v1-6     The third visit to a Pharisee’s house, see 7.36; 11.37. The Lord came to call sinners, and that included Pharisees. He used the opportunities to explain the way of truth;

the nature of forgiveness (7.44-50);

the nature of true godliness, as opposed to legalism (11.39-52); and

the proper attitude to the Sabbath day.

Jesus’ challenge brought an embarrassed silence from the Pharisees. They were guilty of a lack of compassion, and a lack of power. Their man-made rules brought an appearance of godliness, but prevented them from showing mercy.

v7-8     Jesus did not only criticise bad attitudes, He commended proper attitudes. He recommended that they take the lowest place, with an attitude of humility.

v9-11  Jesus developed the scene in the parable, so those hearing would imagine the feast, with one being asked to take a better seat, another a lower seat. His challenge was inclusive, “everyone who …”, so none of His hearers could escape the application.

            The wording in v9 indicates that the one being asked to move to a lower seat went with reluctance and unwillingness, perhaps feeling embarrassed.

v12-14            Christ’s attitude is that salvation comes to those who cannot repay. Again, the implication is that the Pharisees tended to invite those who could and would repay them. Good works are commanded without thought of reward; 6.27-36; 10.33-35. The promise is that God will reward those who have done good without thought of reward.

v15            Perhaps in response to the Lord’s previous statements, one man declared how blessed it would be for anyone to feast in the kingdom of God. His words seem to reflect a genuine spiritual desire. The Lord answered his comment with a parable, which would test that desire. The lesson is, ‘Heaven is for the undeserving, not the unwilling’.

v16-17            Everything is ready, “It is finished”, salvation is accomplished, we can contribute nothing; our part is only to accept the invitation, and enter into what God has prepared for us.

v18-20            They “all” made excuses not to come. These were legitimate reasons, property, work, marriage; but these kept men from the banquet. Thus, we understand, such legitimate things can keep a man from Christ. We lose out when we give greater priority to these things. Unbelief and immorality may slay their thousands, but ‘decent, plausible, smooth-spoken excuses’ (J C Ryle) slay their tens thousands. Beware lest our ordinary human activities and responsibilities keep us from Christ. See also 9.57-62, where three excuses were offered as to why some would not follow Christ.

v21-24            As in v13; of such as these is the kingdom of God. Not many wise, not many mighty, not many noble, are chosen (1 Cor 1.26). We are encouraged to have God’s heart for the poor. The house of God will be full, but those originally invited miss out on God’s eternal blessings. The Jewish hearers would not miss the clear application, which they could miss out on what God had for them.

v25-27            Luke moves us on to a different scene. A great, but mixed, multitude, so Jesus brought challenging words, a call to commitment and discipleship and self-sacrifice. He made clear conditions for those who would follow Him. Without such deliberate commitment, one “cannot be my disciple.”

            Christ’s use of the word “hate” is striking. However, His meaning is clear, that our love for Him must exceed any love for others; see Gen 29.30-31 which describes Jacob’s greater love for Rachel; and Deut 21.15-17 where a man prefers one wife before another; and Rom 9.13 quoting Mal 1.2-3; and Matt 6.24, in the Sermon on the Mount.

            Christ frequently spoke in this way; 11.23, 26; 12.5, 9. It seems His words would have contrasted with the legalism of formalism of the religious leaders.

v28-33            Counting the cost. The application, in verse 33, is of giving up everything for His sake. This is the cost His followers were asked to make. Having weighed up the various issues, the only conclusion is that it is right to give ourselves fully to Jesus Christ. The choice is ours to make; to “give up everything” is something we do deliberately.

v34-35            Salt was regarded as insignificant in size, but with great effect in giving taste. Rather it ought to have such effect; impurities would rob it of that effect. Similarly, the one who truly follows God may be one amongst many, but he can have a great impact. Such impact is lost if the “saltiness” is gone. Thus the follower of God must be committed.

            A salt was obtained from the Dead Sea, called bituminous salt, which easily became useless, and was spread on the walkways in the temple area to prevent slipping.

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