"Tension At The Table"

Luke 14:16-24,

Luke 14:16–24 GW

Jesus said to him, “A man gave a large banquet and invited many people. When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who were invited, ‘Come! Everything is ready now.’ “Everyone asked to be excused. The first said to him, ‘I bought a field, and I need to see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I bought five pairs of oxen, and I’m on my way to see how well they plow. Please excuse me.’ Still another said, ‘I recently got married, and that’s why I can’t come.’ “The servant went back to report this to his master. Then the master of the house became angry. He told his servant, ‘Run to every street and alley in the city! Bring back the poor, the handicapped, the blind, and the lame.’ “The servant said, ‘Sir, what you’ve ordered has been done. But there is still room for more people.’ “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go to the roads and paths! Urge the people to come to my house. I want it to be full. I can guarantee that none of those invited earlier will taste any food at my banquet.’ ”

“Tension At The Table”

Here in Chpt.14, Jesus was invited by a Pharisee to dinner. (set up, trap)…because it was the Sabbath.

You’re being watched…Enemy has an agenda (set up, trap)

Vs. 1/2 - House of a Pharisee (person of influence)...on the Sabbath…Watching Jesus closely…man there w/dropsy…being used.

Vs.3-5 - Jesus knew their heart & flips the script.

Starts out wrong - confrontation…they get quite when Jesus questions them ( reveals their hypocrisy).

Self-righteous in the name of Religion…wouldn’t answer the question. (fear man & not God)

Be careful not to get caught up in status & popularity…being liked just to be accepted.

Vs.7-9 - It’s our duty as Believer’s to live above reproach (Shame)

Background of the text: Pharisees were racing for a position…selfish…Jesus is teaching about Humility, but they aren’t trying to hear that.

Great Banquet = Kingdom of God

Luke 14:10 GW

So when you’re invited, take the place of least honor. Then, when your host comes, he will tell you, ‘Friend, move to a more honorable place.’ Then all the other guests will see how you are honored.

True humility produces a changed heart.

Background of the text: Pharisees were racing for a position…selfish…Jesus is teaching about Humility, but they aren’t trying to hear that.

Who are these ppl’s? Ppl who think they’re better, always judging others.

Table Talk or Dinner Time is where we mostly make memories.

Luke 14:11-12,

Luke 14:11–12 GW

Those who honor themselves will be humbled, but people who humble themselves will be honored.” Then he told the man who had invited him, “When you invite people for lunch or dinner, don’t invite only your friends, family, other relatives, or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they will return the favor.

We’re all on even ground when Judgment comes.

You get what you have live for…that’ll be your reward.

Inviting ppl to build you up…that’ll be your downfall.

Luke 14:13-14,

Luke 14:13–14 GW

Instead, when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the handicapped, the lame, and the blind. Then you will be blessed because they don’t have any way to pay you back. You will be paid back when those who have God’s approval come back to life.”

Invite expecting nothing in return…Dare to be different!

Jesus has been reaching out to the Israelites( Jews) to come into the Kingdom of God, but they have refused time & time again.

So, the Gospel is extended to the poor.

Excuses…We hear them all the time…Everywhere…We have made many!

Excuses will lead to your rejection.

Should’ve been prepared…had plenty of time!

Sitting around with crutches for all those lame excuses.

You’re invited because of God’s love towards you…He’s not trying to get anything from you, but He’s wanting to get something to you.

Love from a pure heart & remain humble.