1 And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched* him.
2 And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.
3 And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?
4 And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;
5 And answered them*, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?
6 And they could not answer him again to these things.
7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,
8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;
9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.
10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.
13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot* recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
15 And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot* come.
21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,
26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot* be my disciple.
27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot* be my disciple.
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
30 Saying, This* man began to build, and was not able to finish.
31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.
33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath*, he cannot* be my disciple.
34 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?
35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Summary
- Humility is rewarded: At a Pharisee's house for a Sabbath meal, Jesus observes guests taking the best seats. He teaches through a parable that one should take a humble seat, for the host might invite you to a better one. This signifies that those who humble themselves will be exalted. (verses 1-11)
- Invite the overlooked: Jesus tells the host to invite the poor, crippled, lame, and blind to feasts instead of inviting wealthy acquaintances who can reciprocate. True reward comes from helping those less fortunate. (verses 12-14)
- The Parable of the Great Supper: In a parable, a man prepares a banquet but the invited guests decline. The host then sends servants to invite the poor and marginalized, filling the house. This signifies God's desire for everyone to be part of his kingdom, not just the privileged. (verses 15-24)
- The Cost of Discipleship: Jesus emphasizes the commitment required to follow him. He uses parables of building a tower and a king going to war to illustrate that one must consider the sacrifices needed to be a disciple. (verses 25-33)
- Forsaking All to Follow Christ: Jesus teaches that true discipleship requires forsaking everything, even family and possessions, if necessary. This signifies complete devotion to God's will. (verses 33-35)
This chapter highlights themes of humility, generosity, true worth, and the sacrifices required to follow Jesus' teachings.
------------------------
Historical Background
Understanding the historical background of Luke 14 can enrich your interpretation of the passage. Here's some context to consider:
Social Hierarchy: First-century Judea had a rigid social hierarchy. Pharisees, who feature in the passage, were a powerful religious group known for their strict adherence to tradition. Social gatherings like the feast depicted reflected this hierarchy, with guests vying for the most prominent seats. (This helps understand Jesus' emphasis on humility.)
Treatment of the Marginalized: The poor, crippled, lame, and blind were often ostracized in Jewish society. Jesus' call to invite them challenged these social norms and highlighted God's concern for all.
Messianic Expectations: Many Jews awaited a conquering Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule. Jesus' parables about the banquet and the war might have been understood in this context, with the unexpected guests symbolizing God's inclusive kingdom.
By understanding these historical details, you can see how Jesus' teachings were both challenging the status quo and offering a more radical vision of God's kingdom, one that emphasized equality, humility, and love for the marginalized.
Pharisees and Sabbath Observance: The passage mentions Jesus being at the house of a Pharisee for a Sabbath meal. The Pharisees were known for their strict interpretation of Jewish law, which included specific rules about Sabbath observance. Jesus healing a man with dropsy (mentioned in some versions before verse 1) might have been seen as a violation of these rules by the Pharisees, setting the stage for Jesus' teachings that follow.
Parable Interpretation: The parables in Luke 14 are open to interpretation. Here are some additional thoughts:
The Parable of Choosing Seats: This parable could also be seen as a warning against pride and social climbing. Seeking the highest seat reflects a desire for status and recognition.
The Parable of the Great Supper: The "first invited" who refused could represent the Jewish religious leaders who rejected Jesus' message. The filling of the house with the poor and marginalized could symbolize the spread of the gospel to Gentiles and those outside the established religious circles.
Cost of Discipleship: Jesus' emphasis on the sacrifices required to follow him was likely a corrective to misconceptions about the Messiah. People might have expected a triumphant leader who would bring immediate earthly rewards. Jesus clarifies that following him requires commitment and self-denial.
Further Exploration: Here are some resources for further exploration:
Biblical commentaries on Luke 14: These can provide deeper analysis of the passage's historical context, themes, and interpretation.
Books on Jesus and the New Testament: These can offer broader context about Jesus' teachings and their significance in the early Christian world.
Online resources: Websites dedicated to biblical studies can provide additional insights and perspectives.
Remember, the Bible is open to interpretation, and there can be multiple ways to understand its message. By considering the historical background and different viewpoints, you can gain a richer understanding of Luke 14.
