Question

Why does Gandalf think it is important to include Bilbo as the 14th member of the expedition

Answer 1

Answer:

He really didn't have a reason....... that's just how he chose to do it.......

Explanation:

"Of course, there is a mark," said Gandalf. "I put it there myself. For very good reasons. You asked me to find the fourteenth man for your expedition, and I chose Mr. Baggins. Just let anyone say I chose the wrong man or the wrong house and you can stop at thirteen and have all the bad luck you like, or go back to digging coal."

As for further explanation, the text later cites ( a few paragraphs down)

"So, no one can tell for sure why he did that, but one can think, beyond the shadow of a doubt that he 'sensed' that Bilbo is a 'man' for the job."