Jesus Heals a Man with Dropsy 1One Sabbath, Jesus went to eat in the home of a leading Pharisee, and those in attendance were watching Him closely. 2Right there before Him was a man with dropsy. 3So Jesus asked the experts in the law and the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” 4But they remained silent. Then Jesus took hold of the man, healed him, and sent him on his way. 5And He asked them, “Which of you whose sona or ox falls into a pit on the Sabbath day will not immediately pull him out?” 6And they were unable to answer these questions. The Parable of the Guests 7When Jesus noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, He told them a parable: 8“When you are invited to a wedding banquet, do not sit in the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited. 9Then the host who invited both of you will come and tell you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ And in humiliation, you will have to take the last place. 10But when you are invited, go and sit in the last place, so that your host will come and tell you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’b Then you will be honored in front of everyone at the table with you. 11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” 12Then Jesus said to the man who had invited Him, “When you host a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or brothers or relatives or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they may invite you in return, and you will be repaid. 13But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, 14and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” The Parable of the Banquet 15When one of those reclining with Him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is everyone who will eat at the feastc in the kingdom of God.” 16But Jesus replied, “A certain man prepared a great banquet and invited many guests. 17When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18But one after another they all began to make excuses. The first one said, ‘I have bought a field, and I need to go see it. Please excuse me.’ 19Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, so I cannot come.’ 21The servant returned and reported all this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the city, and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ 22‘Sir,’ the servant replied, ‘what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.’ 23So the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. 24For I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will taste my banquet.’” The Cost of Discipleship 25Now large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and He turned and said to them, 26“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. 27And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple. 28Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it? 29Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30saying, ‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’ 31Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace. 33In the same way, any one of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple. Good Salt 34Salt is good, but if the salt loses its savor, with what will it be seasoned? 35It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile, and it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Luke 14 Summary The Parables of the Guests and the BanquetVerses 1–6 – Healing on the Sabbath Verses 7–11 – Choosing the Lowest Place Verses 12–14 – Invite the Outsiders Verses 15–24 – Parable of the Great Banquet Verses 25–33 – The Cost of Discipleship Verses 34–35 – Salt without Flavor In Luke 14, Jesus confronts religious leaders' hypocrisy, teaches on humility and generosity, and underscores the costs and demands of discipleship. This chapter provides profound insights on Kingdom values that contrast sharply with societal norms, emphasizing humble service, generous hospitality, ready acceptance of God's invitation, and unwavering commitment to following Jesus. Historical Setting • Banquets were status events in first-century Judea. Seating order signified rank; reclining on couches (triclinium style) placed the most honored near the host (cf. John 13:23). Jesus uses this social reality to expose pride. • Dropsy (edema) was viewed as incurable, making the healed man a striking public sign. Sabbath meals often followed synagogue worship; invitations to visiting teachers were common (Luke 7:36; 11:37). • Pharisees defended strict Sabbath rules based on Exodus 20:8–11, yet allowances already existed for rescuing livestock (Deuteronomy 22:4). Jesus highlights their inconsistency by equating human need with animal rescue. Archaeological Insights • Excavations at first-century homes in Capernaum and Chorazin show large reception rooms with stone couches, matching Luke’s picture of guests jockeying for position. • Stone water jars and narrow doorways confirm why servants would “go out quickly into the streets and alleys” (v. 21) to gather the marginal people. • Salt from the Dead Sea region often mixed with gypsum; humidity leached away sodium chloride, leaving tasteless residue—perfect backdrop for verses 