Luke Part 49: The Parables of the Feasts

Text: Luke 14:1-24

The previous section of Luke emphasized the division between those within God's Kingdom and those without.  This theme is continued in this passage, as Jesus gives two teachings based around the theme of feasts.

The teaching begins as Jesus is invited, on the Sabbath, into the house of one of the Pharisees to eat.  They are watching Him closely, looking for a slip-up.  He begins by seeing a man suffering from dropsy.  Understanding the question in the Pharisees' hearts, He asks if it is permissible to heal on the Sabbath.  Since they do not reply, Jesus heals the man, sends him on his way, and explains that freeing this man from disease was no different than letting loose any of their animals on the Sabbath.

Next, Jesus presents a parable about seeking honor at a wedding feast.  What is this about?  The point of the parable is that, to enter the narrow gate, you must approach god with humility.  Do not take the position of being the Ruler of your soul.  Instead, view yourself as deserving of nothing and bow before the Master, God Himself.

Then Jesus goes on to discuss how they should not invite the wealthy to their dinners, but the poor.  Jesus is describing the correct way to perform charity -- not to perform charity out of self-interest, giving to receive again.  In charity, your motivation should be simply for the good of the person whom you are helping, not for what you can get in return.

This is followed by a comment from a guest: "Blessed is everyone who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!" This guest is missing the point: are you going to be one of the ones in the kingdom?  Jesus tells another parable to make this point clear.

In this parable, God the Father is portrayed as a man who has given a great feast, representing salvation.  The prophets have been declaring the invitation to this feast for years, but those who have been invited are saying, "What I want to do with my life is more important to me than my soul.  This is more important than Jesus Christ.  I'm not ready for Christ now."

It's not OK to put it off.  The Father is angry at the spurned invitation.  The man holding the feast invites the crippled and lame, those who were not allowed to enter the temple.  Still, (v22) there is more room!  Consider that there is still room in the kingdom for sinners!  The Master sees that there are still people who need to come into the kingdom.  There is assurance and acceptance for those who come to God.

You may ask yourself, "How can I know if the feast is for me?"  Are you coming to the feast?  Coming to God is a fruit of election; if you are coming, you can have confidence that you will be received.

Come!  What can be more important in your life than this feast of salvation?  Come as you are, acknowledging your sin, knowing you will be received.