Always Room at the Table
Church Dinner • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Text: Luke 14:15–24
Text: Luke 14:15–24
15 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!” 16 But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17 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.’ 18 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.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 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.’ 22 And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ 23 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. 24 For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’ ”
15 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!” 16 But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17 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.’ 18 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.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 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.’ 22 And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ 23 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. 24 For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’ ”
One of my favorite things about family dinners is that when an unexpected guest shows up, someone always says, "Scoot over—we'll make room." We may have to squeeze in another chair, but there's always room at the table.
One of my favorite things about family dinners is that when an unexpected guest shows up, someone always says, "Scoot over—we'll make room." We may have to squeeze in another chair, but there's always room at the table.
That's the heart of God.
That's the heart of God.
In Jesus' parable of the Great Banquet, the invited guests made excuses and didn't come. Instead of canceling the feast, the master sent his servants out again and again, inviting anyone who would come. Then he said something beautiful:
In Jesus' parable of the Great Banquet, the invited guests made excuses and didn't come. Instead of canceling the feast, the master sent his servants out again and again, inviting anyone who would come. Then he said something beautiful:
"Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled."
"Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled."
God's desire is for His house to be full. His invitation is open to everyone—not because we've earned it, but because of His grace. No one is too broken, too far gone, or too unworthy to receive an invitation from Jesus.
God's desire is for His house to be full. His invitation is open to everyone—not because we've earned it, but because of His grace. No one is too broken, too far gone, or too unworthy to receive an invitation from Jesus.
As we look around these tables tonight, let's remember that every chair represents someone God loves. And let's also think about the chairs that are still empty. Who could we invite next time? A neighbor? A coworker? A family member?
As we look around these tables tonight, let's remember that every chair represents someone God loves. And let's also think about the chairs that are still empty. Who could we invite next time? A neighbor? A coworker? A family member?
May Journey Church always be known as a place where there's always room at the table—not just for a meal, but for people to experience the love, grace, and hope of Jesus Christ.
May Journey Church always be known as a place where there's always room at the table—not just for a meal, but for people to experience the love, grace, and hope of Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Prayer:
"Father, thank You for making room for us through Jesus. Help us to have hearts like Yours, always ready to welcome others with love and grace. As we enjoy this meal together, strengthen our fellowship and remind us to invite others to Your table. In Jesus' name, Amen."
"Father, thank You for making room for us through Jesus. Help us to have hearts like Yours, always ready to welcome others with love and grace. As we enjoy this meal together, strengthen our fellowship and remind us to invite others to Your table. In Jesus' name, Amen."
