WEBVTT 00:00:00.420 --> 00:00:04.000 Let's just take the words of that song into a short prayer together now. 00:00:04.099 --> 00:00:12.300 Lord, we do ask that you would speak deeply and powerfully and in transformational ways 00:00:12.300 --> 00:00:17.699 right into our hearts and lives this morning as we are here in your presence, as we open 00:00:17.699 --> 00:00:18.679 your word. 00:00:18.780 --> 00:00:22.280 May it be your voice that we hear and may you help us to respond. 00:00:22.940 --> 00:00:23.219 Amen. 00:00:24.100 --> 00:00:29.300 I can't say how relevant Alice's interview was to what we're actually going to be looking 00:00:29.300 --> 00:00:37.320 at today as we continue in Luke chapter 14 where Jesus is round the table of the Pharisees. 00:00:37.399 --> 00:00:42.480 Alice, I have to say there's just one tiny thing you said that I don't quite agree with. 00:00:42.980 --> 00:00:45.960 You agreed, I agree with everything else apart from this one comment. 00:00:46.019 --> 00:00:46.600 Did you notice it? 00:00:46.600 --> 00:00:51.820 Alice started talking about the great foods and said that's not very spiritual, right? 00:00:52.019 --> 00:00:59.179 Well, I'm going to try to persuade you today that food is a thoroughly spiritual thing because 00:00:59.179 --> 00:01:03.840 for some reason what we're going to see is that Jesus in the gospel of Luke talks about 00:01:03.840 --> 00:01:08.659 food all the time and is constantly at dinner tables. 00:01:09.060 --> 00:01:14.019 And, you know, there's three times in the Bible where we hear the phrase, the son of man came, 00:01:15.079 --> 00:01:15.460 right? 00:01:15.560 --> 00:01:18.280 Once it's he came to seek and save those who were lost. 00:01:18.280 --> 00:01:23.700 Once his own words were, the son of man came eating and drinking. 00:01:23.700 --> 00:01:28.879 This is incredible that Jesus has got so much to say about food. 00:01:29.120 --> 00:01:32.939 And before we read Luke 14, just a little bit of context about food. 00:01:33.340 --> 00:01:37.960 I like food and I've been enjoying this week delving in a little bit more into why the Bible 00:01:37.960 --> 00:01:40.700 has got so much to say about food and meals. 00:01:41.260 --> 00:01:43.760 And I'm sure a lot of the verses will be familiar to you. 00:01:43.760 --> 00:01:50.600 Sometimes references to food and meals are a reference to some of what God has to offer 00:01:50.600 --> 00:01:51.800 us now. 00:01:52.420 --> 00:01:58.200 And sometimes they are pictures of what God has in store for us in future. 00:01:58.900 --> 00:02:04.760 And sometimes, and I think the passage in Luke 14 today is a little bit of a mix of the two. 00:02:05.540 --> 00:02:10.960 Ben, my son, and I are trying to read through the book of Revelation at present. 00:02:11.439 --> 00:02:12.620 It's a bit of a challenge. 00:02:12.620 --> 00:02:15.800 I have to say, once we got by the bit about the letters to the churches, 00:02:16.240 --> 00:02:18.560 and we got into the funny horses that are like humans, 00:02:18.920 --> 00:02:21.360 and the dragons and the beasts and all the rest of it, 00:02:21.500 --> 00:02:23.200 it gets a bit confusing. 00:02:23.680 --> 00:02:27.219 But the one thing in Revelation that is marvellous and is understandable 00:02:27.219 --> 00:02:30.319 are the references to food and meals, right? 00:02:30.439 --> 00:02:33.080 So Revelation chapter 3 and verse 20, 00:02:33.480 --> 00:02:35.780 Jesus speaking to the church at Laodicea says, 00:02:36.040 --> 00:02:39.159 I'm standing and knocking, and I want to come in. 00:02:39.219 --> 00:02:40.200 And what do I want to do? 00:02:40.199 --> 00:02:43.019 I want to come in and have a meal with you. 00:02:43.579 --> 00:02:47.119 Jesus says, I want to come into your lives and into your churches, 00:02:47.359 --> 00:02:49.419 and I want to eat with you. 00:02:49.780 --> 00:02:51.539 And then towards the end of Revelation, 00:02:51.739 --> 00:02:54.019 as we have a picture of what heaven will be like, 00:02:54.199 --> 00:02:55.219 what's it going to be like? 00:02:55.219 --> 00:02:59.120 Again, we're told it's going to be like an incredible feast. 00:02:59.439 --> 00:03:00.759 We're told it's going to be like a wedding, 00:03:01.020 --> 00:03:03.919 and it's going to be like the marriage supper of the Lamb. 00:03:04.000 --> 00:03:07.039 So food and feasting comes into the book of Revelation. 00:03:07.379 --> 00:03:09.900 But as for Luke, it's just right through, 00:03:09.979 --> 00:03:12.539 and we certainly won't go into all of the passages. 00:03:12.659 --> 00:03:15.060 But again, just two references from the Gospels, 00:03:15.259 --> 00:03:17.500 one where food is about the here and now, 00:03:17.819 --> 00:03:19.439 and one where it's more about the future. 00:03:19.439 --> 00:03:22.259 In two weeks' time, I hope you're looking forward to it. 00:03:22.300 --> 00:03:25.579 In two weeks' time, we get on to that passage, Luke chapter 15. 00:03:25.840 --> 00:03:28.280 The prodigal son, what happens? 00:03:28.479 --> 00:03:31.879 What happens when the boy finally returns to his father, 00:03:32.079 --> 00:03:33.340 when the father greets him, 00:03:33.500 --> 00:03:35.719 and the father says, well, you know, I'm going to punish you now? 00:03:35.819 --> 00:03:36.079 No. 00:03:36.520 --> 00:03:40.800 The father says, now we are going to have the most incredible feast together. 00:03:40.800 --> 00:03:47.600 And so again, food used to demonstrate what it's like to be in fellowship with God the father, 00:03:47.700 --> 00:03:51.540 used as a picture of the greatness of being close to God now. 00:03:53.000 --> 00:03:57.420 And then in terms of food as a picture for what's to come, 00:03:58.300 --> 00:04:00.140 Matthew chapter 22 says this, 00:04:00.200 --> 00:04:07.380 the kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who gives a wedding feast for his son. 00:04:07.460 --> 00:04:08.620 So food's right through it. 00:04:08.620 --> 00:04:11.240 And maybe you want to do a bit of a study of that. 00:04:11.599 --> 00:04:12.800 And as we go through this today, 00:04:12.879 --> 00:04:15.439 maybe we'll understand a little bit more about the significance 00:04:15.439 --> 00:04:17.819 and the importance of food in our lives, 00:04:17.920 --> 00:04:22.860 and maybe also food as part of our witness and part of our mission together. 00:04:22.860 --> 00:04:27.240 But let's get stuck into this particular story together. 00:04:27.379 --> 00:04:30.680 And what we'll do is we'll just break in, if it's okay, at verse 12, 00:04:31.120 --> 00:04:34.600 even though our main passage for today is 15 through to verse 24. 00:04:34.600 --> 00:04:38.700 So if you've got a Bible, either on paper or on an app, 00:04:38.820 --> 00:04:43.860 then do please look to Luke chapter 14 and verse 12, and let's read it together. 00:04:44.720 --> 00:04:45.660 Remember the context. 00:04:46.060 --> 00:04:50.600 Jesus is having what it must be said is a pretty miserable meal at the Pharisee's house. 00:04:50.900 --> 00:04:53.860 Pretty miserable because they've been judging him, 00:04:54.140 --> 00:04:57.100 and they're watching absolutely everything he's doing and saying, 00:04:57.220 --> 00:04:58.420 and they're waiting to trip him up. 00:04:58.920 --> 00:04:59.200 Okay? 00:04:59.199 --> 00:05:01.839 Not the sort of meal that Jesus is really into. 00:05:02.259 --> 00:05:04.479 Certainly not the sort of meal that he has to offer. 00:05:04.920 --> 00:05:06.399 But nonetheless, that's where he's at. 00:05:06.459 --> 00:05:08.139 And he says this to his host in verse 12. 00:05:08.420 --> 00:05:11.339 When you give a lunch or dinner, do not invite your friends, 00:05:11.459 --> 00:05:14.379 your brothers or sisters, your relatives or your rich neighbours. 00:05:14.680 --> 00:05:17.519 If you do, they may invite you back, and so you'll be repaid. 00:05:18.039 --> 00:05:24.039 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 00:05:24.680 --> 00:05:25.779 and you will be blessed. 00:05:25.779 --> 00:05:31.619 Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. 00:05:32.599 --> 00:05:35.959 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, 00:05:36.279 --> 00:05:41.019 Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God. 00:05:42.639 --> 00:05:43.779 Jesus replied, 00:05:43.919 --> 00:05:49.399 A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 00:05:49.399 --> 00:05:55.239 At the time of the banquet, he sent his servant to those who had been invited. 00:05:55.739 --> 00:05:58.779 Come, for everything is now ready. 00:05:59.419 --> 00:06:01.879 But they all alike began to make excuses. 00:06:02.839 --> 00:06:03.719 The first said, 00:06:04.039 --> 00:06:05.959 I have just bought a field. 00:06:06.500 --> 00:06:08.219 I must go and see it. 00:06:08.759 --> 00:06:10.620 Please excuse me. 00:06:11.879 --> 00:06:12.560 Another said, 00:06:12.560 --> 00:06:17.519 I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. 00:06:17.939 --> 00:06:20.040 Please excuse me. 00:06:20.920 --> 00:06:21.780 Still another said, 00:06:21.899 --> 00:06:25.340 I have just got married, so I cannot come. 00:06:26.620 --> 00:06:29.819 The servant came back and reported this to his master. 00:06:30.279 --> 00:06:34.360 Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servants, 00:06:34.360 --> 00:06:43.860 Get out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. 00:06:45.000 --> 00:06:46.439 Sir, the servant said, 00:06:46.500 --> 00:06:51.500 What you ordered has been done, but there is still room. 00:06:52.540 --> 00:06:54.300 Then the master told his servant, 00:06:54.520 --> 00:07:01.259 Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in so that my house will be full. 00:07:01.259 --> 00:07:07.480 I tell you, not one of those who are invited will get a taste of my banquet. 00:07:09.279 --> 00:07:19.180 The film and story Babette's Feast tells us about an 18th century Christian community in Denmark that had lost its way. 00:07:19.300 --> 00:07:24.019 It had become incredibly dull, joyless, and legalistic. 00:07:24.599 --> 00:07:31.240 Babette was a refugee from Paris who came to this town to live with two sons. 00:07:31.259 --> 00:07:36.719 And for 12 years, she served as the housekeeper of those two sisters, 00:07:36.939 --> 00:07:41.259 learning how to prepare their humble and very bland food. 00:07:41.899 --> 00:07:45.240 Then, unexpectedly, out of the blue, after this 12 years, 00:07:45.519 --> 00:07:50.439 she suddenly was told that she had won the sum of 10,000 francs. 00:07:50.560 --> 00:07:56.839 Because unbeknown to her, a friend had renewed her lottery ticket in the Paris lottery every year. 00:07:57.839 --> 00:08:05.419 Babette asked at that point if she could prepare a banquet for this somewhat miserable community. 00:08:06.139 --> 00:08:14.939 And what she did after days of preparation was serve up course after course of the most exquisite food. 00:08:15.639 --> 00:08:23.339 A visiting general exclaimed after a number of courses that he had only ever tasted food like that 00:08:23.339 --> 00:08:26.739 at the famous Café Anglais in Paris. 00:08:27.939 --> 00:08:31.679 As the meal unfolded and as they were served by Babette, 00:08:31.899 --> 00:08:37.740 slowly but surely, the community rediscovers joy. 00:08:39.039 --> 00:08:41.319 Feuds are ended. 00:08:42.759 --> 00:08:44.559 Sin is confessed. 00:08:44.559 --> 00:08:54.039 And the evening ends with the community hand in hand around the old village fountain singing the songs of faith. 00:08:55.039 --> 00:09:00.039 Meanwhile, the two sisters find Babette in the chaos of the kitchen, 00:09:00.239 --> 00:09:04.219 surrounded by dishes and the remnants of the meal. 00:09:04.220 --> 00:09:08.740 And with a distant look in Babette's eyes, she says to them, 00:09:09.060 --> 00:09:12.340 I was once a cook at the Café Anglais. 00:09:13.139 --> 00:09:18.040 And they say, well, Babette, we will remember you when you go back to Paris. 00:09:19.899 --> 00:09:24.960 But as the story unfolds, we realise Babette will never be returning to Paris. 00:09:24.960 --> 00:09:32.840 She has spent absolutely everything that she had on this feast. 00:09:33.840 --> 00:09:41.280 The lavish meal has brought transformation to that joyless community, 00:09:41.960 --> 00:09:47.259 but cost her absolutely everything she had. 00:09:47.259 --> 00:09:55.200 I think that story of Babette's feast may have some parallels for us 00:09:55.200 --> 00:10:01.879 as we get into this story of the feast in Luke chapter 14. 00:10:02.700 --> 00:10:11.960 Jesus tells us a story about the most extravagant feast that you might be able to imagine. 00:10:11.960 --> 00:10:17.600 And as we get into it, there are just three key phrases in Luke 14 00:10:17.600 --> 00:10:20.340 that I'd like us to really zone in on, 00:10:20.400 --> 00:10:25.980 because I think these three key phrases might have something really important 00:10:25.980 --> 00:10:32.320 to say to each of us and to speak into our hearts and lives this morning. 00:10:33.100 --> 00:10:36.740 And the first is the invitation that was given. 00:10:36.740 --> 00:10:40.360 And the phrase that you'll see in verse 17 is this. 00:10:40.360 --> 00:10:48.379 So in this parable, it's described by Jesus as a great banquet 00:10:48.379 --> 00:10:51.680 to which many, many guests are invited. 00:10:52.019 --> 00:10:55.240 This is no half-hearted or meagre affair. 00:10:55.500 --> 00:10:59.860 And you may notice if you look closely, it seems that two invitations were given. 00:11:00.200 --> 00:11:00.840 Do you see that? 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:05.180 So verse 16, a man invited many guests. 00:11:05.560 --> 00:11:06.899 Lots of people have invited. 00:11:06.899 --> 00:11:10.879 And what would happen in this custom is following this initial invitation, 00:11:11.340 --> 00:11:15.279 the person giving the banquet would have an idea as to how many were going to come. 00:11:15.799 --> 00:11:15.939 Right? 00:11:16.059 --> 00:11:21.919 So based on that, he would then know how many animals had to be slaughtered, 00:11:22.019 --> 00:11:24.519 how many people were going to have to help him serve. 00:11:24.699 --> 00:11:29.699 And for a number of days, all of the extensive preparation would be done 00:11:29.700 --> 00:11:36.400 for this magnificent banquet based on those initial acceptances. 00:11:36.820 --> 00:11:39.900 And then at verse 17, the banquet is ready. 