Series Introduction: 

Today, we will continue our sermon series on the Parables of Jesus. We will focus on the Parable of the Large Banquet, as recorded in Luke 14:15-24. Jesus shared this parable to challenge the complacency of those who believed their earthly importance guaranteed them a place at God's table. As we explore this Parable, we are invited to reflect on our own understanding of faith and righteousness. Jesus' encounter with the Pharisees serves as a mirror for our own souls, urging us to examine whether our faith is marked by genuine love and humility or marred by hypocrisy and self-righteousness.

Scripture Reading

When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’”

Luke 14:15-24, ESV

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, as we gather today to explore the depths of Your Word, we invite Your Holy Spirit to illuminate our hearts and minds. May we fully grasp the  lessons of the Parable of the Great Banquet, understanding the richness of Your invitation to the eternal feast in Your Kingdom. Help us, Lord, to see beyond the distractions of our daily lives, to recognize the priority of Your call, and to respond with a heart that yearns for Your presence. Teach us to embrace the grace and inclusivity of Your invitation, and empower us to extend this loving call to others, particularly those who feel unworthy or overlooked. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Introduction:

In our passage this morning, we see Jesus having a tense meal with the Pharisees. Before the meal took place, Jesus had stopped along the way to heal a man with dropsy, which led to a debate among the Pharisees as the healing took place on the Sabbath day. Later, when Jesus and the Pharisees sat to dine, he noticed how each Pharisee chose to sit in the seat of highest honor available to them. This prompted Jesus to remind them that the most honored position belongs to those with the greatest humility in the kingdom of God.

I know few people who enjoy being corrected, especially if they consider themselves knowledgeable or experts in the subject. The Pharisees were no exception. They considered themselves to be experts in the Law of God and in obedience to the commandments of scripture, but twice before the meal had even begun, Jesus had revealed that their thinking was in error and needed correction. 

It is likely that the Pharisees invited Jesus to dine with them with the intention of observing his every move and scrutinizing his every word. Since they believed that Jesus challenged their religious authority, they were desperate to find a way to discredit him. Despite being aware of the seriousness of the situation, Jesus does not play it safe. Instead, he uses this opportunity to challenge the erroneous beliefs and practices of the Pharisees. During the meal, he addresses issues of humility, hospitality, and the true meaning of righteousness. His teachings are not polite dinner conversations but are deliberate and intended to affect the heart of his audience. 

We must not lose sight of the fact that his critical stance towards the Pharisees is not just a critique of individuals but of a system that had lost sight of God's heart for justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus' heart is not merely to scold but rather to convict and to bring about repentance among the Pharisees and among all who read these words or hear them preached. Jesus challenges the status quo, urging a return to the true spirit of the law, which goes beyond mere outward compliance to a transformation of the heart.

Setting the Stage for Jesus' Teaching

As we delve into the heart of the Parable of the Great Banquet, we are immediately confronted with a provocative remark that sets the stage for Jesus'  teaching. In verse 15, a guest at the Pharisee's table, likely sensing the tension-filled atmosphere, declares the blessedness of dining in God's kingdom. 

When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” - Luke 14:15, ESV.

This statement expresses a strong desire for the Messianic banquet, a theme that is found in both Jewish and Christian end-time beliefs. The banquet symbolizes a time when the righteous will come together around God's table to celebrate the fulfillment of divine promises. It represents the ultimate redemption and joy, signifying the completion of God's plan for His people.

You are probably familiar with the 23rd Psalm, but you might not have noticed that the Psalm takes us through the life, death, and resurrection hope of the righteous. After the valley of the shadow of death comes a great banquet in the presence of the Lord: 

"You prepare a table before me

    in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

    my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

    all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

    forever." - Psalm 23:5-6, ESV.

The Psalmist's hope was that even though he was to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, he would not do so alone. God was with him, and on the other side was a never-ending feast in the house of the Lord. 

Likewise, the Prophet Isaiah saw the culmination of history being a day when all of God's children would gather together in a celebratory feast on the mountain of the Lord: 

"On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples

    a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine,

    of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.

And he will swallow up on this mountain

    the covering that is cast over all peoples,

    the veil that is spread over all nations.

    He will swallow up death forever;

and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,

    and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth,

    for the Lord has spoken.

It will be said on that day,

    “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us.

    This is the Lord; we have waited for him;

    let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” - Isaiah 25:6-9, ESV.

Parts of that passage may remind you of the end of Revelation because John used the same language and imagery to describe the perfect New Heavens and New Earth where God and His people would dwell forever. 

And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” - Revelation 19:9, ESV.

Jesus himself drew upon this imagery when he talked about the end times: 

"And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” - Luke 13:29, ESV.

This Messianic banquet is one of my favorite metaphors in all of scripture. I want you to imagine the best feast you have ever attended. Maybe it was a Christmas or a Thanksgiving dinner before the people you loved grew up, got old, and either moved away or passed away. That precious time in life when everyone was home and no one was missing. Perhaps your brain goes to a backyard BBQ or a block party where the whole community comes out, and everyone is laughing and having a wonderful time. Find one of those moments in your mind and imagine that feeling of love and joy and belonging expanding outward a hundred, a thousand, a million, even a billion-fold, and you begin to get a tiny taste of how great it will be to join in that wedding feast at the end of all things. 

