Luke 14:1 - When he went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees on a Sabbath to eat bread, they were watching him.

Generated Verse: Luke 14:1

What does "Luke 14:1" mean?


This verse sets the scene for a significant event in the Gospel of Luke. Let's break it down:

"When he went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees..." This tells us Jesus was invited to a meal at the home of a prominent Pharisee. This is notable because the Pharisees were often critical of Jesus and his teachings. It suggests either a genuine invitation for hospitality or a more strategic motive on the Pharisee's part.

"...on a Sabbath..." This is a crucial detail. The Sabbath was a day of rest and strict religious observance for the Jews. Many activities, including certain types of work and healing, were forbidden according to their interpretations of the law.

"...to eat bread..." This simply states the purpose of the gathering: a meal. Bread was a staple food, and sharing a meal was a common act of hospitality.

"...they were watching him." This is the key to understanding the verse's significance. The Pharisees were observing Jesus intently. This suggests they were not simply interested in polite conversation. They were likely scrutinizing his behavior to see if he would violate their Sabbath laws or say anything they could use against him. This creates a sense of tension and anticipation, setting the stage for the events that follow in the chapter. It highlights the conflict between Jesus' interpretation of the law (emphasizing compassion and mercy) and the Pharisees' more rigid and legalistic approach.

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