What does "repaid at the resurrection" in Luke 14:14 imply about eternal rewards? Setting in Luke 14 Luke 14 records Jesus dining at a Pharisee’s house, teaching about humility and generosity. After urging His host to invite “the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,” Jesus concludes, “and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:14). The Promise: “You Will Be Repaid” • “Repaid” is a concrete term; Jesus speaks of an actual, future settlement. • The repayment is not social favor, money, or earthly applause—those are explicitly absent. • The Giver is God Himself, who never forgets a cup of cold water offered in His name (Matthew 10:42). What Kind of Repayment? Eternal Rewards, Not Earthly Payback • Scripture distinguishes salvation (a free gift by grace) from rewards (wages for faithful service). Compare: – Ephesians 2:8-9—salvation is “not by works.” – 1 Corinthians 3:12-15—our works are tested; what endures is rewarded. • Rewards include: – Commendation from Christ (Matthew 25:21). – Crown imagery (2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4). – Increased stewardship in the coming kingdom (Luke 19:17). • These rewards are eternal, imperishable, and secure (1 Peter 1:4). When Does the Payment Happen? “At the Resurrection of the Righteous” • This phrase ties reward to a specific future event—the bodily resurrection of believers (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). • Resurrection marks the moment believers stand before Christ’s judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10); the repayment Jesus promises in Luke 14:14 is part of that evaluation. • The timing underscores certainty: as surely as Christ rose, the righteous will rise and receive what is due (Revelation 22:12). Who Qualifies for These Rewards? • “The righteous” are those justified by faith in Christ (Romans 5:1). • Good works do not purchase righteousness; they flow from it (James 2:18). • Acts done for those who “cannot repay” display motives purified from self-interest—exactly the kind God delights to reward (Matthew 6:3-4). Practical Takeaways for Today • Live generously without calculating earthly return; heaven’s ledger is the one that counts. • Remember that unseen service is never unnoticed; God keeps perfect records (Hebrews 6:10). • Let the certainty of resurrection-reward fuel perseverance when kindness is overlooked or costly. • Store up treasure where moth and rust cannot destroy (Matthew 6:19-21), confident that “you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” |
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