00:11:40.280 --> 00:11:43.520 And the second invitation goes out at that point. 00:11:43.900 --> 00:11:46.500 All those who have been invited are then told by the servant, 00:11:46.920 --> 00:11:50.440 come, for everything is now ready. 00:11:50.780 --> 00:11:52.120 The meats have been cooked. 00:11:52.120 --> 00:11:54.139 They're ready to be carved. 00:11:54.519 --> 00:11:59.700 And now we'd like you to come to the feast. 00:12:01.159 --> 00:12:06.039 Come, for everything is now ready. 00:12:06.340 --> 00:12:10.620 Jesus wants us to see this story, I think, on so many different levels. 00:12:11.399 --> 00:12:15.779 And one of the levels that I would want to really emphasize this morning 00:12:15.779 --> 00:12:21.500 is this invitation that I believe we are given by Jesus, 00:12:22.039 --> 00:12:24.939 each of us personally today, 00:12:25.639 --> 00:12:29.279 to the feast that he has in store for us, 00:12:29.279 --> 00:12:33.539 to the celebration that he wants to offer to us today 00:12:33.539 --> 00:12:38.980 as he invites us into life with him, 00:12:39.879 --> 00:12:42.639 as he invites us despite our past, 00:12:42.639 --> 00:12:45.740 despite our inadequacies and inabilities, 00:12:46.120 --> 00:12:48.120 despite the fact that we may well, 00:12:48.179 --> 00:12:49.120 and it's good if we can, 00:12:49.220 --> 00:12:51.799 identify with the poor, 00:12:52.580 --> 00:12:54.639 the helpless, the blind, and the lame 00:12:54.639 --> 00:12:55.899 who he's already spoken about. 00:12:56.159 --> 00:12:58.179 And if we can hear him say to us, 00:12:58.559 --> 00:12:58.819 come, 00:13:00.100 --> 00:13:01.019 for everything 00:13:01.019 --> 00:13:03.139 is now ready. 00:13:04.179 --> 00:13:04.580 Jesus 00:13:04.580 --> 00:13:06.100 is the one 00:13:06.100 --> 00:13:08.460 who has done all the preparation 00:13:08.460 --> 00:13:09.439 that is needed 00:13:09.440 --> 00:13:12.140 and who is able to invite us 00:13:12.140 --> 00:13:15.220 into his magnificent feast. 00:13:16.080 --> 00:13:17.740 He is the one who can say 00:13:17.740 --> 00:13:20.580 everything is now ready. 00:13:21.120 --> 00:13:22.540 He is the one who will invite. 00:13:23.260 --> 00:13:25.080 He is the one who has done all the preparation. 00:13:25.160 --> 00:13:25.720 What has he done? 00:13:26.680 --> 00:13:29.340 Well, as we speak about so much 00:13:29.340 --> 00:13:30.420 in this church, 00:13:30.560 --> 00:13:31.400 and rightly so, 00:13:31.620 --> 00:13:32.460 he is the one 00:13:32.460 --> 00:13:34.460 who has given of his life. 00:13:34.580 --> 00:13:35.320 He is the one 00:13:35.320 --> 00:13:36.360 who has suffered, 00:13:36.700 --> 00:13:37.500 who has died, 00:13:37.600 --> 00:13:39.120 who has paid the price for our sin, 00:13:39.120 --> 00:13:40.500 who has risen again, 00:13:40.720 --> 00:13:42.220 and now because of him, 00:13:42.519 --> 00:13:43.860 and because of his grace, 00:13:44.100 --> 00:13:45.279 and his generosity, 00:13:45.659 --> 00:13:47.659 and his extravagant love, 00:13:48.120 --> 00:13:48.919 can say to us, 00:13:49.019 --> 00:13:49.299 come, 00:13:50.039 --> 00:13:52.580 for everything is now ready. 00:13:56.159 --> 00:13:57.539 And wouldn't you think, 00:13:57.860 --> 00:14:00.120 given the nature of the feast 00:14:00.120 --> 00:14:02.220 that Jesus is referring to, 00:14:02.379 --> 00:14:04.340 that once this invitation goes out, 00:14:04.560 --> 00:14:06.180 people would be running to it, 00:14:06.179 --> 00:14:06.919 delighted, 00:14:06.919 --> 00:14:10.319 that everything is now ready. 00:14:11.879 --> 00:14:14.159 But we hear that they didn't. 00:14:15.120 --> 00:14:15.539 And indeed, 00:14:15.639 --> 00:14:17.579 it seems that three, 00:14:17.699 --> 00:14:19.739 they were only given three of the reasons 00:14:19.739 --> 00:14:21.459 why people didn't come, 00:14:21.539 --> 00:14:23.239 and there were many excuses 00:14:23.239 --> 00:14:25.120 and reasons given 00:14:25.120 --> 00:14:27.219 as to why they didn't come. 00:14:27.259 --> 00:14:28.259 I wonder if some of you 00:14:28.259 --> 00:14:30.299 have found yourself puzzled 00:14:30.299 --> 00:14:32.659 by some truly awful excuses 00:14:32.659 --> 00:14:33.519 that you've heard 00:14:33.519 --> 00:14:35.879 for why people are perhaps rejecting 00:14:35.879 --> 00:14:37.740 one of your invitations. 00:14:37.840 --> 00:14:38.600 And that can be hard, 00:14:38.659 --> 00:14:39.600 it can be hurtful, 00:14:39.659 --> 00:14:39.980 can't it, 00:14:39.980 --> 00:14:41.699 if you feel that the reason 00:14:41.699 --> 00:14:42.439 you're being given 00:14:42.439 --> 00:14:43.980 really lacks credibility 00:14:43.980 --> 00:14:45.299 as to why somebody 00:14:45.299 --> 00:14:47.899 doesn't want to spend time with you. 00:14:48.419 --> 00:14:49.579 I was supposed to meet Christian 00:14:49.579 --> 00:14:50.620 this week for a coffee, 00:14:50.699 --> 00:14:51.759 and I gave him what I think 00:14:51.759 --> 00:14:53.980 he thought was a dreadful excuse. 00:14:54.379 --> 00:14:55.639 It was a text message saying, 00:14:55.899 --> 00:14:56.799 I'm really sorry, Christian, 00:14:56.860 --> 00:14:57.779 I've just had a call 00:14:57.779 --> 00:14:59.319 from my long-lost cousin 00:14:59.319 --> 00:15:00.159 from Australia. 00:15:00.159 --> 00:15:02.139 I've never met him before, 00:15:02.319 --> 00:15:03.759 but he happens to be in town, 00:15:03.919 --> 00:15:05.379 and he's asked to see me tomorrow. 00:15:05.799 --> 00:15:06.939 Sorry, we can't meet. 00:15:07.259 --> 00:15:08.379 Didn't sound very credible, 00:15:08.639 --> 00:15:09.519 but I do have evidence 00:15:09.519 --> 00:15:10.559 that there really was 00:15:10.559 --> 00:15:12.240 a call from my long-lost cousin 00:15:12.240 --> 00:15:13.019 from Australia. 00:15:13.179 --> 00:15:14.740 I can absolutely promise you. 00:15:14.939 --> 00:15:15.860 I wonder if some of us 00:15:15.860 --> 00:15:16.480 have come up with 00:15:16.480 --> 00:15:18.379 all sorts of excuses, though. 00:15:19.199 --> 00:15:20.519 Excuses as to why 00:15:20.519 --> 00:15:21.779 we might be avoiding 00:15:21.779 --> 00:15:22.860 doing the things 00:15:22.860 --> 00:15:25.059 that God would want us 00:15:25.059 --> 00:15:25.899 to be doing. 00:15:26.559 --> 00:15:27.480 Maybe some of us have found 00:15:27.480 --> 00:15:28.779 the most remarkable excuses 00:15:28.779 --> 00:15:30.159 to avoid attending 00:15:30.159 --> 00:15:31.120 any events 00:15:31.120 --> 00:15:32.120 in our week of prayer 00:15:32.120 --> 00:15:32.959 this week. 00:15:33.139 --> 00:15:33.799 But certainly, 00:15:33.919 --> 00:15:34.740 let's just drill in 00:15:34.740 --> 00:15:35.480 for a minute or two 00:15:35.480 --> 00:15:36.399 to some of these 00:15:36.399 --> 00:15:37.759 dreadful excuses 00:15:37.759 --> 00:15:40.199 that Jesus gives 00:15:40.199 --> 00:15:41.759 in this parable. 00:15:42.019 --> 00:15:42.939 This first person, 00:15:43.240 --> 00:15:44.100 sorry, I need to go 00:15:44.100 --> 00:15:45.220 and see a field 00:15:45.220 --> 00:15:46.319 that I've bought. 00:15:48.120 --> 00:15:49.419 I don't think the field 00:15:49.419 --> 00:15:50.379 was going to change 00:15:50.379 --> 00:15:50.919 very much 00:15:50.919 --> 00:15:51.919 in the course of the banquet, 00:15:51.919 --> 00:15:52.459 was it? 00:15:53.759 --> 00:15:55.019 And I think he probably 00:15:55.019 --> 00:15:56.419 knew that field 00:15:56.419 --> 00:15:57.399 and what it was like 00:15:57.399 --> 00:15:58.919 before he'd accepted 00:15:58.919 --> 00:16:00.179 that first invitation. 