The Great Banquet
This morning we had the privilege of hearing from Greg King, teaching pastor at Five Stones church. Pastor Alex went to Five Stones to preach for them this morning as well as a part of a Pastor swap. Five Stones, one of Carmel’s plant churches, is doing a great work in Waxhaw. We are so thankful to all that saw the vision to plant this church. Our prayer is for more churches will be birthed as often as we have people and resources to do so.

Pastor Greg shared the parable of the Great Banquet from Luke 14:15-24. In the custom of that day, there was a double invitation. Word would go out to the invitees that an party was going to be held. Once all of the provisions were in place, the servant would go around to the invitees and let them know that the meal was ready. In this case, three different people declined.

The first excuse was a decline in order to go and buy a field. In that day, this would have been a “slap in the face” to the host. Property was all family owned, and a piece of land would not just pop up and be available for purchase.

The second excuse was a decline in order to go and examine five yoke of oxen. Again, this was a blatant excuse due to the customs of the day. One would never examine after the purchase. This was meant to bring shame to the host.

The third excuse was a decline because a man has married a wife. This would have been a very offensive statement in this culture. Basically, the guest is declining in order to have sex with his wife.

The master, who is obviously angry, requests his servant to bring in all the outcasts of Israel. Jesus quickly turns the story to Himself. He says, “none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.” All are invited to the banquet, but if they refuse, the banquet will still go on.

To discuss as a family today
1. When was the last time you had someone sit down at your table that has different views from you? Why?

2. Will you make the Kingdom party? Why? Has there been a true heart change, or did you just accept the first invitation?

3. What excuses do you make that hurt our Master’s heart?

Prayer
Father, thank you for inviting me to the table to celebrate with you. I know I am sick, blind, and lame, but you chose to invite me anyway. I don’t want to make any excuses to your invitation. I commit to invite others and open my home to them as you have done for me. Help me be a compelling witness to your goodness and salvation.