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Being invited to celebrate a feast with those who share a common love for the host should be an exciting and joyous experience.   Consternation can arise when the invitee has (1) unresolved feelings between competing loyalties or (2) concerns about their capacity constraints. The host sets the terms (such as the venue, date, format, and guest list) so the invitee does not have the option to negotiate the details of the invitation for a compromise that removes the responsibility of choosing between events.   

Instead, their decision is made based on their heart’s affections (regardless of whether the choice is complicated or includes less desirable outcomes). If the invited person considers the host/occasion as their most valued preference, they will arrange other affairs and expenses to ensure they attend.

Therefore, the invitee will either (1) accept the invitation directly, or (2) decline by sending their regrets or failing to respond in time permitted.

After the invitee has accepted, several actions follow to prepare and arrive at the destination. Challenges, costs, and competing conviviality can often arise to contend with the engagement.  There must be a great resolve if the invitee is to join in the celebration.

Friend, have you received the Father’s invitation to the Kingdom of God for the wedding supper of His Son (Jesus the Christ, the Lamb of God)?  

Jesus said,

• “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, “and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. “Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” ‘ (Matthew 22:2-4)

Jesus often spoke in parables to teach those who had ears to hear while he was among those who rejected Him and His message of repentance and restoration into His Father’s kingdom. This study will focus on Luke chapters 14 and 15. The conversations we will look at occurred after Jesus determined to go to Jerusalem, just after He foretold His death and resurrection (Luke 9:22, 51). It is also important to note that Luke recorded the events and conversations in sequential order (Luke 1:1, 3).

When reading these two chapters in Luke, I couldn’t help but realize the various conversations Jesus had (with the crowd, the Pharisees, and His disciples) were focused on (1) responding to an invitation, (2) committing to doing what it takes to prepare, (3) remaining focused on the end goal despite competing interests, and (4) actually showing up when you are called.

While our Heavenly Father from eternity past has already intimate knowledge of those whom He chose to love and conform to the image of His Son by pardoning and sanctifying them, He never removed their responsibility and participation in the process (Romans 8:29-30). He did promise to completely and wondrously transform His elect into perfected imperishable people of God (1 Corinthians 15:50-55) who glorify Him and enjoy Him forever at the appointed time.

But until you hear and respond in faith with acceptance (John 10:27-30) to His gracious call on earth (hear and now), you have not yet been pardoned nor been granted entrance to the Kingdom of God, to His banquet table.

Christ’s teachings in Luke 14 and 15 provide insights into an area of sanctification called discipleship. What does it mean to follow Christ? Can you be saved but not a disciple? Please read these two chapters and then explore these concepts with me.

• Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!” And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” (Revelation 19:5-9)

Segment 1: The Invitation, The Invitee, The Invitor – Luke 14:1-24

Luke 14 opens with Jesus Christ confronting the hypocritical thinking concerning the application of the law and the intentions of the heart, having accepted the invitation to eat bread on the Sabbath with one of the ruling Pharisees. This wasn’t the first time Jesus was invited to eat with those who belonged to the Pharisee sect (please refer to Luke 7:34-36; Luke 11:37; Luke 6:7; Luke 11:53-54 for other instances).

The contrast of how He taught the Pharisees can be seen in how Jesus spelled out the gospel to Nicodemus in John 3:1-18. While Jesus always spoke the truth, the sincerity of the inquirer’s heart seems to play a role in what is received. Consider that in Christendom, one of the most well-known presentations of the gospel by Christ is given to Nicodemus (a ruler of the Pharisees). Jesus said to him:

• “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)

In Luke 14:1-24, the word “invite” is mentioned 12 times (with variations) in 9 verses in the NKJV (verses 7, 8, 9,10,12, 13, 16, 17, 24).

Jesus Heals a Man at a Pharisee’s House on the Sabbath

A man suffering from abnormal swelling (due to excessive fluids) was invited to this Sabbath meal. Despite anyone’s potentially hostile motivation for inviting this man, the Lord used this incident to demonstrate His authority and provide insights concerning the entrance to the promised kingdom.