34-35. Key Themes and Practical Teaching Humility before Honor (7-11) – Proverbs 25:6-7 foretells Jesus’ advice; James 4:10 and 1 Peter 5:5-6 echo it. – Status chasing blocks Kingdom vision. Choosing the low seat invites God’s promotion rather than self-advancement. Compassion over Convention (1-6; 12-14) – Isaiah 58:6 links Sabbath observance with acts of mercy. – Inviting the poor reflects God’s heart in Deuteronomy 14:29 and Luke 6:34-36. Hospitality becomes mission, not social payback. The Open Invitation (15-24) – The parable parallels Matthew 22:1-14. The first invitees picture Israel’s religious elite; the second wave signals outcasts; the highways reveal a worldwide call (Acts 13:46; Romans 11:11). – Excuses—property, work, relationships—still keep many from God’s table today. Counting the Cost (25-33) – Jesus demands highest allegiance (Matthew 10:37-39). “Carry his own cross” foreshadows persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). – Two mini-parables: Builder and King. Both stress planning. Following Christ is not emotional impulse but total surrender (Philippians 3:7-8). Salt and Influence (34-35) – Salt flavored food, preserved meat, and fertilized soil. Flavorless salt is a warning against half-hearted discipleship (Matthew 5:13). – A believer who loses distinctiveness ceases to influence culture. Connections within Luke • Sabbath healings recur (Luke 6:6-11; 13:10-17), showing a consistent clash with legalism. • Meals frame much of Luke (5:29; 7:36; 11:37; 19:5; 22:14), emphasizing fellowship as Kingdom foretaste. • The journey motif (Luke 9:51-19:27) continues; Jesus teaches life-on-the-road discipleship. Simple Takeaways 1. Mercy trumps ritual—people matter more than rules. 2. Seek the back seat and let God move you forward. 3. Use your table to bless those who cannot repay. 4. Accept God’s invitation today; excuses have eternal cost. 5. Following Jesus costs everything but gains even more. 6. Stay salty—keep your witness sharp and distinct. Selected Quotations Luke 14:5 – “Which of you, if your son or ox falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?” Luke 14:11 – “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:23 – “Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” Luke 14:33 – “So then, none of you can be My disciple unless he gives up everything he has.” Luke 14:35 – “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Connections to Additional Scriptures Compassion Over Legalism Matthew 12:9-14, where Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. Humility Philippians 2:3-4, which calls believers to consider others more significant than themselves. God's Invitation Revelation 3:20, where Jesus stands at the door and knocks, inviting us to fellowship with Him. Cost of Discipleship Matthew 16:24-26, where Jesus speaks about taking up one's cross to follow Him. Salt and Light Matthew 5:13-16, which encourages believers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Teaching Points The Healing on the Sabbath (Luke 14:1-6)Jesus heals a man with dropsy on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' legalism. He asks, Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out? (Luke 14:5). This highlights the importance of compassion over rigid adherence to rules. The Parable of the Wedding Feast (Luke 14:7-11) Jesus teaches about humility, advising guests to take the lowest place at a feast. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted (Luke 14:11). This parable emphasizes the value of humility in God's kingdom. The Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:12-24) Jesus tells of a man who invites many to a banquet, but they make excuses. The invitation is then extended to the poor and outcasts. This illustrates God's open invitation to all, regardless of status, and warns against the danger of rejecting His call. The Cost of Discipleship (Luke 14:25-33) Jesus speaks about the cost of following Him, saying, If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:26). This hyperbolic language underscores the need for total commitment to Christ. Salt Without Taste (Luke 14:34-35) Jesus concludes with a metaphor about salt losing its flavor, symbolizing the importance of maintaining our distinctiveness as His followers. Practical Applications Prioritize CompassionEvaluate areas in your life where legalism may overshadow compassion. Seek to show love and mercy, following Jesus' example. Practice Humility In social settings, choose to serve others and take the lower place, trusting that God will honor your humility. Respond to God's Invitation Reflect on any excuses you might be making that prevent you from fully accepting God's call. Commit to being part of His kingdom work. Count the Cost Consider what sacrifices you may need to make to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Are there relationships or possessions that compete with your devotion to Him? Maintain Your Witness Ensure that your life reflects the distinctiveness of a follower of Christ, preserving your saltiness in a world that needs His flavor. People 1. JesusThe central figure in the chapter, Jesus is depicted as a teacher and healer. He is invited to dine at the house of a prominent Pharisee and uses the occasion to teach about humility, the cost of discipleship, and the kingdom of God. 2. The Pharisee A prominent member of the Pharisees who invites Jesus to his house for a meal on the Sabbath. The Pharisees were a religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and traditions. 