In Luke chapters 14 to 19 of the King James Bible, Jesus continues His ministry, teaching in parables, performing miracles, and revealing profound spiritual truths. These chapters are rich with lessons on humility, repentance, the cost of discipleship, and the nature of God’s kingdom. Let’s explore the key events and teachings in these chapters.
Luke 14: Lessons on Humility and Discipleship
Chapter 14 opens with Jesus dining at the house of a Pharisee, where He observes how people choose the best seats for themselves. This leads Him to teach the Parable of the Wedding Feast, where He advises guests to choose the lowest seats. Jesus says, “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:11 KJV). Humility is a central theme in this parable, highlighting the value God places on a humble spirit.
Jesus then tells the Parable of the Great Supper, where a man invites many to a great feast, but they all make excuses not to attend. The man responds by inviting the poor, crippled, blind, and lame—those whom society overlooks. This parable illustrates that the invitation to God’s kingdom is open to all, but many will reject it because of their worldly concerns.
The chapter ends with Jesus teaching about the cost of discipleship. He makes it clear that following Him requires a deep commitment, saying, “Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27 KJV). Jesus emphasizes that His followers must be willing to give up everything, including their own desires, to truly follow Him.
Luke 15: The Parables of Lost Things
Luke 15 contains some of the most well-known and beloved parables in the Bible, all centered around the theme of God’s love for the lost. The chapter begins with the Parable of the Lost Sheep, where a shepherd leaves 99 sheep to find one that is lost. Jesus explains that there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.
Next is the Parable of the Lost Coin, where a woman diligently searches for a lost coin until she finds it. Both parables highlight God’s relentless pursuit of the lost and His joy when they are found.
The chapter culminates with the Parable of the Prodigal Son. A young man asks for his inheritance, squanders it in a distant country, and finds himself destitute. In desperation, he returns to his father, who welcomes him back with open arms and a grand celebration. The father’s forgiveness represents God’s grace, while the older brother’s resentment reflects those who struggle to understand God’s mercy for repentant sinners. This parable is a powerful illustration of God’s boundless love and readiness to forgive.
Luke 16: Parables of Stewardship and Eternity
Luke 16 begins with the Parable of the Unjust Steward, where a dishonest manager is commended for his shrewdness in securing his future after being fired. While the parable may seem confusing at first, Jesus uses it to teach His followers about the importance of being wise and responsible with worldly wealth, which pales in comparison to eternal treasures.
Next, Jesus shares the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus. The rich man lives a life of luxury while ignoring the beggar Lazarus, who lies at his gate. After death, Lazarus is comforted in Abraham’s bosom, while the rich man suffers in torment. The rich man pleads for mercy but is told that it is too late. This story emphasizes the reality of eternal consequences and the importance of living a life of compassion and faithfulness to God’s word.
Luke 17: Faith, Gratitude, and the Coming Kingdom
In Luke 17, Jesus teaches His disciples about faith and forgiveness, urging them to forgive others, even if they sin repeatedly. He says, “If thy brother trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him” (Luke 17:4 KJV). The disciples, realizing the difficulty of this command, ask Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus responds that even faith the size of a mustard seed can accomplish great things.
The chapter also includes the story of ten lepers who are healed by Jesus. Only one, a Samaritan, returns to give thanks, prompting Jesus to say, “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17 KJV). This story highlights the importance of gratitude and recognizing God’s blessings.
Jesus then speaks about the coming of the kingdom of God, emphasizing that it will not come with observable signs but is already among them. He also warns of the suddenness of His return and the need to be prepared.
Luke 18: Parables of Persistence and Humility
Luke 18 opens with the Parable of the Persistent Widow, where a widow repeatedly pleads with a judge for justice until he grants her request. Jesus uses this story to encourage His followers to pray persistently and not lose heart, saying that God will “avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him” (Luke 18:7 KJV).
Next is the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, which contrasts the self-righteousness of a Pharisee with the humility of a tax collector. While the Pharisee boasts of his righteousness, the publican humbly prays, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13 KJV). Jesus concludes that the publican, not the Pharisee, is justified before God, teaching that humility is key to being accepted by God.
The chapter also contains the story of the rich young ruler, who asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell all he has and follow Him, but the young man leaves sorrowful because of his great wealth. Jesus remarks, “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!” (Luke 18:24 KJV), showing that earthly attachments can hinder one’s spiritual journey.
Jesus then predicts His death and resurrection for the third time, reminding His disciples of the ultimate sacrifice He will make.
Luke 19: The Triumphal Entry and the Parable of the Ten Pounds
Luke 19 begins with the story of Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector who climbs a tree to see Jesus. When Jesus calls Zacchaeus by name and declares that He will stay at his house, the crowd murmurs, questioning why Jesus would associate with a sinner. However, Zacchaeus repents, pledging to give half of his wealth to the poor and to repay those he has wronged. Jesus responds, “This day is salvation come to this house” (Luke 19:9 KJV), highlighting the transformative power of repentance and God’s grace.
Next, Jesus tells the Parable of the Ten Pounds, in which a nobleman entrusts his servants with money before leaving for a distant country. Upon his return, he rewards those who wisely invested the money and punishes the one who did nothing with it. This parable teaches about the importance of faithfulness in using the resources God has given us.
The chapter ends with the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, where Jesus rides on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy. The crowd praises Him as king, but Jesus weeps over the city, knowing that it will face destruction because of its rejection of Him.
Conclusion
In Luke chapters 14 to 19 (KJV), Jesus teaches profound lessons through parables and interactions with people from various walks of life. These chapters reveal the importance of humility, repentance, faithfulness, and the cost of discipleship. Through the stories of Zacchaeus, the Prodigal Son, and others, we see the depth of God’s grace and the open invitation to join His kingdom. The Gospel of Luke emphasizes that God’s love extends to all, but it also requires a heartfelt response of faith and commitment.