Jesus asked the lawyers and Pharisees whether it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath (having already experienced their group’s views previously, Luke 6:9; Luke 13:14-16; Matthew 12:10; John 7:23). They did not respond to the question. Our merciful Saviour held the suffering man, healed him, and sent him on his way.

The Lord, who inspired Moses in the elaboration of the original moral commandments to assist in application, then asked a rhetorical question concerning the law:

• … “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” (Luke 14:5)

Here, Christ addressed people who knew that in the law they were commanded to help their enemy’s animal (Exodus 23:4-5) just as they were commanded to circumcise on the eighth day (Genesis 17:12). At another time, Jesus said:

• “If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7:23-24)

In Luke 14, when no one responded to Christ’s challenge concerning right versus wrong (which ultimately questions how they are discerning the application of God’s holy laws), Christ then told a parable to those invited who were choosing the best places for themselves at the table (Luke 14:7).

Jesus Teaches the Invitees about Humility

In this parable, Christ addressed the invitees attending the Sabbath meal about humility, whether they were the beneficiaries of the host’s generosity or the host providing the hospitality.

For those who were self-serving (in verse 7), the Lord reminded them of the wisdom in their proverbial writings but expanded the application.

• Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great; For it is better that he say to you, “Come up here,” Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen. (Proverbs 25:6-7)
• A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honour. (Proverbs 29:23)

Jesus said:

• “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)

When you think about this, consider that the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the very Son of God, did not exalt Himself as He was giving instruction. Although He had authority, Jesus simply instructed and allowed the weight of His words and the accompanying signs to be a witness. Here I am reminded that Jesus humbled Himself within His incarnation and God exalted Him. It is written:

• Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11)

In verse 12, Jesus turned His attention to the high-ranking Pharisee who invited Him. He taught that he ought to show hospitality lavishly (notice verse 13 – feast or banquet, which contrasts with verse 12 – dinner or a supper), and invite the disadvantaged (i.e. poor, maimed, lame, and blind). He taught that giving without the motive of being repaid will lead to God’s blessings at the resurrection (Proverbs 19:17) of those whom God has justified.

• “And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:14)

The Pharisees believed in the resurrection that Daniel prophesied, but most of them did not believe what Jesus taught, especially about the requirement of placing their faith in Him as the Messiah.

• “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. “Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. “For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, “and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice “and come forth; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. (John 5:24-30)

The Parable of the Great Supper

After Jesus brought up the blessing that would be received at the resurrection for blessing the poor, one of the guests at the table said, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God! (Luke 14:15b). There is an implied assumption that the person who said this believed that he would eat in the Kingdom of God. Jesus responded to this well-meaning assumption with a parable about invitations to the great supper.

• “Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.‘” (Luke 14:16-17)

Let’s look at the various invitees’ responses.

The Invitee Response	Assessment
C14 V18: Declined. Excuse: Bought a piece of ground and wanted to go see it.	The Deceitfulness of Riches – Luke 18:24; Luke 8:14 There is nothing wrong with purchasing land, but placing the viewing of the land above the commitment means the inspection was more important than the relationship.
C14 V19: Declined. Excuse: Bought five yoke of oxen and wanted to test them.	The Care of this World – Luke 14:5; Luke 8:14 Notice in verse 5 that the guests at the Pharisee’s house were watching to see if Christ would heal the man with dropsy on the Sabbath. Christ placed a priority on the person. In this parable, the declining guest valued a fair return on his investment above the person who had invited him to the feast.
C14 V20: Declined. Excuse: Married a wife and could not attend.	The Pleasures of this Life – Deuteronomy 24:5; Luke 8:14 It was lawful for a man to have one year off from the commitments of war and business to establish and enjoy the new union. The feast that was accepted before the taking of a bride had become a lesser priority than this new union. This man used the law to excuse himself from his relationship with the host.

