would be politicians garnering votes, and more. It’s is a generous and likely costly meal, but I think the organizers are also trying to get something in return. I guess in some circles, that’s just how things are done - at least in political circles. But what about religious circles?
Jesus had not only observed the jockeying that the guests of this dinner were doing, He reflected on those who were present. While we did see the man with dropsy initially (v. 2), we also can notice that there are religious lawyers (or scribes) and Pharisees present (vs. 3). While an unknown number, these groups represent the religious elite. They were the who’s who of that area.
McKinley notes that
Luke 12–24 for You Jesus’ Guide to Table Manners
Banquets in the ancient world were oftentimes an occasion to publicly display the social status of the guests
So Jesus, presumably seated next to the host, urged him to have a different perspective on his hospitality. He urged him not to host meals that will raise social status or cause people to return the favor by inviting him to the next social soiree, but instead, he is urging a…
Generous hospitality
I don’t think Jesus is saying that we should not eat with those people (friends/family/wealthy), but that we should certainly host those who have no means or ability to repay.
What benefit is it to host the needy?
Some may see it as a means of gaining accolades - showing the largess of ability.
But in many ways, the benefit is the blessing that it is to those who can’t repay. In our day, we might call these the “disadvantaged.” Whether by poverty or physical disability, these people lacked the means and probably the opportunity to return the favor.
The underlying premise of this charge is a familiar one. Back in chapter 6, Jesus gave a similar exhortation - this time, not in the matter of hospitality, but of love:
Luke 6:32–36 ESV
“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Just as our heavenly father is our example and model for love, mercy, and hospitality, Jesus also notes that we can and should maintain an eternal perspective when it comes to hospitality.
Eternal perspective
There could be a sense in which people might see having this kind of generous hospitality as a way to get greater eternal rewards - more crowns or jewels in crowns. But I do sort of wonder if this is missing the point of what Jesus is getting at. Yes, there will be a reward. Jesus says the one who expresses this kind of generous hospitality will be “repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
Scripture talks about both a resurrection of the just and of the unjust (Acts 24:15, Revelation 20:4-5). One to an eternal reward, the other to an eternal judgment.
It is unclear what Jesus means by being “repaid.” Will this be a direct reward - quid pro quo? Or will it be something different. There are several different kinds of crowns or rewards that are mentioned throughout the new testament.
Crown of Righteousness - 2 Timothy 4:8 “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”
Crown of glory - 1 Peter 5:4 “And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”
Crown of Life - James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
Paul even talks about some of the churches as his crowns of boasting (1 Thes. 2:19) or just plain ole’ crown (Phil. 4:1).
Now personally, I don’t think these are literal crowns that await followers of Christ, but even if they are, the book of Revelation suggests that we will cast or lay down our crowns before Jesus (Rev. 4:10).
Does that mean that we shouldn’t have an eternal perspective on our service here? No way!
Jesus shared a similar perspective in the sermon on the mount:
Matthew 6:1–4 ESV
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
It seems like Jesus’ encouragement is that in our hospitality we should think eternally.
are we serving people to get ahead here or to help them toward eternity?
What motivates our service?
Are we living in an open-handed way?
As you know, at any dinner table, even private conversations can be a bit public. A comment to your neighbor might be heard by the person across the table. It seems like Jesus experiences this as his comments to the host are “heard” by one of the other guests. In an answer to this guest, Jesus seems to urge that those who are invited to the eternal banquet should…
Respond with honor (15-24)
Luke 14:15–24 ESV
When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’ ”
This man’s comments drip with presumption. He seems to presume that he will be among those who get to enjoy the eternal fellowship of the Kingdom of God. But it begs the question - why? What is the basis for his presumption? Is it his ethnicity? Is it his religious obedience? It is his own righteousness?
Jesus doesn’t answer that question. Instead, he seems to respond that it’s grace - unmerited favor. He expresses this through the parable.
Now Jesus is likely using this parable to shock those who presumed to be part of the Kingdom - likely all of the guests who were there - the religious lawyers and Pharisees. After all, these were the cream of the crop! They were the brightest scholars and most devout, but they were also the most proud.