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:02.439 But he was so caught up 00:16:02.439 --> 00:16:03.319 with this field 00:16:03.319 --> 00:16:05.120 that he decided 00:16:05.120 --> 00:16:05.799 he was going to 00:16:05.799 --> 00:16:06.799 stare at a field 00:16:06.799 --> 00:16:08.819 and miss the banquet. 00:16:10.199 --> 00:16:11.399 And then the second one, 00:16:11.639 --> 00:16:12.120 I'm sorry, 00:16:12.199 --> 00:16:12.819 I've just gone 00:16:12.819 --> 00:16:14.259 and bought some ox. 00:16:15.559 --> 00:16:16.019 Ox? 00:16:16.179 --> 00:16:16.600 Oxen? 00:16:17.100 --> 00:16:18.480 I'm not sure which it is. 00:16:19.139 --> 00:16:20.139 And I need to go 00:16:20.139 --> 00:16:20.799 and oxen, 00:16:20.860 --> 00:16:21.220 thank you. 00:16:21.419 --> 00:16:22.419 And I need to go 00:16:22.419 --> 00:16:24.019 and try them out. 00:16:24.740 --> 00:16:25.879 Was that a matter of urgency? 00:16:25.879 --> 00:16:26.980 And the third one, 00:16:27.340 --> 00:16:29.360 I've got married 00:16:29.360 --> 00:16:30.659 and I need to spend 00:16:30.659 --> 00:16:31.399 some time with my wife. 00:16:31.439 --> 00:16:32.399 Now when I spoke to my kids 00:16:32.399 --> 00:16:33.220 about these three reasons, 00:16:33.299 --> 00:16:34.159 they thought that last one 00:16:34.159 --> 00:16:35.000 was quite a good one. 00:16:35.259 --> 00:16:36.100 They've clearly heard 00:16:36.100 --> 00:16:37.220 me feeling that 00:16:37.220 --> 00:16:38.460 I have to decline things 00:16:38.460 --> 00:16:39.299 on the basis that 00:16:39.299 --> 00:16:39.639 no, no, no, 00:16:39.659 --> 00:16:40.539 it's really time 00:16:40.539 --> 00:16:41.419 that I spend a little bit 00:16:41.419 --> 00:16:42.200 of time with my wife. 00:16:42.360 --> 00:16:43.240 So maybe the third one 00:16:43.240 --> 00:16:44.379 is a slightly better 00:16:44.379 --> 00:16:46.259 reason than others. 00:16:46.639 --> 00:16:47.080 But you know, 00:16:47.159 --> 00:16:48.360 Jesus wants us to see 00:16:48.360 --> 00:16:49.379 that all three 00:16:49.379 --> 00:16:50.399 of these excuses 00:16:50.399 --> 00:16:51.759 were simply 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:53.200 missing the point. 00:16:53.679 --> 00:16:54.860 They were giving excuses 00:16:54.860 --> 00:16:56.100 and they were rejecting 00:16:56.100 --> 00:16:57.720 the invitation to come 00:16:57.720 --> 00:16:59.220 and they were missing out 00:16:59.220 --> 00:17:00.899 on so much. 00:17:01.639 --> 00:17:02.340 They were focused 00:17:02.340 --> 00:17:03.340 on what was there 00:17:03.340 --> 00:17:04.940 right in front of their eyes 00:17:04.940 --> 00:17:07.599 rather than what this, 00:17:07.860 --> 00:17:08.980 rather than what was 00:17:08.980 --> 00:17:10.019 really offered to them. 00:17:10.039 --> 00:17:10.900 And thinking about that, 00:17:11.079 --> 00:17:12.160 I was reminded of 00:17:12.160 --> 00:17:13.000 one of the things 00:17:13.000 --> 00:17:13.920 that C.S. Lewis 00:17:13.920 --> 00:17:14.900 had to say 00:17:14.900 --> 00:17:16.059 that I think 00:17:16.059 --> 00:17:16.779 is very relevant. 00:17:16.860 --> 00:17:17.380 He said this, 00:17:17.599 --> 00:17:18.180 it would seem 00:17:18.180 --> 00:17:18.980 that our Lord 00:17:18.980 --> 00:17:19.860 finds our desires 00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:22.079 not too strong 00:17:22.079 --> 00:17:24.339 but too weak. 00:17:24.919 --> 00:17:27.119 We are half-hearted creatures 00:17:27.119 --> 00:17:28.359 fooling about 00:17:28.359 --> 00:17:29.460 with drink 00:17:29.460 --> 00:17:30.439 and sex 00:17:30.439 --> 00:17:31.279 and ambition 00:17:31.279 --> 00:17:33.079 when infinite joy 00:17:33.079 --> 00:17:34.439 is offered to us. 00:17:35.000 --> 00:17:35.899 We are like 00:17:35.899 --> 00:17:37.039 an ignorant child 00:17:37.039 --> 00:17:38.419 who wants to go on 00:17:38.419 --> 00:17:39.659 making mud pies 00:17:39.659 --> 00:17:40.519 in a slum 00:17:40.519 --> 00:17:41.699 because he cannot 00:17:41.699 --> 00:17:42.539 imagine 00:17:42.539 --> 00:17:43.659 what is meant 00:17:43.659 --> 00:17:44.359 by the offer 00:17:44.359 --> 00:17:45.039 of a holiday 00:17:45.039 --> 00:17:45.859 at the sea. 00:17:46.480 --> 00:17:47.579 The trouble is 00:17:47.579 --> 00:17:49.299 we are far 00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:50.720 too easily 00:17:50.720 --> 00:17:51.539 pleased. 00:17:52.599 --> 00:17:53.619 Is that some of us? 00:17:54.379 --> 00:17:55.180 Are we making 00:17:55.180 --> 00:17:56.259 mud pies 00:17:56.259 --> 00:17:57.159 in a slum 00:17:57.159 --> 00:17:58.359 because we cannot 00:17:58.359 --> 00:17:59.019 imagine 00:17:59.019 --> 00:18:00.000 what is meant 00:18:00.000 --> 00:18:00.659 by the offer 00:18:00.659 --> 00:18:01.339 of a holiday 00:18:01.339 --> 00:18:02.019 at the sea? 00:18:02.279 --> 00:18:03.159 Are we caught up 00:18:03.159 --> 00:18:04.019 with what are frankly 00:18:04.019 --> 00:18:05.000 in the scheme of things 00:18:05.000 --> 00:18:05.799 trivial, 00:18:06.359 --> 00:18:07.500 somewhat pathetic 00:18:07.500 --> 00:18:08.180 excuses 00:18:08.180 --> 00:18:09.419 rather than giving 00:18:09.419 --> 00:18:10.319 our wholehearted 00:18:10.319 --> 00:18:10.839 devotion 00:18:10.839 --> 00:18:11.639 to the one 00:18:11.639 --> 00:18:12.139 who says 00:18:12.139 --> 00:18:12.619 come 00:18:12.619 --> 00:18:13.579 for everything 00:18:13.579 --> 00:18:14.680 is now ready. 00:18:14.859 --> 00:18:15.539 These people 00:18:15.539 --> 00:18:16.299 whom Jesus 00:18:16.299 --> 00:18:17.279 has to speak about 00:18:17.279 --> 00:18:18.759 stand in sharp 00:18:18.759 --> 00:18:19.420 contrast 00:18:19.420 --> 00:18:20.839 to the disciples 00:18:20.839 --> 00:18:22.000 who we have read 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:22.720 about earlier 00:18:22.720 --> 00:18:23.400 in this gospel 00:18:23.400 --> 00:18:24.140 for example 00:18:24.140 --> 00:18:25.460 Levi or Matthew 00:18:25.460 --> 00:18:26.619 in Luke chapter 5 00:18:26.619 --> 00:18:28.180 there is his tax booth 00:18:28.180 --> 00:18:29.720 working away 00:18:29.720 --> 00:18:30.619 and Jesus 00:18:30.619 --> 00:18:31.700 comes and says 00:18:31.700 --> 00:18:32.720 Levi 00:18:32.720 --> 00:18:33.759 come 00:18:33.759 --> 00:18:36.180 everything is now ready 00:18:36.180 --> 00:18:37.339 come 00:18:37.339 --> 00:18:38.559 follow me 00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:40.400 and Levi 00:18:40.400 --> 00:18:41.220 gets up 00:18:41.220 --> 00:18:41.799 leaves 00:18:41.799 --> 00:18:42.339 everything 00:18:42.339 --> 00:18:43.059 follows him 00:18:43.059 --> 00:18:43.940 and then interestingly 00:18:43.940 --> 00:18:45.259 immediately what does he do? 00:18:45.460 --> 00:18:46.379 Goes on to throw 00:18:46.379 --> 00:18:47.740 a huge big banquet 00:18:47.740 --> 00:18:49.940 for the tax collectors 00:18:49.940 --> 00:18:50.720 and sinners 00:18:50.720 --> 00:18:51.420 but I'm keen 00:18:51.420 --> 00:18:51.980 that today 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:53.640 we just pause 00:18:53.640 --> 00:18:55.000 and we reflect 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:57.039 on this little phrase 00:18:57.039 --> 00:18:58.279 come 00:18:58.279 --> 00:18:59.539 for everything 00:18:59.539 --> 00:19:00.359 is now 00:19:00.359 --> 00:19:01.200 ready. 