resurrection of the just. This is the only occurrence of the phrase “resurrection of the just” in the Bible. It undoubtedly is synonymous with the “resurrection of life” (John 5:29—also a unique occurrence) and the “first resurrection” (Revelation 20:5-6). It occurs one thousand years before the “resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29; see Revelation 20:5, 11-15).

to make excuse. This is an all-too-common reaction to the invitation to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. As in the parable, excuses related to time, business and pleasure are especially common.

highways and hedges. Those who lived or hid out in the highways and hedges were outlaws or others in the lower strata of society. It has been typical all through Christian history that, although some Christians have been great and influential leaders, “not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called …. But … base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, … That no flesh should glory in His presence” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

hate. It is obvious that the Lord was using the term “hate” in only a relative sense—that is, in relation to one's love for God and His will. Jesus has commanded us to “love thy neighbour” (Matthew 22:39) and even to “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44), so it is obvious that we are to love our families. But love for God should be paramount. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind” (Luke 10:27). There are cases when, in so loving the Lord, “a man's foes shall be they of his own household” (Matthew 10:36). Happily, such cases are the exception but, if ever such a choice has to be made, the one who is truly Christ's disciple must follow Him (Luke 14:27).

bear his cross. There are six references to the Christian, like Christ, taking up his cross and, by implication, carrying it to the place of execution (Matthew 10:38; 16:24; Mark 8:34; 10:21; Luke 9:23; 14:27). Taking one's cross means more than the ordinary burdens and troubles of life, which are common to all men. See notes on Luke 9:23 and notes on Galatians 2:20.

counteth the cost. Many ambitious Christian leaders have brought embarrassment (or worse) upon themselves and their followers by undertaking ambitious building programs or other projects without adequate financing. A good principle is not to go into debt (Romans 13:8) without positive assurance that all obligations can be paid on time.

lost his savour. Pure salt cannot lose its savor (or “saltness”), but the salt commonly used in the ancient world was rock salt, containing various impurities. As the true salt was leached away, or otherwise removed, the so-called “salt” could indeed lose its savor.