3. The Man with Dropsy A man suffering from dropsy (edema), whom Jesus heals on the Sabbath. This healing prompts a discussion about the legality of performing such acts on the Sabbath. 4. The Guests Other individuals present at the Pharisee's house, who are used by Jesus as examples in His parable about choosing places of honor at a banquet. 5. The Host The person who invited Jesus and the other guests to the meal. Jesus addresses him directly in a parable about whom to invite to a banquet, encouraging him to invite the poor, crippled, lame, and blind. 6. The Poor, Crippled, Lame, and Blind These groups are mentioned in Jesus' teaching about whom to invite to a banquet, symbolizing those who are often marginalized and overlooked in society. 7. The Servant In the Parable of the Great Banquet, the servant is sent by the master to invite guests to the feast. When the initial invitees make excuses, the servant is instructed to bring in the poor, crippled, blind, and lame. 8. The Master of the House In the Parable of the Great Banquet, the master represents God, who invites many to His kingdom. When the initial invitees refuse, he extends the invitation to others, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles and the marginalized. 9. The Large Crowds These are the people who were traveling with Jesus. He addresses them with teachings about the cost of discipleship, emphasizing the need for total commitment. In the original Greek, terms like "Pharisee" (Φαρισαῖος, Pharisaios) and "dropsy" (ὑδρωπικός, hudrōpikos) provide context for understanding the cultural and medical aspects of the narrative. The parables and teachings of Jesus in this chapter highlight themes of humility, inclusion, and the demands of following Him. Places 1. House of a Leading PhariseeThe chapter begins with Jesus going to dine at the house of a prominent Pharisee on the Sabbath. This setting is significant as it provides the backdrop for Jesus' teachings and parables about humility, hospitality, and the cost of discipleship. The Greek term used for "house" is "οἶκος" (oikos), which can refer to a physical dwelling or household. 2. Banquet Table While not a physical location, the banquet table is a central theme in Jesus' parables in this chapter. It symbolizes the Kingdom of God and the invitation to partake in it. The Greek word "τράπεζα" (trapeza) is used for "table," emphasizing the communal and inclusive nature of the Kingdom. Events 1. Healing on the Sabbath (Luke 14:1-6)Jesus is invited to dine at the house of a prominent Pharisee on the Sabbath. Observing a man suffering from dropsy, Jesus poses a question to the Pharisees and experts in the law about the legality of healing on the Sabbath. When they remain silent, He heals the man and challenges their understanding of the law, highlighting the importance of compassion over legalism. 2. Parable of the Guests (Luke 14:7-11) Jesus notices how the guests choose places of honor at the table and shares a parable. He advises choosing the lowest place to avoid embarrassment and to be exalted by the host, teaching that "everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." 3. Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:12-24) Jesus tells another parable about a man who prepares a great banquet and invites many guests. When the invited guests make excuses not to attend, the host invites the poor, crippled, blind, and lame, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's kingdom and the rejection of those who refuse His invitation. 4. The Cost of Discipleship (Luke 14:25-33) As large crowds follow Him, Jesus speaks about the cost of being His disciple. He uses strong language, saying one must "hate" their family and even their own life to follow Him, emphasizing the need for total commitment. He illustrates this with examples of calculating the cost before building a tower or going to war. 5. Parable of Salt (Luke 14:34-35) Jesus concludes with a metaphor about salt, stating that "salt is good, but if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again?" This highlights the importance of maintaining one's distinctiveness and effectiveness as a disciple. Topics 1. Healing on the Sabbath (Luke 14:1-6)Jesus heals a man with dropsy on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' understanding of the law. The Greek word for "dropsy" (ὑδρωπικός, hydropikos) refers to a condition involving swelling due to fluid retention, highlighting Jesus' compassion and authority over legalistic interpretations. 2. The Parable of the Wedding Feast (Luke 14:7-11) Jesus teaches about humility through a parable, advising guests to take the lowest place at a feast. The Greek term for "humble" (ταπεινόω, tapeinoō) emphasizes the virtue of lowering oneself, which leads to exaltation by God. 3. The Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:12-24) Jesus tells a parable about a man who invites many to a great banquet, but they make excuses. The Greek word for "invite" (καλέω, kaleō) signifies a calling or summoning, reflecting God's invitation to His kingdom, which some reject. 