Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost (Series C)
September 28th, 2016
Gospel: Luke 14:1-14
Epistle: Hebrews 13:1-17
Lesson: Proverbs 25:2-10
Psalm: Psalm 131
CLB Commentary – Prof. Brad Pribbenow
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges to preaching a Gospel text like Luke 14:1-14 is avoiding the pitfall of moralizing. Many may study this pericope and come to the conclusion that the main point of this text is something like: be humble, don’t be arrogant. Yet there is so much more here!
One look at all four readings for this Sunday reveals an emphasis on the themes of pride, humility and service of others. In a “how then shall we live” section of Hebrews (13:1-17), the author exhorts the believers to show hospitality to the stranger (Heb 13:1) and the prisoner (Heb 13:3) while submitting to the teaching of their leaders (Heb 13:7-9, 17). Proverbs 25:2-10 (especially vss. 6-7) sound a lot like Jesus’ teaching in Luke 14:7-11 in its instruction to practice a humble disposition before those in authority. And, lastly, the short psalm of ascent, Psalm 131, expresses a humble prayer of submission to Yahweh’s protection and care.
Looking more closely at the Gospel reading from Luke 14:1-14, we find three teachings which may, at first glance, seem somewhat disconnected. Upon further reflection, however, we find that they are all related in their common rebuke of human traditions and practices, which oppose life in the Kingdom of God. Some of these traditions and practices involve our tendency to elevate adherence to religion over compassion toward others in need, and our propensity to promote ourselves and what we do in order to gain the accolades of others.
The parable and teaching contained in verses 7-14 spring from the events described in verses 1-6. The parable (vss. 7-11) describes a very common experience of a wedding feast to which guests have been invited. As noted above, in words reminiscent of Proverbs 25:6-7, Jesus teaches that it is better to assume a humble position rather than it is to presume honor and to seek glory and recognition. The additional teaching found in verses 12-14 does not tell us it’s wrong to have fellowship with close friends but rather condemns an attitude which seeks to gain selfishly from one’s social interactions. It calls for the practicing of the ministry of hospitality as fueled by generosity and selflessness.
Now, as good Bible-believing people, your hearers may readily agree with this teaching from Jesus on the proper attitude of a Christian. We know (in our heads) it’s not good to be prideful or arrogant and that the fitting thing to do in the company of others is to defer to their needs. However, because God is a God who looks not at the outward appearance only but also at the heart (1 Sam 16:7), we know that the Holy God sees through our outward expressions of humility to our true internal attitude. And, truth be told, our inner reality looks a lot more like Romans 3:10-20 (“there is none righteous, not even one,” 3:10) than it does Luke 18:13 (“God, be merciful to me, the sinner!”).
Thus a thorough handling of this text must include an examination of the true nature of our sinful thoughts and attitudes. This is neither easy nor comfortable; but it is necessary. For only when we recognize and confess our sin in the areas of pride and self-sufficiency can we see the beauty and grace of what Jesus has done to rescue us from our perilous condition. We can turn to verses 1-6 for a most clear demonstration of this gift.
The fact that Jesus’ visit was under close scrutiny by his hosts (Luke 14:1) establishes the ongoing intention of the scribes and Pharisees as expressed in Luke 11:53-54. They were watching his actions and teachings closely so as to catch him in some error that would allow them to bring a legitimate case against him. It appears that in Luke 14:1-6, this close scrutiny only added to the potency of Jesus’ teachable moment.
A key factor in the healing miracle of verses 1-6 is that it presented itself on the Sabbath (14:1). Jewish interpretation of the law forbade healing (considered “work”) on the Sabbath. This understanding was based on a misreading of Deuteronomy 5:14. Jesus’ very intentional act of healing in this text is further accentuated by his poignant questions (vss. 3, 5)—questions which the Pharisees could not answer (14:4, 6). As in other instances in Luke (6:1-11; 13:10-17), Jesus used this opportunity to drive home a major point concerning a proper understanding of Sabbath and, ultimately, of God’s character. This teaching may be summed up in Matt 9:13, “‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (see also Matt 12:7; 15:1-11; 1 Sam 15:22; Hos 6:6; Ps 40:6-8; 51:16-17).
This “desire” of God’s is Good News to prideful, condemned sinners such as us. It declares to us that, although we may consider ourselves the honored guests in God’s presence (e.g. the ones who are more moral, more Biblically-informed, more righteous, etc. than others), we are most like the man in need of healing (14:2). His sickness was severe and clearly evident to everyone who looked at him. It put a label on him that was altogether unflattering, humiliating, and condemning. In contrast to the reproachful looks of the self-righteous, Jesus looked upon this man with mercy. As far as Jesus was concerned, no religious or cultural barrier was going to stand in the way of him delivering his healing to this man—and most certainly not the fact that it was the Sabbath day! What better day is there than the Sabbath to give to this man true healing and true rest—and, in the process, to bring glory to God?
We who have no right to be invited into God’s wedding feast have found, through faith in Jesus Christ, that we are not only invited, but we are his Bride. He who humbled himself for us (Phil 2:3-8) is now exalted (Phil 2:9-11) and has made us fit to be his Bride. Because he has served us, we in turn serve others through his power and with his grace. In this way, humility and love toward our neighbor is not a means of salvation but a fruit of salvation.
May you and your congregation be blessed as you revel in this Good News!