Luk 14 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-6 This Pharisee, as well as others, seems to have had an ill design in entertaining Jesus at his house. But our Lord would not be hindered from healing a man, though he knew a clamour would be raised at his doing it on the sabbath. It requires care to understand the proper connexion between piety and charity in observing the sabbath, and the distinction between works of real necessity and habits of self-indulgence. Wisdom from above, teaches patient perseverance in well-doing.

‏ Luke 14

* Christ heals a man on the sabbath. (1-6) He teaches humility.

(7-14) Parable of the great supper. (15-24) The necessity of

consideration and self-denial. (25-35)

1-6 This Pharisee, as well as others, seems to have had an ill

design in entertaining Jesus at his house. But our Lord would

not be hindered from healing a man, though he knew a clamour

would be raised at his doing it on the sabbath. It requires care

to understand the proper connexion between piety and charity in

observing the sabbath, and the distinction between works of real

necessity and habits of self-indulgence. Wisdom from above,

teaches patient perseverance in well-doing. 7-14 Even in the common actions of life, Christ marks what we

do, not only in our religious assemblies, but at our tables. We

see in many cases, that a man's pride will bring him low, and

before honour is humility. Our Saviour here teaches, that works

of charity are better than works of show. But our Lord did not

mean that a proud and unbelieving liberality should be rewarded,

but that his precept of doing good to the poor and afflicted

should be observed from love to him. 15-24 In this parable observe the free grace and mercy of God

shining in the gospel of Christ, which will be food and a feast

for the soul of a man that knows its own wants and miseries. All

found some pretence to put off their attendance. This reproves

the Jewish nation for their neglect of the offers of Christ's

grace. It shows also the backwardness there is to close with the

gospel call. The want of gratitude in those who slight gospel

offers, and the contempt put upon the God of heaven thereby,

justly provoke him. The apostles were to turn to the Gentiles,

when the Jews refused the offer; and with them the church was

filled. The provision made for precious souls in the gospel of

Christ, has not been made in vain; for if some reject, others

will thankfully accept the offer. The very poor and low in the

world, shall be as welcome to Christ as the rich and great; and

many times the gospel has the greatest success among those that

labour under worldly disadvantages and bodily infirmities.

Christ's house shall at last be filled; it will be so when the

number of the elect is completed. 25-35 Though the disciples of Christ are not all crucified, yet

they all bear their cross, and must bear it in the way of duty.

Jesus bids them count upon it, and then consider of it. Our

Saviour explains this by two similitudes; the former showing

that we must consider the expenses of our religion; the latter,

that we must consider the perils of it. Sit down and count the

cost; consider it will cost the mortifying of sin, even the most

beloved lusts. The proudest and most daring sinner cannot stand

against God, for who knows the power of his anger? It is our

interest to seek peace with him, and we need not send to ask

conditions of peace, they are offered to us, and are highly to

our advantage. In some way a disciple of Christ will be put to

the trial. May we seek to be disciples indeed, and be careful

not to grow slack in our profession, or afraid of the cross;

that we may be the good salt of the earth, to season those

around us with the savour of Christ.