Opening: What was the best party you ever attended or hosted? What makes for a
great party?
Scripture: Sunday’s message is our text today. Read Luke 14:12-24.
Insights:
- It was customary to send two invitations to a party. The first invitation announced the event, then the second was sent to tell the guests that everything was ready. The guests in Jesus’ story insulted the host by making excuses when he issued the second invitation.
- In this parable, God is the host. His first invitation came from Moses and the prophets; the second came from his Son. The Jewish religious leaders accepted the first invitation. They believed that God had called them to be his people, but they insulted God by refusing to accept his Son. Thus, as the host in the story sent his servant into the streets to invite the needy to his banquet, so God sent his Son to a whole world of needy people to tell them that God’s Kingdom had arrived and was ready for them.[1]
- The context of Luke 14:1-24 is a dinner party. Much of what is in these verses has to do with feasts and banquets. It is significant that Jesus thought of His kingdom and His service in terms of a feast. The symbol of the kingdom was the happiest thing that human life could know. No dower Christians; believers are to be joyful and happy in the Lord.
Life
Questions:
- Motives are key here. It is not so much that Jesus is saying never invite friends to a party, but instead, don’t invite people in order to receive a future reward. Our actions should not motivated by what we can get out of our good deed. They should be done with no thought of reward or repayment. What is your motivation for what you do for God?
- Excuses, excuses, excuses! The people in this parable sound like a child who doesn’t want to clean their room. Each excuse was something that could have been done later. The priorities were out of place. What excuses do people have for not responding to God’s invitation? Where does God fit in your list of priorities? Talk to Him about it.
Prayer
Focus: For tomorrow’s worship celebration, that we would celebrate
the presence of the Holy Spirit, and know that this party is not just for us,
but for everyone.
Tomorrow’s
Message Title: “The Church
is like a… Party”
