Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 14:12

"And he said to him also that had bidden him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, nor thy kinsmen, nor rich neighbors; lest haply they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee." — Luke 14:12 (ASV)

Call not your friends, etc. This is not to be understood as commanding us not to entertain at all our relatives and friends; rather, we are to remember the design with which our Lord spoke.

He intended, doubtless, to reprove those who sought the society of the wealthy (and particularly rich relatives), and those who claimed to be intimate with the great and honourable, and who, to show their intimacy, were in the habit of seeking their society and making for them expensive entertainments.

He also meant to commend charity shown to the poor. The passage means, therefore, call not only your friends, but also call the poor, etc. (1 Samuel 15:22; Jeremiah 7:22–23).

Matthew 9:13.

Your kinsmen. Your relations.

A recompense. Lest they feel themselves bound to treat you with the same kindness, and, in doing so, neither you nor they will show any kind spirit, or any disposition to do good beyond what is repaid.