Luke 14:15-35

We have seen that pride is not good for the one who is proud; it leads to his downfall.  But there is a more important issue.  Isaiah said that God is the only One who is high and lofty and who inhabits eternity and that He dwells with the one who has a contrite and humble spirit (Isa. 57:15).  The ultimate problem with the pride is that man’s pride leaves no room for God!

·        Jesus’ words to a man at the dinner, 14:15-24.

The words in v15 are true.  But it is likely that Jesus saw the one who said it as proud and/or as resisting Him as Messiah.  Out of love and mercy Jesus makes clear those who will enjoy the blessings of the future Kingdom of God.

The assumption of the Pharisees was that they would be there and would be front and center.  In fact they were in the process (and many had already come to the conclusion) of rejecting Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah.  

In the parable those initially invited to the supper are the people of Israel.  They excuses show their arrogance, that a land purchase or farm machinery (yokes of oxen) or one’s wife is more important than honoring the man inviting them to dinner.  The servant is then sent to the streets to invite the poor and the lame, and when there is still room in the dining hall he is sent even further away to compel people to come so that the house will be full.  These represent the Gentiles.

In the story the man who gave the supper symbolizes God.  God will be honored by a great multitude who will be part of His earthly Kingdom.  Israel’s rejection of God’s Son will not deter the Lord from receiving glory.  In fact Israel’s rejection will lead to the Gentiles salvation (Rom. 11:11-12).

·        Jesus’ words to the multitudes who followed Him, 14:25-35.

Following Him requires humility (Lk. 9:23f).  This passage is specific: God is exalted when men follow Christ without reservation.  We might have thought that the man whose did not come to the supper because of his new wife (14:20) had a valid excuse.  But when the one extending the offer is God, there are no excuses; rejecting His offer of grace is always an act of arrogance.  As v26 indicates, our love for God makes all other loves seem like hate in comparison.

The illustrations of v28-31 are full of insight.  Jesus is saying that this humility is hard to come by for humans.  Our pride exacts a high cost and is a great when it comes to following Christ.  It is the hardest thing for sinful people to lay down their own pride and the thought that they are able to please God through their own righteousness.  Self-denial is not only how we begin following Christ; it is our daily mindset (Lk. 9:23: let him deny himself and take up his cross daily).

Be sure to understand the closing verses (v34-35) in the context.  Apart from humility we cannot follow Christ.  Without humility we are like tasteless salt, useless for its intended purpose.  He who has ears to hear, let him hear!