Parable of the Great Supper

Purpose: To convict of the privilege of being a part of the kingdom

Scripture Reading - Luke 14:15-24

Introduction:

1. Parable, in meaning, is close to the "wedding feast of the king's son"

2. Any who humble themselves can become partakes of God's blessings

Subject Sentence: "Aim to show what a privilege it is to be part of God's kingdom."

I. Occasion of the parable (v 15)

A. One who present - upon hearing the Lord's words (v 12-14)

1. Don't call only those that can recompense - wrong motivation

2. Call those who can't recompense - Foundation of the Lord's coming (we have nothing to offer for what He has done for us)

3. "Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God"

a. Not the Lord's Supper - this man would have no concept of it (not established yet)

b. Possibly: refers to the "plenty" looked for in this kingdom

(1) Remember that they looked for a "physical" kingdom - didn't understand the concept of a "spiritual" one

(2) Thus, the concept - there will be peace and no want in this kingdom

(3) NOTE: Lord's reply shows us that man thought of Jews only

B. With these thoughts in mind Jesus sets out to explain the nature & make up of the kingdom

II. The Parable

A. Who are the privileged?

1. God had chosen the Jewish nation to execute His plan

a. They were "God's chosen" - they had become high-minded because of this

b. Jesus' statement, "I have come to the lost sheep of the house of Israel..."

(1) Shows that God gave them "first choice"

(2) In their rejection of Jesus they thrust it from themselves (Rom 11:

c. Thus, their hatred of the gentiles would cause the Jews to exclude them from any blessings that might be shared in the kingdom

B. A certain man - represent God

1. Great supper - represent the kingdom

2. Bade many - the Jews (in the scheme of God's plan)

3. Servants sent to call them - the time is ready (the Jews were not!)

C. Began to make excuse - Key to the parable (three given in all)

1. "I have bought a field...need to go see it"

a. Who would buy a field w/out seeing first? (Bad planning on his part)

2. "I have bought five yoke of oxen...haven't prove them"

a. Who would purchase such w/out first taking a look....?

3. "I have married a wife...cannot come"

a. Out of all them - this one has the most validity - But, remember, it is only an excuse! (He had no desire to come to the feast- the feast [kingdom] was not what he was looking for!)

D. The anger of the Lord

1. Go into the streets and lanes - bring in all that you find (v 22-23)

2. In thrusting the feast from themselves they that were bidden would not experience what it had to offer!

3. The blind, etc. - represent those who are "poor in spirit" knowing that they have nothing to offer in return, thus they will humble themselves and come when bidden...no excuses

E. The Jews thrusting the kingdom from themselves, made way for any of all nations....

III. Lessons for us

A. Recognize the value of the kingdom

B. Recognize the severity of casting it from yourself

C. Many ways of thrusting from self

1. Obviously, don't accept what God has given!

2. Some except but are not convicted as deeply as they ought to be - excuses are made

a. Field - Affairs of life do not negate responsibility

(1) Heart set upon possessions

b. Oxen - jobs/enterprise does not negate our responsibility

(1) Heart set upon existence (Matt 6:25-33)

c. Marriage - domestic relationships do not negate one's responsibility to serve

(1) Heart was set upon pleasing wife (I Cor 7:

d. These are only excuses - Consider Heb 10:24-25

(1) Forsake - to wilfully leave behind

(2) Anytime we make a choice that preempts service - we have forsaken

(3) Only an excuse - not a reason

3. Lessons

a. Things in and of themselves may not be wrong - but can be when we allow to take precedence in our life to the exclusion of God

b. Things that we deem important in reality aren't! Make sure we let God decide for us

c. In each case, it was that they COULD NOT come - it was that they WOULD NOT come!

(1) This is a pretending an inability when in reality it is an aversion!

D. God offers His blessings to all who will humble themselves and come to Him

IV. Conclude:

A. God is angered when allow things to keep us from doing what He has said we should

B. His invitation is offered even now - God is bidding us to join His feast in the kingdom!

C. Come in humbleness ... HRBCB

1. Erring child of God - RCP

By Johnny Hooks

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Return to the New Testament study of Luke

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