The host was angry because when the invitation was sent out, those he invited would have indicated they would attend. When it was time, they had only excuses.

In verse 21, the host extends the invitation to the poor, maimed, lame and blind to fill the spots previously reserved. This could imply that those previously invited did not share the same misfortunes as those less privileged. By verse 23, the host sends his servants out to compel anyone to fill his house except for those who were initially invited and viewed the invitation as insignificant compared to their other priorities.

The things that preoccupied their minds and hearts caused them to devote themselves to their affections and thereby forfeit any rights and privileges the host had freely offered and paid for.

Here is the thing. In the last verse of the parable (verse 24), the host adamantly declared that when those who rejected the call were prepared to join the host, the host would not oblige them.

• “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.“” (Hebrews 3:12-15)

This was a warning parable to the Pharisees, who often did not associate with those whom the Father would certainly welcome to His Son’s Marriage Supper. The warning was to guard one’s heart from placing anything or anyone as more significant than the Lord’s call.

• “But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.” (Luke 12:31-37)
• “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)

Christ taught that a person’s response to the invitation dictates entrance to the feast; there can be no competing priorities, and no excuses will be accepted. Do not presume your delay will be accepted.

Segment 2: The Invitee’s Acceptance Requires Commitment – Luke 14:25-35

After the dinner at the Pharisee’s house, the Lord travelled toward Jerusalem, and large crowds of people travelled along. The fact that Luke 14:25 says “great multitudes went with Him” implies that those present were a mixed assortment of people groups. The text implies three things.

• First, there was a significant number of people involved.
• Second, the categories of individuals could have included the curious, the speculative, the desiring, the believing, the needy, the scoffing, the accusing, the unbelieving, and those just going along for the excitement.
  • Think about it. By this point, people had heard (and many had seen) that He had authority over disease, demons, disaster and death; He had supernatural power of creation as in the multiplication of the loaves and fish (Luke 9:12-17). These things were testified to, and you would either believe, disbelieve, seek a miracle for yourself or want proof from this “Messiah”.
• Third, travelling with (or being in proximity to) someone does not mean having a personal relationship. We do know that those whom He had personally called and had a relationship with Him were in the mix because they truly followed Him. Friend, you can attend church regularly and remain unconverted.

But Jesus confronted their motives for accompanying Him. He was headed to Jerusalem to lay down His life to save the lost, and He knew it. But the masses had no clue. He was clear that anyone who wanted to be a follower of Christ would need to die to self.

The Commitment and Cost of Being Christ’s Disciple

What does it mean to be a disciple? The word for disciple in Luke 14:26, 27, 33 is “mathétés” (Stongs’ 3101), which simply translates into a learner or pupil. When you consider the context of the passage, to hold the title of a disciple has a weightier meaning that includes applying what is learned. HELPS Word-studies also includes: “a follower of Christ who learns the doctrines of Scripture and the lifestyle they require“

Jesus defined discipleship in terms of devotion, priority, commitment and sacrifice. To follow Christ, you must be prepared to give up everything should He require it of you; to choose to obey Him should your affections and relationships compete for priority and devotion.

Consider Christ’s teachings on this:

In the book of John, the evidence of genuine saving faith and discipleship includes the following teachings of Christ:

• …”If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. (John 8:31)
• “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
• “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:8)

Easton’s Bible Dictionary states: A disciple of Christ is one who (1) believes his doctrine, (2) rests on his sacrifice, (3) imbibes his spirit, and (4) imitates his example.

Christ posed two scenarios to explain what following Him meant; He didn’t hide the earthly consequences. He told the crowd that anyone who wanted to pursue Christ would need to (1) count the cost, (2) examine whether they are committed, and (3) then lay down their rights to everything for the sake of Christ. This is absolute loyalty, devotion, and sacrifice.

Let’s consider the parables’ insights.

