Luke 14:12-24 | Sermon Resources | 9 March 2025
Sermon Summary
Isaiah 25:6-9 is the first mention of a great banquet at the end of history where God is the host. In our passage, Jesus is invited to comment on this event. With a little cultural background, we discover just how different and radical Jesus’ interpretation was compared to the ideas of his day. We will be invited to see ourselves in the parable Jesus told. While I think Cornerstone is to be commended for opening our property to the local community, it is my prayer that we would catch the enthusiasm of the servant in the parable, and perhaps see anywhere that there is still room around Jesus’ lavish banquet table, a table that is open to all.
Discussion Questions
- Read Isaiah 25:6-9. What stands out about the Messianic banquet?
- Over time, some Jewish interpretations began finding ways to exclude certain people from the banquet. How are you tempted to only invite friends and rich neighbors to experience your hospitality, and how does Jesus challenge to his host in verse 12 challenge you?
- Why did the master of the house in Jesus’ parable become angry? What does he do with that anger?
- Joni Eareckson Tada summarizes the invitation to the Messianic banquet as “the kingdom’s door swung open for all – the strong and the weak, the rich and poor, the healthy and the sick, and people with or without disabilities.” How does this passage, sometimes called the “Luke Mandate,” fill out the scope of Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 to “make disciples of all nations”?
- Kenneth Bailey notes that the master’s action in the face of the insults he receives widens the vision of the obedient servant and excites him (see verse 22). As you have experienced Jesus’ gracious invitation, how has it widened your vision and excited you?
- How has Cornerstone done well at extending Christ’s invitation to all? Where might we need to improve?
- Where do you see yourself in Jesus’ parable?
- What has most encouraged you or challenged you from our time studying this passage?
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