This passage in Luke 14 is in the midst of some of Jesus’ teaching about humility and rewards. He is sitting at a banquet table in the home of a wealthy Pharisee. A man with a disease known as “dropsy” is there. 

This strange condition was a dysfunction of the heart, liver and kidneys causing water to collect in the cavities of the body and under the skin. Jesus asked if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath Day. When they did not answer, He healed the man. Then He taught the importance of helping those in need.

He reminded them that when they gave a “dinner” they invited their “friends,” “brothers,” “relatives” and “rich neighbors” so that in return they would “invite” them to their homes the next time and they would be “repaid.”

Jesus says if you are going to provide a meal for someone, invite “the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:” In effect, invite the beggars. He tells us that because these poor people cannot repay us, we will be “blessed.” At the judgment seat of Christ, we will receive eternal rewards.

Jesus gave a parable about “A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:” Imagine as he prepares for this fine banquet. Invitations were printed and mailed. A menu was created. Food was prepared. Tables were set. Everything was ready.

At “supper time,” the Bible says that no one showed up. Many made excuses why they could not attend or participate. “God, please help me never to make excuses.”