Luke 14:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 14:16
16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
Chapter Context
Luke 14 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, discipleship, grace. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 14:16
16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
Analysis
Jesus responds with a parable: 'Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many.' The parable begins innocuously—'a certain man' (ἄνθρωπός τις, anthrōpos tis) 'made a great supper' (ἐποίησεν δεῖπνον μέγα, epoiēsen deipnon mega) 'and bade many' (καὶ ἐκάλεσεν πολλούς, kai ekalesen pollous, invited many). This pictures God's gracious invitation to enter His kingdom. The 'great supper' represents salvation's blessings—intimate fellowship with God, eternal life, joy. That he 'bade many' shows the invitation's wide scope—God desires all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9). The parable will reveal that invitation alone doesn't save; accepting the invitation is required.
Historical Context
In ancient culture, wealthy hosts sent initial invitations well in advance, then summoned guests when the feast was ready (as in Esther 6:14). This two-stage invitation process forms the parable's background. God's initial invitation came through the Old Testament prophets; Jesus represents the final summons—the kingdom is at hand, the feast is ready. Israel's rejection of Jesus despite centuries of prophetic preparation fulfills the parable's warning. The pattern continues—God invites all through gospel proclamation, but many refuse. The parable teaches that hearing the gospel without responding in faith brings greater condemnation than never hearing at all.
Reflection
- How does the great supper illustrate salvation as God's gracious initiative rather than human achievement?
- What does the two-stage invitation (advance notice, then final summons) teach about progressive revelation and gospel urgency?
- In what ways does this parable challenge both presumption (assuming participation) and despair (assuming exclusion)?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Revelation 3:20, 22:17