Luke 14:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But he said to him, "A man once gave a great banquet and invited many.

NIV: Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.

NASB: But He said to him, 'A man was giving a big dinner, and he invited many;

CSB: Then he told him: "A man was giving a large banquet and invited many.

NLT: Jesus replied with this story: 'A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations.

KJV: Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:

NKJV: Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many,

Jesus is at a banquet telling parables about the kingdom of God thinly disguised as advice on earthly banquets. He has just said that those who invite the poor and disabled to their homes instead of the rich and noble will receive rewards from God at the resurrection (Luke 14:14). In response to this, another guest spontaneously cries out, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!" (Luke 14:15). Jesus doesn't correct the sentiment. Indeed, those who meet God at the resurrection and fellowship with Him at His table will be blessed (Isaiah 25:6; Psalm 22:26). However, He warns those present that to reach that table, they must respond to God's invitation.

The parable is about a host who has invited many people to his home for a feast. Jews traditionally use the idea of "feast" to represent God's blessing in eternity. A feast fills hunger, gives delight, and provides excellent fellowship. Unfortunately, the needs and charms of the world keep the guests' attention, and they refuse to attend. In response, the host invites the poor and disabled. Then He invites travelers and the homeless. Many of these people, who are not satisfied with their earthly lives, do respond (Luke 14:17–24).

The warning is for the guests at the feast and the Pharisee who is hosting. They can't assume that just because God invited the noblemen and the religious leaders of Israel that they will necessarily join Him in eternity. It is not pedigree that ensures salvation but answering God's call (Luke 13:23–30).

Scholars are torn as to whether the "man" is God the Father and the servant is Jesus or whether Jesus is the host and His followers are the servant. With either option, the point of the parable remains the same.

Luke 14:15–24 is the last of three lessons Jesus gives about how humble and marginalized people can be more qualified to be honored in the kingdom of God than some religious leaders. A good life can distract anyone from their need for salvation. Those who suffer or have no homes are more likely to look forward to eternity in paradise with the Father. Luke will go on to present the cost of accepting an invitation to God's kingdom as well as its ultimate value (Luke 14:25–35). This parable resembles the parable of the wedding feast in Matthew 22:1–14.

A Pharisee invites Jesus to a formal dinner. There, Jesus teaches lessons using invitations and feasts as a theme. These emphasize humility and the importance of not making excuses. After the dinner, Jesus warns that those who seek to follow Him will experience hardship. Believers should "count the cost" and understand what aspects of this world they may have to give up.

Luke 14 continues Jesus' doctrinal march to Jerusalem and the cross. Luke 14 and 15 contain the second grouping of one miracle and a series of discussions about the kingdom of God and salvation; Luke 13:10–35 is the first. Next will be a collection of warnings about rejecting God's kingdom (Luke 16:1—17:10) and two more sets of lessons about the kingdom and salvation, each beginning with a single miracle (Luke 17:11—18:34; 18:35—19:27). After this comes Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.