Lucas 14

Lucas 14

Robertson - This is a parable for the host as one had just been given for the guests, though Luke does not term this a parable. Rod Mattoon has an interesting introduction to this next section he entitles "The Three Stooges" writing - When I was growing up as a boy, I can remember watching three men that were constantly doing foolish, nutty things and beating up on one another. These guys were absolutely crazy and were known as Moe, Larry, and Curly, otherwise known as The Three Stooges. Two of the men were actual brothers, Moe and Curly. The constant bings, bangs, bongs, dings, dongs, slaps, and punches would almost drive a person crazy, yet, people came back for more. In fact, they performed from 1922 to 1975. Their comedy, mockery, and foolishness drove Adolph Hitler into a rage. They were the first to do a small film making fun of Hitler. In 1940, their short film called "You Natzy Spy" put them on Hitler's Death List. When we look in this portion of Luke 14, we find the original Three Stooges. These men were also characterized by foolish, stupid thinking and behavior. The reason we note them is because many folks today think and act just like them. Let's take a look at this story so you can understand why many folks behave like The Three Stooges. (Treasures from the Scriptures) When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends (philos) or your brothers (adelphos) or your relatives or rich (plousios) neighbors (geiton) - Jesus is addressing the idea of reciprocity, the practice of exchanging things (in this case dinner invitations) with others (other prideful Pharisees) for mutual benefit. Do not invite (kaleo) is a command, present imperative with a negative, which calls for this Pharisee to stop inviting only friends, et al. Jesus is not saying he could not invite friends, but that he needed a "motive check!" He should not do so to the exclusion of others. In other words, Jesus is condemning his social exclusivism (then and now)! This host was self-seeking in his selection of guests! Warren