Luke 14
Luke’s reason for recording
- Luke shows Jesus continuing to expose and deal with Pharisaical hypocrisy.
- Luke repeatedly stresses the universal nature of salvation.
- Luke shows Jesus stressing the importance of responding quickly to his revelation.
Parallel Accounts
- Verses 1-14 are unique to Luke.
- Verses 15-24: Matt 22:1-10
- Verses 25-33: Matthew 10:37-38
- Verses 34-35: Matt 5:13 & Mark 9:49-50
Spoken in different contexts. This once again affirms that Jesus used the same or similar parables multiple times to illustrate different principles.
Context
- Luke is presenting this material in the context of Jesus traveling to Jerusalem.
- Jesus is invited to a leading Pharisee’s home for a meal on the Sabbath.
The hard life of a disciple
- Seek to provide the “rest” of others. – vv 1-6
- Consider others more important. – 7-11
- Do for others without expecting repayment. – 12-14
Notice the commonality? “OTHERS”
It’s hard to be a disciple when…
- You put yourself above the needs of others.
- You seek the honor of man.
- You expect to be repaid for what you have done.
Notice the commonality? “YOU”
Don’t allow YOU to become the reason for missing out on the blessings of God’s kingdom. – vv. 15-24
The blessings of God’s kingdom
- You will have rest.
- You will be honored.
- You will be rewarded.
The cost of discipleship – vv. 25-33
- Carefully contemplate the cost before making the decision to follow.
- The cost is giving up what WE think is important.
- The person who is not willing to allow God to transform them cannot be a true follower of Jesus.
Don’t put off making the decision because eventually the decision will be made for you. – vv. 34-35
Transformation Expectation
- Put other’s needs before your wants and desires.
- Consider others greater than yourself.
- Do without expecting repayment.
- Let nothing stand in your way of following Jesus.
- Make the most of every growth opportunity: don’t be non-committal.