Luke 14:21

"“Another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I can’t come.’"

Key Reflection

In first-century Palestine, social expectations were rigid, particularly regarding marriage and attendance at important events like feasts. When someone stated they could not attend because they had just married a wife, this was seen as a valid but somewhat surprising excuse within the context of the time. The original audience would have understood that such commitments to family or other obligations were deeply binding and respected, making this refusal to leave their new familial responsibilities a plausible reason for not attending the gathering.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 21. Showed his lord. Told his master of the excuses of those who had been invited. Their conduct was remarkable, and it was his duty to acquaint him with the manner in which his invitation had been received. Being angry. Being angry at the men who had slighted his invitation; who had so insulted him by neglecting his feast, and preferring for such reasons their own gratification to his friendship and hospitality. So it is no wonder that God is angry with the wicked every day. So foolish as well as wicked is the conduct of the sinner, so trifling is his excuse for not repenting and turning to God, that it is no wonder if God cannot look upon their conduct but with abhorrence.

Related Verses

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