The British theologian David Gooding’s commentary on this passage was particularly enlightening for me. Gooding argued that the metaphor of feasting, as opposed to merely eating a meal, assures us that no true appetite, desire, or longing given by God will prove to be a deception. Instead, all will be granted their richest and most sublime fulfillment. The Kingdom of God offers a feast of eternal joy and satisfaction, a banquet where our deepest spiritual hungers are satiated, and our souls find their true rest and fulfillment. This banquet, with Christ Himself as the ultimate convener and host, exceeds the grandeur of any earthly feast, inviting us into an experience of divine joy and communion that surpasses our earthly experiences.

Amid this tense and awkward meal, I imagine the guest who spoke up was trying to move the conversation in a pleasant direction. You might know the feeling if you have ever been sitting at a table during a heated religious disagreement. This man's words are essentially the Jewish version of, "Well, I guess we will know the answer when we all get to heaven." 

Jesus, leaning into the tension rather than away from it, decided to use this phrase as an opportunity to challenge all who were gathered to consider how confident they were that they would be counted among those who would "eat bread in the Kingdom of God." More importantly, it was an opportunity to question where they placed their confidence. 

The statement "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!" (Luke 14:15, ESV) has an underlying sense of self-righteousness. The guest who made this declaration seemed hopeful and devout, but their words actually revealed a complacent assumption that they would definitely be among those who will feast with God in the afterlife. This way of thinking was common among Jewish religious leaders of the time, who believed that their heritage, status, and adherence to religious laws guaranteed them a place at God's table. They assumed that they were the chosen people and that righteousness and worthiness were based on following religious norms and traditions. 

Jesus challenges religious leaders' assumptions by telling a story that shows the kingdom of God in a different light. He wants to discredit the idea that being religiously devout guarantees a spot in the kingdom. Instead, he aims to reveal that the kingdom is about grace, invitation, and the heart's response to God's call. 

The Large Banquet

Jesus speaks of an affluent man, a figure of authority and means, who prepares this great banquet. This scene immediately conjures up images of lavish tables laden with the finest foods and an atmosphere of expectant celebration. This imagery is not just a backdrop for the parable; it is a powerful reminder of the nature of the kingdom of God – a kingdom characterized by generosity, inclusivity, and divine abundance. In this kingdom, there is no scarcity, only the richness of God’s grace and provision. 

In ancient Near Eastern culture, hosts would send invitations to banquets well in advance. The guests invited would have previously agreed to attend, making it disrespectful and discourteous to later decline the invitation. In Jesus' spiritual parallel, the initial invitation represents God's call to His chosen people - Israel. This invitation includes promises and covenants given through Abraham, Moses, and the prophets. Having accepted this invitation, Israel is now being called to fulfill these promises by placing their faith in Jesus Christ - the ultimate revelation of God's redemptive plan. It is shocking to read that those who received the invitation were not ready when the banquet was prepared and turned down the invitation. This rejection of the banquet invitation is similar to the pious Jewish leaders rejecting the Messiah, even though they were the first to know to expect his coming. The parable presents a  question to the audience: how will they respond to God's invitation through Christ? The banquet is prepared, the table is set, and the kingdom of God is near. However, will the guests join in the feast? 

The Ungrateful Guests

 In Luke 14:17-20, we witness a startling turn of events in the Parable of the Great Banquet. 

And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ - Luke 14:17-20, ESV

The invited guests, who had previously accepted the invitation, now one by one begin to offer excuses for their inability to attend. Each excuse, while seemingly reasonable on the surface, holds deeper symbolic meaning and reveals the spiritual implications of their rejection.

The first guest in the parable claimed they could not attend the banquet because they needed to see a newly purchased field, which may initially seem valid. However, this excuse symbolizes a preoccupation with material possessions and worldly concerns rather than prioritizing spiritual commitments. It illustrates how people can become too focused on their business, careers, or material pursuits and forget about responding to God's call. This story offers a  spiritual lesson about the dangers of letting earthly acquisitions take precedence over our spiritual journey.

The Bible offers clear warnings about the dangers of becoming overly entangled in the affairs of this life. Jesus himself warned his followers: 

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" - Matthew 16:26, ESV

Although it is important and normal to be involved in business or professional life, it is spiritually perilous to let these aspects consume your life to the point of ignoring God's calling. The first guest in the parable calls for self-examination to ensure that God remains the central focus of our lives, not overshadowed by our careers or material pursuits. 

The second guest invited to the feast made an excuse that he needed to examine his newly bought oxen. This excuse is similar to the first one and shows how material preoccupations can hinder one's spiritual journey. It serves as a poignant example of the Bible's caution against the lure of worldly possessions and the deceitfulness of riches. These can choke spiritual life and render us unfruitful. While material possessions are not inherently bad, the parable teaches us that they should never keep us from God. 

