August 15, 2021

The Parable of the Great Supper

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Luke 14:15-24
Service Type:

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?
  1. 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
  1. 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?
« Praise the Lord Praise the Lord (#2) »