Parable: Builder of the Tower	Parable: War Against a Stronger King
Passage: Luke 14:27-30	Passage: Luke 14:31-32
Count the Cost: (Philippians 3:8-14, Matthew 5:11; Matthew 10:22; Luke 6:22; John 15:19; 1 Peter 4:14; Matthew 19:29)	Risk Assessment: (Ephesians 6:10-20)
Take Inventory: (1 John 2:15-20)	Accepting the Terms for Peace: (John 16:33; Romans 5:1; Colossians 1:20)
The one who surrenders to the Lord’s ways daily, despite the enticements of the world, the old nature, and evil powers, pays the price of rejection and other pressures, but has overcome all enemies. (John 10:27-29; Romans 8:33-39; 2 Corinthians 10:4-7; 1 Peter 1:5-13; 1 John 4:4; Jude 1:20-24)	No true teaching of Jesus Christ promises a risk-free, trial-free, hardship-free earthly life. Jesus made it clear that following Him has a cost. To have peace with God, we must believe everything that Christ said, starting with His statement that He is the Son of God and ending with every revelation He gave us about overcoming and true joy. (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; Revelation 3:5, 12, 21; Revelation 21:7)

You may say, “I thought salvation is free, a gift that requires faith alone.” This is true, and Christ did not contradict Himself. Laying down your life for Christ is a result of conversion or regeneration. You can not purchase or earn eternal life.

Eternal life is entirely free because God’s grace provides the pardon for our sin through God’s only righteous requirement of faith in Christ. It was not free to God! The Father and Son paid the most costly price to purchase salvation from slavery to sin. Left to ourselves, we do not want Christ, and we find every excuse to hang on to unbelief and our sin. Consider what Jesus and the apostles said about having God’s grace to believe and receive eternal life: John 3:3, 16-21; John 6:44, 65; John 15:16; Romans 8:7; Romans 9:15-16, 21; Ephesians 2:10; 1 John 4:10, 19

• The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. (Romans 8:16-17)
• being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6)

The Lord is sovereign over all of our days, and He defines the scope of our tests.

The Commitment of Christ’s Disciples Must Be Salty

After explaining the depth and breadth of the required commitment, Jesus explains that disciples must be salty in Luke 14:34-35. (also in Matthew 5:13).

What is salt used for? Salt is (1) a purifier, (2) a preservative, (3) enhances flavour, and (3) makes people thirsty. Does your commitment to Christ produce this result?

There is something more here. In the Old Testament, salt was an allusion of the covenant with God and His people. It is written:

• ‘And every offering of your grain offering you shall season with salt; you shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your grain offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt. (Leviticus 2:13)
• “All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer to the LORD, I have given to you and your sons and daughters with you as an ordinance forever; it is a covenant of salt forever before the LORD with you and your descendants with you.” (Numbers 18:19)

God had prescribed in Leviticus 2 how freewill offerings were to be made; only salt, oil, and incense could be used in grain offerings, and salt was mandatory. Grain offerings were voluntary acts of worship. While the substance and method were prescribed, one would offer the grain with salt as an expression of devotion, thankfulness, and in recognition of God’s goodness and provision. The salt served a purpose.

It’s interesting to consider that the human body requires salt to live since (1) our nervous system requires it to function, (2) human muscles require it for proper muscle operation, and (3) salt is the key mineral in blood plasma.

God prescribes what is acceptable to Him because He is holy and owns all of creation. He invites us to be reconciled to Him and fellowship in purity with Him and His redeemed.

• Our response should be (1) from devotion because of His covenant and (2) result in service and self-sacrifice to Him.
• The salt in us has dual purposes: (1) Kingdom advancement and (2) disciple perseverance.
  1. The salt within causes others to thirst after the Source, the Living Water. When we lose sight of the purpose for salt (its use), how do we expect to be effective?
  2. The salt within us purifies us through continual fellowship with Him, preserved by His Spirit, flavoured/seasoned by His grace.
  3. Only God can make “flavourless” salt flavourful; none of us can perform this grace.
     • Here, I think of Christ’s teachings concerning the difficulty of those with great attachment to their wealth to give up all to follow Christ. His teaching was that some things are impossible for humans in their own strength, but … “with God all things are possible.” Refer to Mark 10:23-31 for the full discourse.

