Luke 14:12-24 – In The Parable of the Great Banquet, Jesus taught to welcome those who are typically unwelcome. Those who think they deserve God’s presence rarely experience it.
Context
- Jesus had just healed a man on the Sabbath at a premiere event for disapproving religious leaders (14:1-6).
- In the previous parable, Jesus encouraged the type of humility that sought out the unprivileged positions (14:7-11).
- Jesus challenged this well-to-do group to bless people who have no chance of returning the favor (14:12-14).
Content
- In this parable, Jesus taught of a gracious host who desired a packed banquet hall (14:15-17).
- Those who rejected the invitation provided excuses that revealed their higher priorities (14:18-20).
Excuses
- Possessions
- Occupations
- Relationships
- Since the host spared no expense and refused to have any chair empty, he ensured that even the marginalized had an invitation (14:21-23).
- Those who missed the banquet weren’t missing the invitation – they lacked the motivation (14:24).
Concept
- Many of us will miss the glories of heaven due to our obsessions on earth.
- Your preoccupation with possessions will numb your soul to its greatest need – Jesus.
- No matter how much you climb the ladder in your occupation, you will never ascend past your need for God.
- Prioritizing any relationship over your devotion to God places that person on an unfitting throne.
- Don’t let success intoxicate you into believing that you are OK with God.
- For those who have felt unwelcomed and unwanted all your life, you are desired by God.
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Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.