Luke 14:15

One of them. For the circumstances under which the statement of verse 15 was made see on verse 1.

Blessed. Or, “happy” (see on Matthew 5:3). The unwelcome duty Jesus set forth in verses 12-14 led to this attempt to turn the conversation into more agreeable channels (see COL 221). Jesus’ reference to the resurrection (verse 14) probably suggested to this Pharisee the pious platitude he now utters. The speaker delighted to contemplate the reward of rightdoing, but found the doing of right an unwelcome thought. He was eager to enjoy the privileges of the kingdom of heaven but unwilling to shoulder its responsibilities. He was unwilling to comply with the conditions of entrance into the kingdom, but seems to have had not the least doubt that he would be accorded an honored place at the great gospel feast.

Eat bread. That is, “dine” (see on verse 1). For the significance of the term “kingdom of God” see on Matthew 5:2, 3; Mark 3:14; Luke 4:19. In Jewish idiomatic usage to “eat bread in the kingdom of God” meant to enjoy the bliss of heaven (cf. Isaiah 25:6; Luke 13:29). To be sure, the Pharisee’s statement itself was platitudinously correct, but the spirit in which it was made and the motive that prompted it were both entirely wrong. The speaker assumed, complacently, that he was sure of an invitation.