00:19:02.200 --> 00:19:03.579 The invitation 00:19:03.579 --> 00:19:04.920 has gone out 00:19:04.920 --> 00:19:06.839 Jesus wants us 00:19:06.839 --> 00:19:07.680 to join him 00:19:07.680 --> 00:19:09.019 for a feast. 00:19:09.700 --> 00:19:10.620 Don't get me wrong 00:19:10.620 --> 00:19:11.539 I'm not suggesting 00:19:11.539 --> 00:19:12.059 for a minute 00:19:12.059 --> 00:19:12.579 it'll all be 00:19:12.579 --> 00:19:13.720 one big long party. 00:19:13.720 --> 00:19:15.539 there will be 00:19:15.539 --> 00:19:16.279 fellowship 00:19:16.279 --> 00:19:18.019 and celebration 00:19:18.019 --> 00:19:20.539 there will also be 00:19:20.539 --> 00:19:21.180 suffering 00:19:21.180 --> 00:19:22.480 and pain 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:23.700 as we will see 00:19:23.700 --> 00:19:24.500 as we go on 00:19:24.500 --> 00:19:25.319 to read the rest 00:19:25.319 --> 00:19:26.680 of Luke chapter 14. 00:19:27.360 --> 00:19:28.559 There will be 00:19:28.559 --> 00:19:29.660 great things 00:19:29.660 --> 00:19:30.539 for us now 00:19:30.539 --> 00:19:32.079 and there will be 00:19:32.079 --> 00:19:32.839 the promise 00:19:32.839 --> 00:19:34.039 of ultimately 00:19:34.039 --> 00:19:34.759 participating 00:19:34.759 --> 00:19:36.200 in that most 00:19:36.200 --> 00:19:36.799 magnificent 00:19:36.799 --> 00:19:37.980 of all feasts 00:19:37.980 --> 00:19:39.079 that we've already 00:19:39.079 --> 00:19:39.640 mentioned 00:19:39.640 --> 00:19:40.920 in Revelation. 00:19:40.920 --> 00:19:41.720 we would have 00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:42.920 no greater joy 00:19:42.920 --> 00:19:43.680 in this church 00:19:43.680 --> 00:19:44.039 today 00:19:44.039 --> 00:19:45.200 than to hear 00:19:45.200 --> 00:19:46.180 that this day 00:19:46.180 --> 00:19:47.800 some of you 00:19:47.800 --> 00:19:48.720 have taken 00:19:48.720 --> 00:19:49.980 the decision 00:19:49.980 --> 00:19:52.560 to turn your eyes 00:19:52.560 --> 00:19:54.180 away from the mud pies 00:19:54.180 --> 00:19:54.860 in the slum 00:19:54.860 --> 00:19:56.620 and to accept 00:19:56.620 --> 00:19:57.620 the offer 00:19:57.620 --> 00:19:58.860 of the holiday 00:19:58.860 --> 00:20:00.740 at the sea. 00:20:01.440 --> 00:20:02.320 And the challenge 00:20:02.320 --> 00:20:03.039 here is that 00:20:03.039 --> 00:20:03.860 the king does 00:20:03.860 --> 00:20:05.180 eventually tire 00:20:05.180 --> 00:20:06.840 of the excuses 00:20:06.840 --> 00:20:08.240 that the servant 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:09.279 is coming back 00:20:09.279 --> 00:20:10.639 and telling him 00:20:10.639 --> 00:20:11.039 about. 00:20:11.519 --> 00:20:12.460 The king does 00:20:12.460 --> 00:20:13.460 eventually decide 00:20:13.460 --> 00:20:13.980 that he's had 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:15.039 enough of those 00:20:15.039 --> 00:20:15.599 excuses 00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:16.480 and what's he 00:20:16.480 --> 00:20:16.960 going to do 00:20:16.960 --> 00:20:17.759 is not slam 00:20:17.759 --> 00:20:18.160 the door 00:20:18.160 --> 00:20:19.059 and just get on 00:20:19.059 --> 00:20:19.519 with the feast 00:20:19.519 --> 00:20:20.019 himself. 00:20:20.200 --> 00:20:21.079 Absolutely not. 00:20:21.240 --> 00:20:21.839 What he's going 00:20:21.839 --> 00:20:22.799 to do is just 00:20:22.799 --> 00:20:23.779 ensure that the 00:20:23.779 --> 00:20:24.899 invitation goes 00:20:24.899 --> 00:20:25.920 out all the 00:20:25.920 --> 00:20:26.920 more widely 00:20:26.920 --> 00:20:28.139 to more and 00:20:28.139 --> 00:20:28.920 more and more 00:20:28.920 --> 00:20:29.859 and more people 00:20:29.859 --> 00:20:30.839 so that more 00:20:30.839 --> 00:20:31.480 people have got 00:20:31.480 --> 00:20:32.019 an opportunity 00:20:32.019 --> 00:20:33.039 to attend. 00:20:33.119 --> 00:20:33.660 And the second 00:20:33.660 --> 00:20:34.279 little phrase 00:20:34.279 --> 00:20:35.240 which I'd invite 00:20:35.240 --> 00:20:36.279 us to focus 00:20:36.279 --> 00:20:37.019 on and to 00:20:37.019 --> 00:20:38.539 speak into our 00:20:38.539 --> 00:20:39.259 hearts and 00:20:39.259 --> 00:20:39.960 minds and 00:20:39.960 --> 00:20:40.539 lives today 00:20:40.539 --> 00:20:41.539 is this phrase 00:20:41.539 --> 00:20:42.019 that we see 00:20:42.019 --> 00:20:43.019 in verse 22 00:20:43.019 --> 00:20:44.240 as the servant 00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:44.940 has gone and 00:20:44.940 --> 00:20:45.819 told some people 00:20:45.819 --> 00:20:46.659 about it and 00:20:46.659 --> 00:20:47.799 as they've responded 00:20:47.799 --> 00:20:48.839 and as he speaks 00:20:48.839 --> 00:20:49.480 again to his 00:20:49.480 --> 00:20:50.379 master and he 00:20:50.379 --> 00:20:50.940 says to his 00:20:50.940 --> 00:20:51.859 master I've got 00:20:51.859 --> 00:20:53.379 some in but 00:20:53.379 --> 00:20:54.000 there is still 00:20:54.000 --> 00:20:54.299 room. 00:20:55.819 --> 00:20:58.000 There is still 00:20:58.000 --> 00:20:59.019 room. 00:20:59.599 --> 00:21:00.619 There is room 00:21:00.619 --> 00:21:01.819 enough today 00:21:01.819 --> 00:21:02.960 for those of 00:21:02.960 --> 00:21:03.639 you who feel 00:21:03.639 --> 00:21:04.359 that maybe 00:21:04.359 --> 00:21:05.079 you've had so 00:21:05.079 --> 00:21:05.960 many invitations 00:21:05.960 --> 00:21:06.639 maybe you've 00:21:06.639 --> 00:21:07.200 thrown up so 00:21:07.200 --> 00:21:07.940 many excuses 00:21:07.940 --> 00:21:08.620 or maybe 00:21:08.620 --> 00:21:09.039 you've almost 00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:09.820 taken steps 00:21:09.820 --> 00:21:10.120 and you've 00:21:10.120 --> 00:21:10.620 joined that 00:21:10.620 --> 00:21:11.019 feast and 00:21:11.019 --> 00:21:11.299 then you've 00:21:11.299 --> 00:21:12.180 retreated and 00:21:12.180 --> 00:21:12.460 you've got 00:21:12.460 --> 00:21:13.180 back to those 00:21:13.180 --> 00:21:14.380 mud pies if I 00:21:14.380 --> 00:21:15.059 can continue to 00:21:15.059 --> 00:21:15.539 use that 00:21:15.539 --> 00:21:16.259 analogy. 00:21:16.400 --> 00:21:17.080 I want you to 00:21:17.080 --> 00:21:17.960 hear this 00:21:17.960 --> 00:21:19.100 word from 00:21:19.100 --> 00:21:20.460 verse 22 of 00:21:20.460 --> 00:21:21.140 Luke chapter 00:21:21.140 --> 00:21:22.299 14 and I 00:21:22.299 --> 00:21:22.840 pray that it 00:21:22.840 --> 00:21:23.120 might be 00:21:23.120 --> 00:21:23.779 relevant to 00:21:23.779 --> 00:21:24.279 your heart 00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:24.740 and life 00:21:24.740 --> 00:21:25.519 today which 00:21:25.519 --> 00:21:26.140 is that there 00:21:26.140 --> 00:21:27.240 is still room. 00:21:27.799 --> 00:21:28.460 You are here 00:21:28.460 --> 00:21:28.980 and there is 00:21:28.980 --> 00:21:30.240 still a moment 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:31.120 of opportunity 00:21:31.120 --> 00:21:31.900 for you to 00:21:31.900 --> 00:21:33.019 say yes to 00:21:33.019 --> 00:21:34.360 Jesus, to 00:21:34.360 --> 00:21:35.220 trust him, to 00:21:35.220 --> 00:21:36.100 rely on him 00:21:36.100 --> 00:21:36.900 for all that he 00:21:36.900 --> 00:21:37.820 has done and 00:21:37.820 --> 00:21:38.720 to experience 00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:39.480 the banquet 00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:41.019 that he has 00:21:41.019 --> 00:21:41.700 to offer. 00:21:42.440 --> 00:21:43.540 But I wonder 00:21:43.540 --> 00:21:44.320 if those of us 00:21:44.320 --> 00:21:45.259 who are already 00:21:45.259 --> 00:21:46.540 enjoying something 00:21:46.540 --> 00:21:47.820 of this feast 00:21:47.820 --> 00:21:49.380 can also take 00:21:49.380 --> 00:21:50.140 these words, 00:21:50.500 --> 00:21:51.400 these four 00:21:51.400 --> 00:21:53.080 words, as a 00:21:53.080 --> 00:21:54.080 powerful challenge 00:21:54.080 --> 00:21:55.080 to the mission 00:21:55.080 --> 00:21:56.560 that Jesus has 00:21:56.560 --> 00:21:57.840 for all of his 00:21:57.840 --> 00:21:58.840 followers today. 00:21:59.360 --> 00:22:00.220 Because Jesus 00:22:00.220 --> 00:22:01.259 wants us 00:22:01.259 --> 00:22:02.860 to be the ones 00:22:02.859 --> 00:22:03.939 who will go 00:22:03.939 --> 00:22:05.079 out and will 00:22:05.079 --> 00:22:05.859 spread the 00:22:05.859 --> 00:22:07.179 message of the 00:22:07.179 --> 00:22:08.539 availability of 00:22:08.539 --> 00:22:09.759 this feast to 00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:11.240 those far and 00:22:11.240 --> 00:22:12.299 wide, those near 00:22:12.299 --> 00:22:13.579 and those far. 00:22:13.819 --> 00:22:15.319 He has not yet 00:22:15.319 --> 00:22:16.159 returned, the 00:22:16.159 --> 00:22:17.379 invitation stays 00:22:17.379 --> 00:22:18.519 open and the 00:22:18.519 --> 00:22:19.339 message that we 00:22:19.339 --> 00:22:20.479 have to those 00:22:20.479 --> 00:22:21.199 around us is 00:22:21.199 --> 00:22:22.459 come, everything 00:22:22.459 --> 00:22:23.459 is ready and 00:22:23.459 --> 00:22:24.319 there is still 00:22:24.319 --> 00:22:25.959 room for you. 00:22:27.099 --> 00:22:29.279 I wonder how 00:22:29.279 --> 00:22:30.179 we're getting on 00:22:30.180 --> 00:22:31.259 going to the 00:22:31.259 --> 00:22:32.380 streets, the 00:22:32.380 --> 00:22:33.220 alleys, the 00:22:33.220 --> 00:22:34.220 roads, the 00:22:34.220 --> 00:22:35.279 hedges, the 00:22:35.279 --> 00:22:36.240 country lanes. 00:22:37.240 --> 00:22:38.039 Are we getting 00:22:38.039 --> 00:22:39.200 next door to us? 00:22:40.039 --> 00:22:41.039 Are we getting 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:42.000 into our workplace, 00:22:42.140 --> 00:22:42.759 to our schools 00:22:42.759 --> 00:22:43.759 and our colleges 00:22:43.759 --> 00:22:44.799 and getting across 00:22:44.799 --> 00:22:45.480 this message? 00:22:45.779 --> 00:22:46.860 There is still 00:22:46.860 --> 00:22:47.640 room. 00:22:48.400 --> 00:22:49.500 I wonder if 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:50.840 as we pass 00:22:50.840 --> 00:22:51.779 people who to 00:22:51.779 --> 00:22:52.480 the best of our 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:53.360 knowledge may 00:22:53.360 --> 00:22:54.120 not know 00:22:54.120 --> 00:22:55.660 Jesus, may 00:22:55.660 --> 00:22:56.820 not maybe even 00:22:56.820 --> 00:22:58.000 realize that this 00:22:58.000 --> 00:22:59.140 invitation to this 00:22:59.140 --> 00:23:00.100 feast exists, 00:23:00.180 --> 00:23:01.200 I wonder if 00:23:01.200 --> 00:23:01.700 you could look 00:23:01.700 --> 00:23:03.060 at them and 00:23:03.060 --> 00:23:03.740 in your mind 00:23:03.740 --> 00:23:04.799 you could think 00:23:04.799 --> 00:23:07.120 there is still 00:23:07.120 --> 00:23:08.120 room. 00:23:09.680 --> 00:23:11.500 There is still 00:23:11.500 --> 00:23:12.320 room. 00:23:13.660 --> 00:23:14.400 Maybe God 00:23:14.400 --> 00:23:15.480 wants me, 00:23:15.900 --> 00:23:16.580 wants you, 00:23:16.900 --> 00:23:18.320 wants us to 00:23:18.320 --> 00:23:19.840 do something by 00:23:19.840 --> 00:23:21.120 way of encouraging 00:23:21.120 --> 00:23:22.620 them to accept 00:23:22.620 --> 00:23:23.880 the invitation. 00:23:26.860 --> 00:23:28.039 This chapter 00:23:28.039 --> 00:23:29.820 is of Luke 14 00:23:29.819 --> 00:23:32.039 is spoken about 00:23:32.039 --> 00:23:32.899 in this book 00:23:32.899 --> 00:23:33.339 that I've got to 00:23:33.339 --> 00:23:34.019 recommend for you 00:23:34.019 --> 00:23:34.259 today. 00:23:34.460 --> 00:23:34.759 I don't know if 00:23:34.759 --> 00:23:35.519 some of you have 00:23:35.519 --> 00:23:36.659 read it, called 00:23:36.659 --> 00:23:37.399 A Meal with 00:23:37.399 --> 00:23:38.299 Jesus by a guy 00:23:38.299 --> 00:23:39.220 called Tim Chester. 00:23:39.419 --> 00:23:39.980 If you haven't 00:23:39.980 --> 00:23:40.480 read it, I 00:23:40.480 --> 00:23:41.899 thoroughly recommend 00:23:41.899 --> 00:23:42.059 it. 00:23:42.119 --> 00:23:42.619 You'll get it on 00:23:42.619 --> 00:23:42.899 Amazon. 00:23:42.900 --> 00:23:43.900 food. 00:23:43.900 --> 00:23:45.180 And he speaks 00:23:45.180 --> 00:23:46.960 about many of the 00:23:46.960 --> 00:23:47.840 examples of food 00:23:47.840 --> 00:23:48.740 in the ministry 00:23:48.740 --> 00:23:49.519 of Jesus, but he 00:23:49.519 --> 00:23:50.280 also speaks about 00:23:50.280 --> 00:23:51.460 the many ways in 00:23:51.460 --> 00:23:52.259 which his church 00:23:52.259 --> 00:23:53.360 family have used 00:23:53.360 --> 00:23:54.940 food to try to 00:23:54.940 --> 00:23:55.660 reach out to 00:23:55.660 --> 00:23:56.680 people of all 00:23:56.680 --> 00:23:57.759 cultures and 00:23:57.759 --> 00:23:58.560 backgrounds and 00:23:58.560 --> 00:23:59.080 generations. 00:23:59.580 --> 00:24:00.660 Food as a way in 00:24:00.660 --> 00:24:01.360 which they can just 00:24:01.360 --> 00:24:02.519 try to share life 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:03.980 and show love 00:24:03.980 --> 00:24:05.580 and generosity. 00:24:06.380 --> 00:24:07.280 And he says 00:24:07.280 --> 00:24:07.700 this, 00:24:07.700 --> 00:24:18.980 If you 00:24:18.980 --> 00:24:19.920 routinely share 00:24:19.920 --> 00:24:21.180 meals and you 00:24:21.180 --> 00:24:21.840 have a passion 00:24:21.840 --> 00:24:23.380 for Jesus, then 00:24:23.380 --> 00:24:23.860 you'll be doing 00:24:23.860 --> 00:24:24.259 mission. 00:24:25.259 --> 00:24:26.440 Meals will create 00:24:26.440 --> 00:24:27.940 natural opportunities 00:24:27.940 --> 00:24:29.799 to share the 00:24:29.799 --> 00:24:30.819 message of Jesus 00:24:30.819 --> 00:24:32.680 in a context that 00:24:32.680 --> 00:24:33.880 resonates powerfully 00:24:33.880 --> 00:24:34.700 with what you're 00:24:34.700 --> 00:24:35.080 saying. 00:24:35.079 --> 00:24:36.879 Meals bring 00:24:36.879 --> 00:24:38.480 mission into 00:24:38.480 --> 00:24:39.240 the ordinary. 00:24:40.099 --> 00:24:41.199 Most people live 00:24:41.199 --> 00:24:42.059 in the ordinary 00:24:42.059 --> 00:24:43.379 and will be reached 00:24:43.379 --> 00:24:44.379 by ordinary people. 