Jesus said,

• “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and [every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.] “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavour, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” (Mark 9:49-50)

Paul expounded on Christ’s teachings under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, saying:

• I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. (Romans 12:1-3)
• Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:6)

Segment 3: Celebrating that Which Was Lost and Then Found – Luke 15:1-10

The tax collectors and “sinners” ( the term the Pharisees and scribes gave non-religious people) within the crowds drew closer to listen to Jesus. The Pharisees and scribes complained about Christ’s willingness to welcome sinners. My Lord did not defend Himself, but He challenged their self-righteous thinking and used the opportunity to teach by parable again.

In this chapter, there are three parables about what was lost and then found:

• the lost sheep,
• the lost coin, and
• the lost son (the latter will be discussed in segment 4).

This was not the first time in the book of Luke where Pharisees complained about Christ’s acceptance of any who would come to Him. In Luke 5:27-30, Jesus called a tax collector from a tax office named Levi to follow Him. Then, Levi left all and followed Christ. When Levi made a feast for Jesus, the Pharisees complained about Jesus’ fellowship with him. In the book of Matthew, Jesus told one set of indignant Pharisees:

• “… go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.‘ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Matthew 9:13)

So in Luke 15, after He had been rejected by the self-righteous “keepers of the law” by their reasoning, Jesus continued to teach publicly through parables, but directly to those who sincerely followed Him (Mark 4:33-34; Luke 8:10; John 1:11-13).

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

When He was ridiculed for receiving the invited sinners, Jesus reasoned with His mockers by saying:

• “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? (Luke 15:4)

As Creator and Owner of all souls, God desires His creation to be reconciled to Himself (Colossians 1:19-22). Once the Lord has retrieved one of His wandering sheep, He rejoices because that sheep was certain to perish without His saving ability and intervention. Leaving Heaven to save those lost in slavery to sin was not without cost; it cost the Father and the Son the precious blood of Jesus, the only everlasting sacrifice. Jesus said:

• “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Luke 5:32)

The Lord’s sheep come to Him when He calls them. They recognize they are sinners in need of Him, so they follow Him; they respond to His invitation. Those who are pure in their own eyes (self-righteous) see no need for Him and do not respond. (John 10:14-18; Proverbs 30:12)

The Parable of the Lost Coin

The parable of the lost coin has the same “lost and found” message as the lost sheep parable, and it continues to emphasize the rejoicing that occurs when that which “belongs” is regained through vigorous effort.

Christ knew he had to endure significant suffering to restore humanity’s fellowship with the Father and obtain His bride (Luke 9:22; Luke 17:25; Luke 22:15; Luke 24:26, 46).

• The Son of God ..“who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,” (Hebrews 5:7-9)
• “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:21-25)

In this parable, Christ said:

• “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.“(Luke 15:10)

This contrasts with the reaction of those who were disgusted at Christ’s open invitation. Those who disdained Christ’s call to sinners will certainly not share in the joy of Heaven unless they humbled themselves to see their need of redemption, respond to His invitation by coming (without delay or excuses) and welcome all who would do likewise.

Segment 4: The RSVP Response: Invitor and Attendee Rejoicing vs Rejector’s Priority – Luke 15:11-32

Now, if anyone could understand the joy of finding a lost sheep or coin, how much more should someone rejoice with a restored human relationship? Jesus then turned His audience’s focus to a parable concerning a father and two sons; one who wandered off to pursue his desires while the other remained at home serving the father. Let’s briefly look at the actors in this story.

