The Parable of the Great Supper

The Parable of the Great Supper

Introduction
In Luke 14, Jesus teaches in the home of a Pharisee on the Sabbath. As usual, the Pharisees are watching Him, waiting to accuse Him of violating their traditions. He heals a man and exposes their hypocrisy: they would rescue an ox on the Sabbath, yet condemned Him for showing mercy to a man. From this moment, Jesus moves into teaching by parables—first about humility and now about priorities. The Parable of the Great Supper reminds us that God’s invitation to His kingdom is open to all, yet many reject it through excuses. Those who respond, whether poor or overlooked by the world, will share in the eternal feast. The lesson calls us to examine whether we are truly seeking God’s kingdom first or allowing the distractions of life to rob us of eternal joy.

The Setting and Background
The parable flows from Jesus’ earlier teaching: “When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:13–14). This backdrop is essential. Jesus emphasized generosity without expecting repayment, for God Himself will reward us in eternity. Someone present responded, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God” (v. 15). Jesus used that statement to teach the parable of the Great Supper, pointing to the blessings of His kingdom and the danger of neglecting God’s call.

The Parable Explained
A man prepared a great supper and invited many. When all was ready, his servant delivered the invitation: “Come, for all things are now ready” (v. 17). But instead of joyfully accepting, the invited guests offered excuses: one had to inspect land, another had to test oxen, another had just married. None of these reasons were sinful in themselves. Yet each placed worldly concerns above the master’s feast. The host became angry, sending his servant to bring in the poor, maimed, lame, and blind—the very people Jesus had just mentioned. Still there was room, so the call extended further: “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled” (v. 23). But the master declared: “None of those men who were invited shall taste my supper” (v. 24).

Lessons for Us Today

1. Excuses Displease God. The invited guests had plenty of warning and time to prepare, yet they dismissed the invitation. In the same way, people today make excuses for neglecting worship, Bible study, or obedience. God knows the difference between a reason and an excuse. Excuses reveal misplaced priorities, and Scripture shows that they anger and grieve the Lord.

2. The Invitation Is for All. The master opened the banquet to the outcasts. Likewise, the gospel invitation is for everyone—Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, powerful and powerless. God’s desire is that none should perish but that all come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

3. Rewards Are Certain. Jesus promised that even small acts—like giving a cup of water in His name—will not go unnoticed. Our service to others and our faithfulness to God will be rewarded at the resurrection of the just. Hebrews 6:10 assures us that “God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love.”

4. Priorities Must Be Right. The land, the oxen, the marriage—these things were not wrong, but they became wrong when placed above God’s kingdom. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Anything that distracts us from God becomes a spiritual danger.

The Parable of the Great Supper Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: Context of Luke 14; Jesus teaching at a Pharisee’s home; importance of priorities.

• Setting and Context

  • Healing on the Sabbath exposes Pharisees’ hypocrisy (Luke 14:1–6).

  • Teaching on humility and generosity (vv. 7–14).

  • Statement about eating bread in God’s kingdom (v. 15).

• The Great Supper

  • Invitation sent: “All things are ready” (v. 17).

  • Excuses given: land, oxen, marriage (vv. 18–20).

  • The host’s anger and response (vv. 21–24).

• Spiritual Application

  • Excuses reveal misplaced priorities (Matthew 6:33).

  • God’s invitation extends to all (Romans 1:16).

  • The reward of faithfulness: resurrection blessings (Hebrews 6:10; Revelation 21:1–4).

• Conclusion: Examine your life—are you accepting the invitation or making excuses?

Call to Action
God’s invitation is open today. The feast is ready. The blessings of the kingdom are waiting for those who respond in faith and obedience. What will you do with that invitation? Don’t let work, possessions, or family—even good things—become excuses that rob you of eternal life. Put God’s kingdom first. Come to the feast.

Key Takeaways

• Excuses anger God because they reveal misplaced priorities (Luke 14:18–20).

• The invitation to the kingdom is for all people (2 Peter 3:9; Romans 1:16).

• God rewards even the smallest acts of faith and service (Hebrews 6:10; Matthew 10:42).

• Prioritize the kingdom of God above all else (Matthew 6:33).

• Eternal blessings await those who accept God’s call (Revelation 21:1–4).

Scripture Reference List

• Luke 14:1–24 – The context and parable of the Great Supper.

• Matthew 6:33 – Seek first the kingdom of God.

• Hebrews 6:10 – God will not forget your work and labor of love.

• 2 Peter 3:9 – God desires all to come to repentance.

• Romans 1:16 – The gospel is the power of God to everyone who believes.

• Revelation 21:1–4 – The blessings of the new heaven and new earth.

• Matthew 10:42 – Even a cup of cold water given in His name is rewarded.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO