Central Christian Church Lampasas
Parables: The Banquet of Grace & Judgement
Pastor Nathan explores Parables Jesus told in Matthew and Luke.
Locations & Times
Central Christian Church
204 S Broad St, Lampasas, TX 76550, USA
Sunday 10:30 AM
Sunday, September 11th
Today — Board Meeting 11:30 AM
Patriot’s Day Prayer Service 6 PM
Sept 17th -- Men's Breakfast 8 AM @ Country Kitchen
Sept 21st -- Women's Wednesday 6 PM
Sept 25th -- Operation Christmas Child Kickoff.
Guest Speaker Kathy Dutton in Worship Service
Oct 24th — Women’s More Event
Oct 31st - Neighborhood Block party
Patriot’s Day Prayer Service 6 PM
Sept 17th -- Men's Breakfast 8 AM @ Country Kitchen
Sept 21st -- Women's Wednesday 6 PM
Sept 25th -- Operation Christmas Child Kickoff.
Guest Speaker Kathy Dutton in Worship Service
Oct 24th — Women’s More Event
Oct 31st - Neighborhood Block party
INTRODUCTION
Jesus the Master Teacher taught often in parables. The word parable is derived from a Greek word signifying to compare together, and is taken from a natural object to illustrate a spiritual or moral subject.
It is a narrative of some fictitious or real event, in order to illustrate more clearly some truth that the speaker wished to communicate.
In “The Wedding Feast”, the Lord is revealing how people in a very clear way reject Him.
In this parable they are rejecting kindness which had been graciously offered to them. Today, many are rejecting the gospel invitation
In this parable, we also see an expansion of the element of Divine Judgment. This parable describes judgment upon Israel for rejecting God’s Son. This parable also describes judgment upon those who have accepted the King’s invitation, yet not in the way it was intended to be received.
Jesus the Master Teacher taught often in parables. The word parable is derived from a Greek word signifying to compare together, and is taken from a natural object to illustrate a spiritual or moral subject.
It is a narrative of some fictitious or real event, in order to illustrate more clearly some truth that the speaker wished to communicate.
In “The Wedding Feast”, the Lord is revealing how people in a very clear way reject Him.
In this parable they are rejecting kindness which had been graciously offered to them. Today, many are rejecting the gospel invitation
In this parable, we also see an expansion of the element of Divine Judgment. This parable describes judgment upon Israel for rejecting God’s Son. This parable also describes judgment upon those who have accepted the King’s invitation, yet not in the way it was intended to be received.
The Rejected Invitation
The kingdom of heaven is likened to a wedding feast.
The kingdom of heaven is likened to a wedding feast.
The Invitation Is Spurned
1. By those who are indifferent
2. By those who are rebellious
1. By those who are indifferent
2. By those who are rebellious
Jesus has referring to the Jew but as we will see later there is spiritual application for us.
The King’s furious reaction.
The King’s furious reaction.
Those who had so callously rejected His invitation, abused His servants, are themselves destroyed
Many understand this to be a prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem, which occurred in 70 A. D.
Many understand this to be a prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem, which occurred in 70 A. D.
The invitation is extended to others.
The opportunity to enjoy the blessings of the kingdom of God is extended to others.
This has reference to the offer of the gospel and the kingdom to the Gentiles.
A GUEST IMPROPERLY ATTIRED
Without a wedding garment
Without a wedding garment
It was customary for the hosts to provide their guests suitable apparel.
To not wear the provided garment showed a lack of respect and appreciation.
No real excuse could be offered for not wearing one.
To not wear the provided garment showed a lack of respect and appreciation.
No real excuse could be offered for not wearing one.
The seriousness of the insult is seen in the reaction of the king.
The punishment described is similar to that found in other parables.
The punishment described is similar to that found in other parables.
Jesus' Conclusion
Summarizes the main point of the parable
The invitation (call) of God is extended to many, but few receive it in such a way to be among the “chosen”
This parable was clearly told in response to the rejection of the King’s Son and His Kingdom by the Jewish nation.
HAVE YOU SPURNED THE FATHER’S INVITATION?
Through indifference? Many people do not know God because of a lack of interest. Yet God has so ordered the affairs of life to encourage faith and interest in Him.
The invitation (call) of God is extended to many, but few receive it in such a way to be among the “chosen”
This parable was clearly told in response to the rejection of the King’s Son and His Kingdom by the Jewish nation.
HAVE YOU SPURNED THE FATHER’S INVITATION?
Through indifference? Many people do not know God because of a lack of interest. Yet God has so ordered the affairs of life to encourage faith and interest in Him.
Have you spurned the Father's invitation through rebelliousness? There are many who know full well the Father’s invitation. But they rebel against it. In so doing, they despise riches of God’s grace and store up for themselves God’s righteous indignation.
ARE YOU ATTIRED FOR THE WEDDING?
Many seek to attend the “wedding” in apparel of their own choosing. Some, not knowing the righteousness of God, have sought to establish their own.
Many seek to attend the “wedding” in apparel of their own choosing. Some, not knowing the righteousness of God, have sought to establish their own.
We must be willing to put on the “apparel” that God gives us: We must “put on” Jesus Christ.
We must “put on” the new man.
We must “put on” righteous deeds.
CONCLUSION
1. We have truly been blessed to be given the opportunity to receive the Father’s invitation to the wedding feast of His Son.
2. But we learn from Jesus and His parables that the “kingdom of heaven” is for those who thankfully and properly receive the grace that God has to offer.
3. The example of the nation of Israel should serve as a warning to all, both Jew and Gentile, that while God’s call of the gospel is open to all, the saying of Jesus still remains true. “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
1. We have truly been blessed to be given the opportunity to receive the Father’s invitation to the wedding feast of His Son.
2. But we learn from Jesus and His parables that the “kingdom of heaven” is for those who thankfully and properly receive the grace that God has to offer.
3. The example of the nation of Israel should serve as a warning to all, both Jew and Gentile, that while God’s call of the gospel is open to all, the saying of Jesus still remains true. “For many are called, but few are chosen.”