Here's some more to explore from Luke 14:
Nuances in Translation: The King James Version is a beautiful translation, but it's important to remember it was done in the 17th century. Some words and phrases might have slightly different meanings today. Consulting other translations or commentaries can provide fresh perspectives. For example, the phrase "hateth not his father" (verse 26) might be better understood as "does not love less than me" in the context of prioritizing following Jesus.
Literary Devices: The passage uses literary devices like parables to convey deeper meanings. Understanding these devices can help with interpretation. For instance, the extravagant feast in "The Parable of the Great Supper" is a metaphor for God's kingdom and its abundance.
Intertextuality: The Bible often references itself. Luke 14 might connect to other passages that speak of humility, generosity, or the nature of God's kingdom. Studying these connections can provide a more comprehensive understanding.
Application: The ultimate purpose of studying scripture is to apply its teachings to your life. Consider how the themes of Luke 14 - humility, generosity, commitment - can be relevant in your daily life and relationships.
Here are some resources to explore these aspects further:
Bible Study Tools: Online Bible study tools allow you to compare translations, see original language text, and access commentaries.
Theological Journals: Scholarly articles can offer in-depth analysis of specific passages and their theological implications.
Sermons and Lectures: Listening to sermons or lectures on Luke 14 can provide different interpretations and applications of the text.
By delving deeper into these areas, you can gain a richer understanding of Luke 14 and its enduring message.
Kingdom of God:
A central theme throughout the New Testament, the Kingdom of God isn't a physical place but a spiritual reality where God reigns supreme. Luke 14 portrays this kingdom as inclusive (the unexpected banquet guests) and emphasizing qualities like humility over worldly status.
Reversal of Fortunes: A recurring theme in Jewish apocalyptic thought, Jesus challenges the social order. The poor, crippled, and marginalized become the ones invited to God's table, while the seemingly privileged religious elite might be excluded.
Grace vs. Works: The parable of the Great Supper can be seen as a contrast between relying on good deeds for salvation (the initially invited guests) and receiving God's grace freely (the unexpected guests).
Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus isn't about earthly gain or recognition. It requires commitment, self-denial, and potentially sacrificing even close relationships.
Here's a deeper look at some theological connections:
Connection to Hebrew Bible: The concept of God inviting the marginalized finds roots in passages like Isaiah 55:1 where God calls all who are thirsty to come for water, signifying God's offer of salvation to all.
Jesus as Messiah: Some interpretations see the parables as veiled references to Jesus' identity as the Messiah. The rejected "first invited" could symbolize the Jewish leaders who rejected him, while the inclusive banquet represents the spread of the gospel to all.
New Covenant: The concept of a new covenant, replacing the old system of law, is implied. Jesus' teachings on humility and welcoming the marginalized go beyond established religious practices.
Remember, interpretations can vary. Here are some resources for further theological exploration:
Theological commentaries on Luke: These commentaries delve into the theological significance of the passage within the broader context of Christian belief.
Books on New Testament Theology: These explore the core theological themes of the New Testament writings.
Websites on Christian Theology: Websites dedicated to Christian theology can provide diverse perspectives on interpreting Luke 14.
By exploring the theological background, you can gain a richer understanding of how Luke 14 contributes to the core message of Christianity.
Early Church Interpretations: How did early Christians understand this passage? Studying the writings of Church Fathers like Augustine or Origen can provide insights into how these themes were interpreted close to the time of writing.
Different Christian Denominations: Denominations within Christianity might have slightly different interpretations of the text. Understanding these variations can enrich your perspective. For instance, some emphasize the call to social justice based on Jesus' emphasis on helping the marginalized, while others focus more on the individual's commitment to following Christ.
Modern Theological Debates: Theological discussions about the nature of God's kingdom, grace, and discipleship are ongoing. Exploring these debates can provide a deeper understanding of how the themes in Luke 14 remain relevant today.
Here are some resources to delve deeper:
Academic Journals: Scholarly journals on New Testament studies or Early Christianity might discuss interpretations of Luke 14. (These can be accessed through university libraries or online databases.)
Denominational Websites: Denominational websites often have Bible study materials or resources that explore scripture from their theological perspective.
Books on Contemporary Theology: Books on current theological discussions might explore how themes from Luke 14 are applied to modern issues.
Remember, studying the Bible is a journey of discovery. By exploring different perspectives and engaging with the text, you can gain a deeper understanding of its enduring message and its continued relevance in the world today.
No comments:
Post a Comment