Scripture: Luke 14:16-24
Title: “There Is Still Room”
Introduction: This portion of Scripture could very well be called, “Christianity vs. Religion.”
Jesus was visiting the home of a Pharisee on the Sabbath day.
– He was there to share a meal.
Jesus was being watched very closely by the religious crowd because they had brought in a man who had a physical problem called dropsy which was the swelling of the body.
They intended to bring an accusation against Jesus concerning “healing” on the Sabbath day.
This religious crowd had grown to hate Jesus because of His gaining of popularity with the people. – Because Jesus was meeting the needs of hurting people they were turning to Him instead of the religious sects of the day.
Jesus knew the thoughts and intentions of His enemies therefore He asked them a question, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?” – But they said nothing, so Jesus healed the man and let him go on his way.
Jesus followed up with another question, “Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the Sabbath day?” – Again, they held their peace.
Jesus goes on to point out the selfishness and childishness of the guests at this occasion by giving forth another parable about how they were clamoring for the most important seats at the table.
– No doubt this was a very status hungry crowd of people including the host.
Jesus condemns the selfish motives and the exclusiveness of the Pharisees which prevented them from being kind and helpful to all men in need regardless of race, sect, or station in life.
Jesus continues on by giving the way they should do, “But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” KJV
Our Scripture Text – Luke 14:16 – 24
The Parable of The Great Supper.
“A certain man made a great supper.”
1. Jesus was using the “great supper” to illustrate the “Kingdom of God” of which they had just talked about.
2. Many people were INVITED. (Not everyone)
3. Notice, the invitations preceded the Supper being ready.
The certain man “sent out his servant at supper time.”
1. The “servant” was SENT. Jn. 3:17.
2. “Supper Time” – The time had come to ENJOY the meal.
3. The servant was to go to those who had received Invitations.
4. Those were the Jews, John 1:11 “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.”
“And they all with one consent began to make excuse.”
1. This host had every reason and every right to expect those invited to come to the feast. (All things were ready)
2. Their conduct was inexcusable, and their excuses were ridiculous. (The feast was prepared for them)
3. They were expressing contempt to the host. (A piece of ground, Five yoke of oxen, and a wife) More Important?
4. The problem was their attitude. (Important feeling people)
5. These “invited” guests weren’t hungry enough!
“So that servant came, and showed his lord these things.”
1. When the report from the servant came in the Master became ANGRY!
2. Out of that anger came the reply, “Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.”
3. Notice, “the streets and lanes of the CITY.” (Poor and sick Jews)
4. The Poor, the Crippled, the Lame, and the Blind.
– These are the kinds of people that most people do not want to be with.
There is still room
“And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.”
1. The servant reported after reaching those that most didn’t want there was STILL ROOM for more.
2. The banquet room still had many empty places. (Unlimited opportunities)
3. “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”
4. Beyond the city limits, beyond Israel to the Gentiles. (That’s us!) Praise the Lord!
5. Those who were dogs and outcasts to the Jews were included in the final and universal invitation.
“Compel them to come in”
1. The table is ready and great care in preparation has been made and nothing is to go to waste.
2. The HOUSE demands to be FILLED.
3. We are to go to where they are and “Compel” them to come into the Kingdom of God. (Evangelize!)
4. Apply the pressure of LOVE, LOGIC, and the DRAWING POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!
5. Constrain, Convince, Entreat, Persuade.
6. Use every Godly Ability at your disposal.
CONCLUSION: Turning down the INVITATION for any reason causes one to wind up in eternity lost and without God.
“For none of those I invited first will get even the smallest taste of what I had prepared for them.”