So as Jesus’ presents this parable, I can’t help but think of something that I’ve experienced multiple times. I’ll invite people to an event - maybe it’s something like Rise Against Hunger or Cross Conference or even a simple meal. In response, I’ll get a “maybe.” Essentially they are saying, “I’ll be there unless something better comes up.” How do you plan for that? How do you prepare food for people who might now show up? How do you ensure there are the appropriate number of seats?
Now, I think it’s also helpful for us to consider a bit of their context. In the first century, they did not have things like Sign Up genius or RSVPs. A master would plan an event for a certain day. Invitations would be personally passed along. Once everything was ready, a notice would be given to those who responded.
I find it interesting too that all of those who responded affirmatively to the initial invitation, declined in the end for flimsy and selfish reasons.
financially - as if this land transaction wasn’t already in the works. What’s more, this person is going to see it. Wouldn’t he have seen it already?
occupationally - the person who had just purchased some oxen - wouldn’t he have seen these in action? It would be foolish to make an investment into something like this without acknowledging their profitability or their fit into the current environment.
To that point, where do we let our financial or occupational pursuits interrupt or interfere with our spiritual or Kingdom opportunities? Are we going up eternal things for temporary financial gain?
familially - Wouldn’t the wedding have already been planned? Now, I totally understand if a spouse or a family member is sick, but even the law didn’t prohibit newly married couples from participating in social gatherings - only from military obligations (Dt. 24:5).
Where do we let family activities keep us from pursuing godliness or assembling with Gods people?
The point is that these guests presumed, in their pride, to be welcomed. Instead of honoring their invitation, they declined for “something better.”
McKinley notes:
Luke 12–24 for You Excuses, Excuses
And if half of the parable’s shock is located in the people who refuse to come to the banquet, the other half is found in those who do accept the invitation. The crippled, the poor, the blind, and the lame are not the people that we naturally think of as those who have the inside track on anything, let alone God’s kingdom party
Friend, if God is pricking your heart toward His kingdom, don’t take that for granted. Honor his invitation with a humble response. Jesus did not look for the wealthy or powerful or significant to fill the banquet of His party - He invited you! He invited me! Oh that we would respond with the appropriate refrain of Isaac Watts’ hymn: (Mckinley)
Luke 12–24 for You Excuses, Excuses
While all our hearts and all our songs
Join to admire the feast,
Each of us cry, with thankful tongues,
“Lord, why was I a guest?”
None of us deserve to be a part of that feast. We are all poor, crippled, lame, and blind. We are all insufficient, weak, and imperfect. No one deserves - yet in His grace, Jesus extends an invitation! Will we honor His invitation with a humble “Yes” or will we decline in the hope of something better. Riches may entice and power may allure, but nothing can compare to the mercy of our Savior.
Friend, if Jesus is pulling on your heart, don’t refuse.
Beloved, if Jesus has called you, don’t presume it’s because you’re something special.
May we all be grateful and respond honorably for His glory!
Let’s pray.
Questions for reflection and discussion
Read: Luke 14:7-24
Why did Jesus tell a parable? (14:6–7) How can we relate to that?
What did Jesus command? (14:10) Why?
Whom did Jesus want people to invite to dinner? (14:13)
In what way would the host be repaid? (14:14)
What kinds of excuses do you most resent others using?
How did the guests respond to the invitation? (14:18)
What excuses did people make? (14:18–20)
What was the master’s reaction to the excuses people made? (14:21)
Whom did the master invite to the banquet to replace the original invitees? (14:21)
Why was the master justified in his anger at the guests who made excuses?
How is the kingdom of God like this banquet?
How does our responsibility to God correspond to the servant’s role?
hom can you invite to the kingdom banquet? How?
Sources:
Anyabwile, Thabiti. Exalting Jesus in Luke. Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2018.
Bock, Darrell L. Luke 9:51-24:53. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999.
Martin, John A. “Luke.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, edited by J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.
Liefeld, Walter L. “Luke.” In The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, edited by Frank E. Gaebelein, Vol. 8. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984.
McKinley, Mike. Luke 12-24 for You. Edited by Carl Laferton. God’s Word for You. The Good Book Company, 2016.
Stein, Robert H. Luke. Vol. 24. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992.
The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible. Biblical Studies Press, 2005. Print.
Wilcock, Michael. The Savior of the World: The Message of Luke’s Gospel. The Bible Speaks Today. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1979.
