Sermon 115

📖 Sermon 115 – The Great Supper and the Excuses of Men

Date: [no date given]
Text: Luke 14:15–24

Introduction

One of the guests at the feast, hearing Jesus speak of reward at the resurrection, exclaimed, “Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!” Jesus responds with the parable of the Great Supper, revealing the tragedy of rejecting God’s gracious invitation and the certainty that His house will be filled.

I. The Gracious Invitation

A. A great supper prepared
Symbolizing the rich blessings of salvation.

B. Many invited
God’s call is sincere, full, and free.

C. “Come, for all things are now ready”
Christ has finished the work. Nothing remains but to come.

II. The Excuses of Those Invited

A. The excuses are polite — but sinful
They reveal hearts indifferent to God.

B. The first: possessions
“I have bought a piece of ground…” Earthly property becomes a barrier to grace.

C. The second: work and business
“I have bought oxen…” The demands of life crowd out the call of Christ.

D. The third: human relationships
“I have married a wife…” Even good gifts become idols when placed above God.

E. Not one real reason — only excuses
Men refuse not because they cannot come, but because they will not come.

III. The Anger of the Master

A. Righteous indignation
Grace despised becomes judgment.

B. The invitation extended to the needy
The poor, maimed, halt, and blind respond eagerly.

C. The highways and hedges
Gentiles and outcasts are brought in — God’s house will be filled.

IV. The Final Sentence

A. “None of those men which were bidden shall taste of My supper.”
Refusal of grace leads to eternal loss.

B. God’s kingdom advances despite man’s rejection
Human unbelief cannot frustrate His purpose.

Conclusion

The Great Supper is ready. The invitation goes forth: “Come.” Let nothing — possessions, work, or relationships — keep us from the feast of salvation. Blessed indeed is he that eats bread in the Kingdom of God.