SCRIPTURE BY Janice Hall
Lesson Text: Luke 14: 7-11; 15-24
Related Scriptures: Proverbs 25:6-7; Matthew 21: 42-44; 22: 1-14
Jesus’ challenge to the host in Luke 14, was that he should not invite those who could serve his needs but those whose needs he could serve. Jesus tells a parable to both the guests and the hosts about finding true happiness at the heavenly banquet, finding a true place in the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ illustrations were of humility for the guests who sought selflessness, self exaltation and seeking reward from Heaven(host). The first set of invitees allowed everyday concerns to outweigh their need for celebrating life. The parable addresses the importance of remembering to celebrate what God offers us.
Proverbs 25:6-7 (MSG) states. “Don’t work yourself into the spotlight; don’t push your way into the place of prominence. It’s better to be promoted to a place of honor than face humiliation by being demoted.” This teaching in the book of Proverbs, indicates it is best to be overly humble, than lifted, be embarrassed and being put down.
In Matthew 21: 42-44, Jesus compares Israel’s religious leaders to these tenants saying the kingdom of God will be taken from them. Jesus quotes comes from Psalms 118:22-23. Matthew 22:1-14 relates the parable of the Wedding Feast, as it reflects on Israel’s rejection of the Messiah and salvation by grace. “ For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14).
SYNOPSIS BY Olivia Saunders
In conversation with people who don’t have a relationship with God, they tend to seem a little uncomfortable because of how Christ and the kingdom are portrayed. If we can be honest, we forget to include everyone in God’s story. When God sent Jesus here it wasn’t to only die for the salvation of the Israelites alone, but it is clear that all can be saved by simply starting with a yes. There’s a saying that salvation is an inside job and it truly is. In conversation with the scribes, priests, and religious leaders, Jesus constantly made it clear that it’s not about what the outer appearance is, but it’s what’s on the inside of you.
1 Samuel 16:7 is when God himself shows us that how we walk in the church means nothing, but how we live and treat other means everything. Jesus kept those close to him who were marginalized, non important, considered unclean and treated as outsiders. The blessing about God our Father is, He gave us Jesus as our gateway to get to him and he made it clear that if we come to him we can come as we are. There are so many people in the world who are unfortunately missing out on a relationship with God because the representations that people of God has shown them. Have we, as the people of God forgotten how we were when we first came to him?
How gracious our God is for an invitation to be extended to anyone whose heart wants him. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you have done, His grace and mercy is always extended and His arms are always open. Jesus disciples were not perfect people and the ones that Jesus encountered that we read about in the Bible makes it clear that He came and is still here for the ones who might feel unworthy or unloved. Luke 5:32 states” I have not come to call the righteous but to those who know they are sinners and bring them to repentance.” So come one and come all, there are no special requirements or prerequisites to come to Him and be saved, loved, and transformed for his plan and purpose for your life.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION BY Charlene Armstrong
Today’s Lesson Text is one of great importance, as it’s focus and context is based on building God’s kingdom. This parable about a wedding has so many spiritual lessons and teachings wrapped in it, as we see the first teaching is on humility, the proud will be humbled and the humble will be honored. How many times have we desired to have the best seat or even be served first, that type of thinking is contradictory to God’s kingdom. We are called to be those who give up our seats and to serve instead of being served. Some may find it hard to live according to God’s ways, that’s why it’s important that we seek to do the will of God our Father and deny ourselves daily.
Accepting God’s invitation goes beyond a simple “YES”, for many assume that they automatically will be in the future kingdom, but Jesus makes it clear that many will claim to do deeds in the name of Jesus, but will be denied access. God invites us to be a part of His family but we are responsible to do our part to partner with Him to build His kingdom. We need to remember how we felt when we accepted the invitation and desire for others to experience that same unspeakable joy that we felt.
We are responsible to share the good news of Jesus Christ with ALL people. We are not responsible for whether or not they will receive the invitation, for many will reject it. How many times have we invited someone to church and they found every excuse to not come. The harvest is truly plentiful but the laborers are few. There are so many people eagerly waiting to hear the gospel and accept it, and we have to be just as eager to go out on the highways and byways to share it.