00:24:44.480 --> 00:24:45.159 Alice sees what I 00:24:45.159 --> 00:24:45.619 mean now about 00:24:45.619 --> 00:24:46.299 meals and food 00:24:46.299 --> 00:24:46.980 being thoroughly 00:24:46.980 --> 00:24:47.939 spiritual. 00:24:48.720 --> 00:24:49.539 Francis Schaeffer 00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:50.240 says this, 00:24:50.519 --> 00:24:51.539 Start personally 00:24:51.539 --> 00:24:52.339 in your home. 00:24:52.740 --> 00:24:53.460 I dare you, 00:24:53.699 --> 00:24:54.460 I dare you in 00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:54.899 the name of 00:24:54.899 --> 00:24:55.919 Jesus, do what I 00:24:55.919 --> 00:24:56.379 am going to 00:24:56.379 --> 00:24:56.799 suggest. 00:24:57.079 --> 00:24:58.019 Begin by opening 00:24:58.019 --> 00:24:58.759 your home for 00:24:58.759 --> 00:24:59.339 community. 00:24:59.879 --> 00:25:00.379 There is no 00:25:00.379 --> 00:25:01.279 place in God's 00:25:01.279 --> 00:25:02.299 world where there 00:25:02.299 --> 00:25:03.339 are no people who 00:25:03.339 --> 00:25:04.099 will come and 00:25:04.099 --> 00:25:04.779 share a home 00:25:04.779 --> 00:25:05.759 as long as it 00:25:05.759 --> 00:25:06.599 is a real 00:25:06.599 --> 00:25:06.940 home. 00:25:07.379 --> 00:25:07.960 Tim Chester 00:25:07.960 --> 00:25:08.500 goes on to 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:09.079 say this, my 00:25:09.079 --> 00:25:09.920 final quote from 00:25:09.920 --> 00:25:10.399 him, we 00:25:10.399 --> 00:25:11.220 Christians should 00:25:11.220 --> 00:25:12.039 have a reputation 00:25:12.039 --> 00:25:13.019 for throwing 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:14.500 the best parties. 00:25:14.899 --> 00:25:15.700 He then lists 00:25:15.700 --> 00:25:16.399 a lot of 00:25:16.399 --> 00:25:17.379 helpful reasons 00:25:17.379 --> 00:25:18.099 as to why we 00:25:18.099 --> 00:25:18.740 might want to 00:25:18.740 --> 00:25:19.700 find an excuse 00:25:19.700 --> 00:25:20.399 for a party 00:25:20.399 --> 00:25:21.160 and says this, 00:25:21.399 --> 00:25:22.019 Parties of 00:25:22.019 --> 00:25:22.680 course are not 00:25:22.680 --> 00:25:23.099 enough. 00:25:24.079 --> 00:25:24.899 They create a 00:25:24.899 --> 00:25:26.019 great platform 00:25:26.019 --> 00:25:27.200 for gospel 00:25:27.200 --> 00:25:28.119 opportunities, 00:25:29.119 --> 00:25:30.379 but must be 00:25:30.379 --> 00:25:31.119 accompanied by 00:25:31.119 --> 00:25:32.019 a passion for 00:25:32.019 --> 00:25:33.259 people and a 00:25:33.259 --> 00:25:33.899 passion for 00:25:33.900 --> 00:25:34.259 Jesus. 00:25:35.019 --> 00:25:35.800 You don't have 00:25:35.800 --> 00:25:36.220 to give a 00:25:36.220 --> 00:25:36.920 little sermon, 00:25:37.680 --> 00:25:38.960 just be attentive 00:25:38.960 --> 00:25:40.820 to people and 00:25:40.820 --> 00:25:41.759 be open about 00:25:41.759 --> 00:25:42.380 your faith. 00:25:42.900 --> 00:25:43.600 Now I realise 00:25:43.600 --> 00:25:44.019 that not 00:25:44.019 --> 00:25:44.800 everybody feels 00:25:44.800 --> 00:25:45.240 that they can 00:25:45.240 --> 00:25:45.820 invite people 00:25:45.820 --> 00:25:46.259 into their 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:46.940 homes, but 00:25:46.940 --> 00:25:47.519 many of us 00:25:47.519 --> 00:25:47.880 can. 00:25:48.500 --> 00:25:48.980 And I wonder 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:49.480 if some of 00:25:49.480 --> 00:25:49.840 us have 00:25:49.840 --> 00:25:50.500 bought into 00:25:50.500 --> 00:25:51.720 the notion 00:25:51.720 --> 00:25:52.320 that our 00:25:52.320 --> 00:25:52.800 homes are 00:25:52.800 --> 00:25:53.160 our little 00:25:53.160 --> 00:25:53.700 castles, 00:25:53.940 --> 00:25:54.200 they're for 00:25:54.200 --> 00:25:54.500 us and 00:25:54.500 --> 00:25:54.940 their family 00:25:54.940 --> 00:25:55.140 and they're 00:25:55.140 --> 00:25:55.560 basically for 00:25:55.560 --> 00:25:56.200 nobody else. 00:25:56.440 --> 00:25:57.120 In which case 00:25:57.120 --> 00:25:57.680 can I suggest 00:25:57.680 --> 00:25:58.240 that that's a 00:25:58.240 --> 00:25:58.580 thoroughly 00:25:58.580 --> 00:25:59.580 unbiblical, 00:25:59.880 --> 00:26:00.480 unchristian 00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:01.480 concept and 00:26:01.480 --> 00:26:02.140 it's not one 00:26:02.140 --> 00:26:02.759 that Jesus 00:26:02.759 --> 00:26:03.360 would encourage 00:26:03.359 --> 00:26:03.779 or that we'll 00:26:03.779 --> 00:26:04.379 find support 00:26:04.379 --> 00:26:04.740 for in 00:26:04.740 --> 00:26:05.439 scripture. 00:26:05.959 --> 00:26:06.619 Rather the 00:26:06.619 --> 00:26:07.479 intention is 00:26:07.479 --> 00:26:08.259 that we use 00:26:08.259 --> 00:26:09.000 all that we 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:10.019 have, including 00:26:10.019 --> 00:26:10.959 our homes, as 00:26:10.959 --> 00:26:11.559 part of our 00:26:11.559 --> 00:26:12.299 pursuit of 00:26:12.299 --> 00:26:13.240 Jesus and as 00:26:13.240 --> 00:26:13.740 part of our 00:26:13.740 --> 00:26:14.319 desire to be 00:26:14.319 --> 00:26:14.919 involved in 00:26:14.919 --> 00:26:15.859 mission for 00:26:15.859 --> 00:26:16.519 his name. 00:26:17.479 --> 00:26:18.199 And so as we 00:26:18.199 --> 00:26:19.039 seek to say to 00:26:19.039 --> 00:26:20.019 others there is 00:26:20.019 --> 00:26:21.259 still room, we 00:26:21.259 --> 00:26:22.479 ourselves model 00:26:22.479 --> 00:26:24.639 generosity and 00:26:24.639 --> 00:26:25.859 grace and 00:26:25.859 --> 00:26:27.019 kindness in our 00:26:27.019 --> 00:26:27.619 lives and in 00:26:27.619 --> 00:26:28.439 what we do and 00:26:28.439 --> 00:26:29.059 that includes 00:26:29.059 --> 00:26:30.599 inviting people to 00:26:30.599 --> 00:26:31.779 share a meal 00:26:31.779 --> 00:26:32.759 with us in 00:26:32.759 --> 00:26:34.119 our homes or 00:26:34.119 --> 00:26:35.240 maybe outside 00:26:35.240 --> 00:26:36.079 of our homes, 00:26:36.460 --> 00:26:37.539 in that party 00:26:37.539 --> 00:26:38.319 that you might 00:26:38.319 --> 00:26:38.720 have in our 00:26:38.720 --> 00:26:38.839 mind. 00:26:38.940 --> 00:26:39.460 What would 00:26:39.460 --> 00:26:40.299 happen folks 00:26:40.299 --> 00:26:41.799 today if all 00:26:41.799 --> 00:26:42.359 of us went 00:26:42.359 --> 00:26:42.819 away and 00:26:42.819 --> 00:26:43.160 thought I'm 00:26:43.160 --> 00:26:43.339 going to 00:26:43.339 --> 00:26:43.599 throw a 00:26:43.599 --> 00:26:43.940 party? 00:26:45.940 --> 00:26:46.599 Can you 00:26:46.599 --> 00:26:47.839 imagine the 00:26:47.839 --> 00:26:48.720 impact that we 00:26:48.720 --> 00:26:49.180 could have 00:26:49.180 --> 00:26:50.099 collectively for 00:26:50.099 --> 00:26:51.059 Jesus and we 00:26:51.059 --> 00:26:52.119 prayerfully think 00:26:52.119 --> 00:26:53.319 this party is 00:26:53.319 --> 00:26:54.139 going to be some 00:26:54.139 --> 00:26:55.279 way of just 00:26:55.279 --> 00:26:56.319 demonstrating to 00:26:56.319 --> 00:26:57.079 others that 00:26:57.079 --> 00:26:58.099 Jesus loves them, 00:26:58.379 --> 00:26:59.200 that he is the 00:26:59.200 --> 00:26:59.720 one who is 00:26:59.720 --> 00:27:00.559 inviting them to 00:27:00.559 --> 00:27:01.159 come and know 00:27:01.159 --> 00:27:02.299 his feast, 00:27:02.539 --> 00:27:03.000 that there is 00:27:03.000 --> 00:27:04.159 still room and 00:27:04.159 --> 00:27:04.839 I know that I 00:27:04.839 --> 00:27:05.579 need to model 00:27:05.579 --> 00:27:06.240 some of that 00:27:06.240 --> 00:27:08.000 joyful generosity 00:27:08.000 --> 00:27:09.759 in order to 00:27:09.759 --> 00:27:10.859 reflect more 00:27:10.859 --> 00:27:11.599 fully the Lord 00:27:11.599 --> 00:27:12.659 whom I serve. 