The Parable of the Great Supper
Introduction
Who doesn’t like food?
What are your favourite foods? – examples
If you are invited to a banquet – what do you expect?
Examples
Characterised by happiness and joy
Jesus described the kingdom of God as a Great Supper
Heaven – a sumptuous feast
How do you view Christianity?
A metaphorical picture
Overview:
What is Christianity?
Why do people reject it?
Why do others embrace it?
What is Christianity?
Jesus is asked a question – He sees this as a teaching opportunity
Someone pipes up and it seems he is not listening
How well do we listen in church?
A smug reply
Jesus answers this with a parable – the Parable of the Great Supper
What is on the table – Eternal Life
Christianity offers eternal life
We are mortal / life is short
Jesus offers everlasting life – quantity and quality
Many have experienced this
Example of Olympians / Quote from Olympian
The promise is to whoever believes – not one will be disappointed
What is on the table – a pardon for sin
All of your sins
Quote from Song ‘In Christ Alone’
Being able to stand before a Holy God
Jesus Christ has taken our sin and given his righteousness
Example of Cliff Richard
It is a greater relief for us who are guilty to be declared not guilty by the living God
Have you trusted in Jesus for your salvation
What is on the table – God’s very presence
God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us
The Spirit of God comes to dwell in our lives – He never leaves us
The kingdom of God is like a Great Supper
Is this your view of Christianity?
Quote from Isaiah
Freely offered to all who believe – even though it cost the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ
It is a gift
What is on the table – rest
Jesus has promised rest in Him
Are you struggling in life?
What is on the table – fellowship
Jesus stands at the door and knocks
Jesus dines with His people
Those who come to Jesus will never hunger or thirst
What is your view of Christianity?
Partake of this Great Supper
Everything is ready – the work of Christ is finished at the cross
“It is Finished”
Come – all things are ready
Why do people reject it?
The invite to the Great Supper has gone to many
All refuse with various excuses – examples
What do these excuses represent?
People do not see the value of the event or have any love for the host
Although the Jews were the chosen people – they were afar off from God
They saw nothing desirable in Jesus, even though:
He healed
He cast out demons
The masses flocked around Him
Isa 25:6
The Jews were looking for a physical reward and did not see the works of Jesus Christ
Isaiah prophesised a spiritual (and a physical) awakening
Why do people reject today?
They don’t see what is on the table
They see no beauty in Jesus Christ
They see no pleasure in Christianity
They are indifferent
They don’t want it
The excuses made in the parable are lame
Are our excuses lies?
We must be very careful not to make excuses before God
Work and Relationships
The yoke of oxen was needed for the business
But our needs must not come before God
Work and relationships
What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul
The selfishness of the human heart
Why do others embrace it?
Jewish custom was to make a double invitation – checking up on the day
Everything was ready – it was right for the Master of the House to be angry
The Jews rejected the Messiah
God was angry with them
He cut off the Jews and invited the Gentiles
Because they are disadvantaged
Jesus has just been talking about the disadvantaged – these are those who should be invited
The untouchables of society
Examples
God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith – millions who have embraced the Lord Jesus
God has chosen the weak and foolish things of the world – not the affluent
They have a sense of need
God throughout the centuries has been calling people to Himself
v23 – the call to take the gospel to all the world
Those who have been drawn by the love of God
Examples
Do you see yourself as spiritually deficient?
You are invited to come to Christ
Closing Remarks
v24 – those who rejected the invitation will not be in heaven
Those who accepted the invitation will be there
Can you say you are saved?