Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

Having addressed the Pharisee’s guests, Jesus turns to his host and speaks words resembling 6:32–36 (see comments). In view of one’s ultimate reward from God, one should do good to those who cannot repay it, and without expecting a reward (cf. 6:35). Also, v.13 recalls Luke’s report of Jesus’ own concern for the poor and oppressed (cf. 4:18; 6:20–21).