00:27:13.200 --> 00:27:13.679 Maybe some of 00:27:13.679 --> 00:27:14.179 us find that a 00:27:14.179 --> 00:27:14.759 little bit scary, 00:27:14.899 --> 00:27:15.480 well maybe join 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:16.019 up with somebody 00:27:16.019 --> 00:27:17.159 else, maybe make 00:27:17.159 --> 00:27:17.919 a plan, can I 00:27:17.919 --> 00:27:18.399 encourage you, 00:27:18.500 --> 00:27:19.079 let's take this 00:27:19.079 --> 00:27:20.599 seriously, let's 00:27:20.599 --> 00:27:21.539 take seriously the 00:27:21.539 --> 00:27:22.559 way in which Jesus 00:27:22.559 --> 00:27:23.539 did so much around 00:27:23.539 --> 00:27:25.639 the dinner table and 00:27:25.639 --> 00:27:26.359 let's think whether 00:27:26.359 --> 00:27:27.299 we can do something, 00:27:27.359 --> 00:27:28.399 of course that should 00:27:28.399 --> 00:27:29.579 include fellowship with 00:27:29.579 --> 00:27:31.699 one another but it 00:27:31.699 --> 00:27:32.539 needs to go beyond 00:27:32.539 --> 00:27:33.980 that as we seek to 00:27:33.980 --> 00:27:35.079 reach out to others 00:27:35.079 --> 00:27:35.779 as well. 00:27:36.099 --> 00:27:37.720 There is so much 00:27:37.720 --> 00:27:39.500 room and the heart 00:27:39.500 --> 00:27:40.980 of Jesus is that 00:27:40.980 --> 00:27:42.039 those whom we come 00:27:42.039 --> 00:27:43.139 into contact with 00:27:43.139 --> 00:27:44.659 might be those who 00:27:44.659 --> 00:27:46.319 are next to join 00:27:46.319 --> 00:27:47.199 this feast. 00:27:47.319 --> 00:27:48.259 My final phrase and 00:27:48.259 --> 00:27:49.279 with this I close, 00:27:49.559 --> 00:27:50.519 it's there in verse 00:27:50.519 --> 00:27:52.480 23 and it's the 00:27:52.480 --> 00:27:54.500 phrase, my house 00:27:54.500 --> 00:27:56.559 will be full. 00:27:56.699 --> 00:27:57.659 Come for all things 00:27:57.660 --> 00:27:58.380 are now ready, 00:27:58.759 --> 00:27:59.640 there is still 00:27:59.640 --> 00:28:00.920 room but ultimately 00:28:00.920 --> 00:28:03.000 the reassurance, 00:28:03.600 --> 00:28:04.340 the promise, 00:28:04.759 --> 00:28:05.759 maybe the challenge 00:28:05.759 --> 00:28:07.180 at the end of this 00:28:07.180 --> 00:28:09.500 passage that the 00:28:09.500 --> 00:28:11.460 master sets out 00:28:11.460 --> 00:28:13.019 is to go to the 00:28:13.019 --> 00:28:13.840 roads and country 00:28:13.840 --> 00:28:14.960 lanes, compel them 00:28:14.960 --> 00:28:16.420 to come in so that 00:28:16.420 --> 00:28:18.320 my house will be 00:28:18.320 --> 00:28:18.680 full. 00:28:18.740 --> 00:28:19.360 I wouldn't want us 00:28:19.360 --> 00:28:20.160 to finish today 00:28:20.160 --> 00:28:22.160 thinking that our 00:28:22.160 --> 00:28:23.660 work for Jesus is 00:28:24.279 --> 00:28:25.519 totally dependent on 00:28:25.519 --> 00:28:25.819 us. 00:28:25.900 --> 00:28:26.440 It's not. 00:28:28.759 --> 00:28:29.879 It's all about 00:28:29.879 --> 00:28:30.240 Jesus. 00:28:30.440 --> 00:28:31.180 It's all about what 00:28:31.180 --> 00:28:31.859 he has done. 00:28:31.960 --> 00:28:32.960 It's all about his 00:28:32.960 --> 00:28:34.299 grace and goodness 00:28:34.299 --> 00:28:35.720 and we can finish 00:28:35.720 --> 00:28:37.000 today with absolute 00:28:37.000 --> 00:28:38.019 confidence that he 00:28:38.019 --> 00:28:38.660 knows what he's 00:28:38.660 --> 00:28:41.759 doing, that this is 00:28:41.759 --> 00:28:42.559 the moment when the 00:28:42.559 --> 00:28:43.879 invitation still goes 00:28:43.879 --> 00:28:44.539 out but that 00:28:44.539 --> 00:28:45.680 ultimately the day 00:28:45.680 --> 00:28:47.680 will come when his 00:28:47.680 --> 00:28:49.440 house will be full. 00:28:50.299 --> 00:28:51.339 The day will come 00:28:51.339 --> 00:28:52.079 and it's described 00:28:52.079 --> 00:28:53.700 throughout Revelation, 00:28:53.859 --> 00:28:54.339 it's there in 00:28:54.339 --> 00:28:55.799 Revelation 7 as a 00:28:55.799 --> 00:28:57.000 great multitude that 00:28:57.000 --> 00:28:58.179 no one could count 00:28:58.179 --> 00:28:59.639 from every nation, 00:29:00.039 --> 00:29:01.759 tribe, people and 00:29:01.759 --> 00:29:03.240 language worshipping 00:29:03.240 --> 00:29:04.259 before the throne 00:29:04.259 --> 00:29:05.539 and before the Lamb 00:29:05.539 --> 00:29:07.039 crying out salvation 00:29:07.039 --> 00:29:08.799 belongs to our God 00:29:08.799 --> 00:29:10.119 who sits on the 00:29:10.119 --> 00:29:12.220 throne and to the 00:29:12.220 --> 00:29:12.579 Lamb. 00:29:12.879 --> 00:29:14.220 The party will be 00:29:14.220 --> 00:29:14.879 amazing. 00:29:15.279 --> 00:29:16.539 It will put Babette's 00:29:16.539 --> 00:29:18.480 feast thoroughly into 00:29:18.480 --> 00:29:19.179 the shade. 00:29:19.599 --> 00:29:21.159 Jesus will be at the 00:29:21.159 --> 00:29:22.000 centre of it. 00:29:22.259 --> 00:29:23.319 He is the one who 00:29:23.319 --> 00:29:25.240 gave everything so 00:29:25.240 --> 00:29:26.259 that it could happen 00:29:26.259 --> 00:29:27.899 in the first place. 00:29:28.279 --> 00:29:30.839 For us, let's ensure 00:29:30.839 --> 00:29:33.359 that we have responded 00:29:33.359 --> 00:29:35.639 to Jesus' invitation. 00:29:36.539 --> 00:29:38.939 Let's seek to invite as 00:29:38.939 --> 00:29:41.200 many as we can to be 00:29:41.200 --> 00:29:44.019 part of this feast and 00:29:44.019 --> 00:29:45.519 let's seek in as many 00:29:45.519 --> 00:29:47.539 ways possible to reflect 00:29:47.539 --> 00:29:49.500 the attitude of the host 00:29:49.500 --> 00:29:51.599 Christ in our own 00:29:51.599 --> 00:29:52.480 lives. 00:29:53.420 --> 00:29:54.420 Let's pray together. 00:29:58.420 --> 00:29:59.759 Just as we close, 00:29:59.920 --> 00:30:02.079 let's ask God to 00:30:02.079 --> 00:30:03.119 speak to us and 00:30:03.119 --> 00:30:03.960 think about whether 00:30:03.960 --> 00:30:04.960 one of these phrases 00:30:04.960 --> 00:30:05.880 is of particular 00:30:05.880 --> 00:30:08.000 importance for us. 00:30:08.119 --> 00:30:09.259 Come for everything 00:30:09.259 --> 00:30:10.059 is now ready. 00:30:11.960 --> 00:30:13.579 There is still 00:30:13.579 --> 00:30:14.720 room. 00:30:14.720 --> 00:30:16.960 my house 00:30:16.960 --> 00:30:17.720 will 00:30:17.720 --> 00:30:19.240 be full. 00:30:20.240 --> 00:30:21.100 Lord Jesus, 00:30:21.279 --> 00:30:22.160 thank you for your 00:30:22.160 --> 00:30:22.740 grace. 00:30:25.180 --> 00:30:26.680 Thank you for giving 00:30:26.680 --> 00:30:27.700 your life 00:30:27.700 --> 00:30:28.660 for us. 00:30:32.460 --> 00:30:33.539 Help us 00:30:33.539 --> 00:30:35.299 to follow you. 00:30:38.100 --> 00:30:39.140 Help us 00:30:39.140 --> 00:30:40.220 to be engaged 00:30:40.220 --> 00:30:41.200 in mission 00:30:41.200 --> 00:30:42.759 with you. 00:30:43.840 --> 00:30:44.819 For your glory 00:30:44.819 --> 00:30:45.319 we pray. 00:30:46.539 --> 00:30:46.860 Amen.