What does Luke 14:13 mean?

Jesus is at a formal banquet hosted by a Pharisee and attended by carefully selected guests. The guests may be family or rich neighbors; likely they are a combination of both. They are men to whom this Pharisee either owes favors, or who now owe him because of this invitation. The entire meal is rife with attempts to assume honor and avoid shame (Luke 14:1, 7–12).

Typically, when a host held such a banquet, he would leave the door open. Others from the town who did not deserve an invitation would stand quietly along the walls and listen to the conversation. This time, that group included a man suffering with edema (Luke 14:2). Very possibly others who are poor, crippled, lame, and blind are also present, listening, and yearning over the food.

Jesus tells the Pharisee it is these people he should invite, and on a regular basis. The fact that these people cannot repay him, either by increasing his reputation or by reciprocating his fine meal, is the point. The Pharisees claim to be great, moral leaders. What better way to lead than to love the people who can do nothing for them?

Such generosity directly reflects God's character. In addition, God is watching. He will reward those who cannot repay. And because the reward will come at the resurrection, it will be everlasting (Luke 14:14).