What does Luke 14:24 mean?

It's the Sabbath, and Jesus is at a banquet held by a leader of the Pharisees. Things are not going well for the host or the other guests. Jesus started by controversially healing a man—on the Sabbath—possibly one of the many who line the walls of the room trying to hear the conversation. Then Jesus told a parable for the other guests, reminding them that assuming a place of honor would lead to a shameful walk to the foot of the table if someone more prominent arrived. To the host, Jesus pointed out that instead of inviting rich men who could repay him, he should have invited the poor and crippled so God would have rewarded him (Luke 14:1–14).

Finally, Jesus told a parable about a man who held a grand banquet and invited many men. Every guest, however, made excuses and refused to come. They were distracted by building their own earthly kingdoms. In response, the host invited first "the poor and crippled and blind and lame" and then the homeless, travelers, vagabonds, and thieves (Luke 14:15–23).

The meaning is clear. The guests around Jesus have come because attending a banquet hosted by such a prominent religious and social leader is an honor and will only serve to build their own reputation. But they mustn't allow concern for their reputation to keep them from God's kingdom. The kingdom has arrived with the birth of Jesus. He is inviting them to a deep relationship with God that will culminate in eternity in His presence. Like the man who sold everything to buy a single, immensely valuable pearl, they need to put their priority on what is more important (Matthew 13:45–46).

Collectively, they won't. Although some individual Jewish religious leaders will follow Jesus, as a group they reject Him. Israel rejects the birthright God intended. And Gentiles will be the ones to build the church.