The Parable of the Lost Son – Sequence of Events

Invitee (Lost Son)	Invitor (Father)	Rejector (Entitled Son)
* was the younger son	* gave life to his boys	* was the older brother
(1) asked for his share of the inheritance while his father was still living	(1) respected his son’s wishes (2) he divided the estate between both sons	(1) received a record of his share of the inheritance
(1) left his father’s presence and went far away	(1) looked after the well-being of the older son	(1) remained at home (2) served his father with help from the staff
(1) squandered his possessions in reckless and immoral living	(1) looked after the well-being of the older son	1) enjoyed food and security (2) served his father with help from the staff
(1) experienced lack and hunger during a famine	(1) looked after the well-being of the older son	(1) enjoyed food and security (2) served his father with help from the staff
(1) persuaded a local citizen to help, who sent him to tend pigs	(1) looked after the well-being of the older son	(1) enjoyed food and security (2) served his father with help from the staff
(1) realized his life was better for his father’s servants than for him	(1) looked after the well-being of the older son	(1) enjoyed food and security (2) served his father with help from the staff
(1) decided to return to his father with humility (2) acknowledge his wrongdoing in God’s eyes and against his father	(1) saw his son returning and was moved with compassion (2) ran to meet him with an embrace and kiss	(1) was working in the field
(1) willing to work as one of his father’s servants, understanding he was not worthy to have more privileges	(1) overjoyed for what was lost has been found	(1) was working in the field
(1) accepted forgiveness and love (2) accepted the invitation	(1) ordered the staff to kill the fattened calf for a feast (2)invited many to celebrate	(1) was working in the field
(1) rejoiced	(1) rejoiced	(1) heard the celebration and questioned the staff about it
(1) rejoiced	(1) left the celebration to plead with the older son to join in and rejoice	(1) became angry and deeply resentful (2) was not willing to join the celebration
(1) rejoiced	(1) reminded the older, angry brother that: (A) he is always with him (B) he has everything that belonged to his father (C) it was right to celebrate the younger son’s return because he had been found.	(1) proclaimed his service (works) and obedience to his father (righteousness) (2) accused his father of not giving him a fattened animal to celebrate with his friends (3) pointed out his brother’s failures

Was the self-righteous son going to humble himself and accept His Father’s invitation to rejoice with him? Or, was he going to reject the invitation, resent His Father’s benevolence and refuse to come to the celebration while he focused on himself? The Bible does not say.

There are so many facets of this parable to consider. There have been many sermons about the father’s love, the unforgiving attitude of the ungrateful older son, and the repentance of the younger son. I have been touched by many preachers graced to impart the truth of the Word!

Conclusion: Jesus Went to the Cross So That We Could Come and Dine

For this study, I observed that both the 14th and 15th chapters of Luke focused on the grace of the master of a feast who issued invitations to share his joy. Collectively, we learned that:

1. Humility is required by the Lord.
2. Accepting the Lord’s invitation requires commitment and action without delay.
3. Following Christ is a privilege that comes with great responsibility. The privilege requires complete allegiance and is our first priority.
4. Following Christ must result in a life that is purified, persevering, useful, and draws others to Christ.
5. Accepting the Lord’s invitation means we celebrate all who were lost but have been found.
6. True joy comes from a grateful heart that recognizes Whom we have been graced to fellowship with; the One Who keeps us and is willing to share His inheritance with us.
7. It matters not from whence we were called, but only that we have accepted by faith the offer we did not deserve, can not earn, nor can repay. No one has perfectly served the Father except for Christ; we have all fallen short of the glory of God.

It is written:

• “For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:3-7)

Jesus told His disciples:

• “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. … “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:1-3, 6b)

The invitations have been sent out. How did you respond? Will you be ready?

I pray by God’s grace to meet you one day at the marriage feast of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour. One day, the Father will say, “‘Come, for all things are now ready.” Let’s make certain we haven’t set our hearts on “excuses”.

If you have not placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Redeemer and you sense a tugging at your heart, it’s probably the Holy Spirit beckoning you to meet Him, to see Christ for who He is (Saviour, Redeemer, Lord of all creation, eternal God, Son of God and the God-Man). You can use your own words to tell the LORD you believe and ask Him to fill your heart with the knowledge of Him and the power to choose freedom over sin.

All Scripture in this blog is from the New King James Version unless otherwise specified.