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world." - 1 John 2:15-16, ESV

Our commitment to the Kingdom's values calls for a lifestyle that elevates spiritual growth and service above material things. It reminds us that our ultimate treasure and satisfaction should be found in God and His eternal Kingdom.

The third guest states that he has just married and, therefore, cannot come to the banquet. While marriage is indeed a legitimate and God-ordained relationship, in this context of the parable, it becomes a symbol of how human relationships can potentially become barriers to our spiritual commitment to Christ. This excuse epitomizes those who let their personal relationships, even those as significant as marriage, take precedence over their relationship with God. It illustrates a critical truth: even good and important aspects of our lives can unwittingly become excuses for not responding to God's call. When we prioritize family or social obligations above God’s call, we encounter a misalignment of priorities, where the temporal aspects of our lives overshadow the eternal. 

It is for this reason that the Apostle Paul warned the Christians in Corinth not to knowingly marry unbelievers because such marriages inevitably create a conflict of allegiance: 

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols?" - 2 Corinthians 6:14-16a, ESV

When a husband and wife are both seeking after God, they become a great asset to one another's spiritual growth, but when one spouse is not committed to God, it always becomes a major hindrance for the believing spouse. This excuse from the newly married man reminds us that no relationship, no matter how significant, should come before our relationship with God. 

These rejections are not merely related to social etiquette or scheduling conflicts; they represent a more  aspect of human nature. These rejections also serve as a sobering reminder of Israel's response to Jesus' ministry. Despite being God's chosen people, invited to partake in the fulfillment of His promises, they allowed various excuses - religious, social, and personal - to prevent them from accepting Jesus as the Messiah. These excuses are also symbolic of the diverse ways in which individuals, throughout history, have allowed the concerns, riches, and pleasures of life to consume their lives and bar them from the Kingdom of God.

The Banquet Is Filled:

In Luke 14:21-24, we witness the heart of God's grace and the gravity of rejecting His invitation.   The guests showed disregard and contempt for the invitation and did not appreciate the significant cost and effort involved in preparing for the banquet. The banquet symbolizes the sacrifice of Christ. Rejecting the invitation means rejecting God's grace and the ultimate price paid for our redemption.

When the original invitees reject the invitation, the master commands his servant to invite people who are often marginalized by society such as the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. These individuals were historically excluded from full participation in religious worship and were often relegated to a life of poverty and social exclusion. The calling of the outcasts to the banquet is a radical statement about the nature of God's kingdom. It is an open invitation to all, especially to those who recognize their need for God's grace. The servant is told to invite people from the roads and country lanes, symbolizing the extension of God's kingdom to all humanity, irrespective of ethnic background, social status, or past life. This radical inclusion overturns societal norms and expectations, illustrating that the kingdom of God is not about social status or religious pedigree, but about grace, humility, and acceptance of God's invitation.

The parable culminates with a solemn pronouncement: those who reject the invitation will not taste the banquet. This is a stark reminder of the exclusivity of the kingdom for those who refuse its call. The rejection of God's invitation to the kingdom carries eternal consequences. The door to the banquet is not indefinitely open; there comes a moment when it is shut, underscoring the urgency and finality of the decision to accept or reject God's offer of salvation.

The challenge of the parable, therefore, is twofold. First, it invites us to accept God's grace irrespective of our personal status or past. No matter how marginalized or unworthy we may feel, God's invitation is extended to us. Secondly, it calls us to mirror this divine inclusivity in our own lives, reaching out to those who are often excluded and marginalized. We are to be conduits of God’s grace, inviting others into the joy of His kingdom. The parable ends with a vision of a filled house, symbolizing a kingdom where every seat is occupied, not just by the initial invitees but by all who have responded to God's gracious call. This vision of inclusivity and grace challenges our preconceived notions about worthiness and invites us to embrace and extend the boundless love and grace of God.

Conclusion: 

As we conclude our sermon on the Parable of the Great Banquet, we're reminded of the importance of accepting God's invitation to the feast, symbolizing life in His Kingdom. This parable, rich in symbolism, prompts us to prioritize Christ over worldly distractions. It calls us to live in anticipation of God's eternal Kingdom, actively embodying Kingdom values like love, justice, mercy, and humility. Our role extends beyond personal transformation to actively inviting others, especially the marginalized, to join in this celebration. This entails sharing the good news of Jesus and inviting others into a relationship with Him. Essentially, we're called to be both recipients and ambassadors of this divine invitation, living out God's Kingdom values in our lives and communities. As we move forward, let us be inspired to prioritize these values and extend this invitation to others, reflecting God's love and grace in our everyday actions.

Closing Prayer: 

Lord God Almighty, we thank You for the time spent in Your Word, reflecting on the Parable of the Great Banquet. As we depart from this place, let the truths we have explored resonate within us. May the joy and fulfillment found in Christ, our ultimate host, inspire us to live with hope and anticipation of Your eternal Kingdom. Grant us the strength to prioritize Your Kingdom values in our daily lives and the courage to actively invite others to join in Your great banquet. May our lives reflect Your love and grace, drawing others to the hope found in You. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, we pray. Amen.