4. The Cost of Discipleship (Luke 14:25-33) Jesus outlines the demands of true discipleship, including the need to prioritize Him above all else. The Greek word for "disciple" (μαθητής, mathētēs) indicates a learner or follower, underscoring the commitment required to follow Christ. 5. Salt Without Taste (Luke 14:34-35) Jesus uses the metaphor of salt losing its flavor to illustrate the importance of maintaining one's distinctiveness as a disciple. The Greek word for "salt" (ἅλας, halas) symbolizes preservation and purity, essential qualities for believers. Themes 1. Humility and ExaltationJesus teaches the importance of humility, emphasizing that those who humble themselves will be exalted. In Luke 14:11, it states, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted." The Greek word for "humble" (ταπεινόω, tapeinoō) conveys the idea of lowering oneself in status or importance. 2. Compassion and Healing on the Sabbath Jesus heals a man with dropsy on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' legalistic views. In Luke 14:3-4, Jesus asks, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?" This theme highlights the priority of compassion over strict Sabbath observance, reflecting the heart of the law. 3. The Call to Selflessness Jesus instructs His followers to invite the poor, crippled, lame, and blind to their feasts, rather than those who can repay them. Luke 14:13-14 says, "But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed." This teaching emphasizes selflessness and generosity. 4. The Cost of Discipleship Jesus outlines the cost of following Him, including the need to prioritize Him above family and personal desires. In Luke 14:27, He states, "And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple." The Greek word for "disciple" (μαθητής, mathētēs) implies a learner or follower who is committed to the teachings of a master. 5. The Parable of the Great Banquet This parable illustrates the invitation to God's kingdom and the rejection by those who are preoccupied with worldly concerns. Luke 14:16-17 describes, "A certain man prepared a great banquet and invited many guests. When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’" The theme underscores the inclusivity of God's invitation and the consequences of rejecting it. 6. Counting the Cost Jesus uses the analogy of building a tower and going to war to teach about the importance of considering the cost of discipleship. In Luke 14:28, He asks, "Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?" This theme encourages thoughtful commitment to following Christ. Answering Tough Questions 1. Luke 14:3–4: How can Jesus justify healing on the Sabbath, when Old Testament law (Exodus 20:8–11) seems strict about keeping it holy? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Jesus' healing on the Sabbath challenge religious traditions? 2. What does Jesus' advice to the guests at the Pharisee's house teach us about humility? 3. How can we apply Jesus' instruction about whom to invite to our feasts in our daily life? 4. What does the parable of the great banquet reveal about God's invitation and human responses? 5. How do Jesus' teachings on the cost of discipleship resonate with your personal experiences of following Him? 6. What implications does the idea of choosing the lower position have for our interactions with others? 7. How might inviting the less fortunate to our table change our perspective on generosity and hospitality? 8. How does the parable of the great banquet challenge societal norms and expectations? 9. How do you understand Jesus' requirement to "hate" family and life in the context of discipleship? 10. How does the metaphor of tasteless salt shape our understanding of Christian influence? 11. In what ways can we exhibit humility as depicted in Jesus' advice to guests at a feast? 12. How might the generosity shown in inviting those who can't repay influence our attitudes towards giving? 13. How do the excuses made by the invited guests in the parable reflect common attitudes towards spiritual matters today? 14. In what areas of your life have you experienced or are experiencing the cost of discipleship? 15. How can the metaphor of unfinished construction work inspire you to plan and count the cost in your walk with Christ? 16. How can Jesus' discourse on salt losing its flavor motivate us to maintain our distinct Christian values? 17. How do we reconcile Jesus' statement about hating family with His other teachings on love? 18. How can Jesus' teachings in this chapter guide our interactions with those considered least in society? 19. How does this chapter influence your understanding and response to the invitation to God's Kingdom? 20. How do we ensure we are not like the tasteless salt in our Christian walk? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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