Time after Pentecost · Year C
Proper 17
September 3, 2028
Overview & Insights
“Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)
This is the third time Luke has depicted Jesus as an invited guest at a Pharisee’s table (see also 7:36–50; 11:37–54), and on each occasion Jesus makes things uncomfortable, challenging the social conventions and the moral values of his hosts and fellow guests. In this case, the meal setting continues into 14:15–24, in which Jesus will use the motif of a special meal as the basis for a parable about the kingdom of God that picks up the theme of 14:12–14. But Jesus was equally at home in less respectable company, and the great parables of chapter 15 will be prompted by the objections that Pharisees raised to his eating with “sinners.” So the Pharisees, despite their occasional hospitality to Jesus, are finding themselves increasingly at odds with his teaching and his style of ministry.
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Commentary
Luke 14 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik on the Sabbath healing and the seating etiquette Jesus turns into a parable about humility.
Luke 14 Commentary Precept Austin
A verse-by-verse look at the healing of the man with dropsy and the parable of the wedding feast.
Luke 14:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentaries on the chapter's teaching about seating, humility and who to invite to a banquet.
Luke 14 - Barnes' Notes StudyLight
Barnes' Notes on why Jesus questions the lawyers and Pharisees about healing on the Sabbath before he acts.
Luke 14:1, 7-14 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Scott Hoezee on Jesus directing hosts to invite those who cannot repay them.
Commentary on Luke 14:1, 7-14 Working Preacher
On Jesus' instructions to hosts about inviting the poor, crippled, lame and blind.
Background & Word Study
Luke 14:1 Interlinear BibleHub
The Greek text word by word for 'everyone who exalts himself will be humbled.'
Luke Course Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's course overview of Luke, background on this meal scene in the travel narrative.
Luke Overview BibleProject
An animated overview of Luke's Gospel and its themes of reversal and the kingdom of God.
The Church Fathers
Study Hub
Questions preachers ask
What does Jesus teach at the feast?
Healing a man on the sabbath, Jesus then tells the guests not to take the place of honor but the lowest place, for the humble will be exalted (Luke 14:1–11).
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