Parables of Life, Pt. 6: "Be My Guest"

BE MY GUEST (LUKE 14:15-24)
A wedding, Western- or Chinese- style, is an expensive affair.

American weddings cost the father of the bride an arm and a leg! According to thewedding.com, the projected 2007 U.S. average spent on a wedding is $27,690. Nationally, in 2006 consumers spent $1,841 on attire, $2,337 on their ceremony, $1,104 on favors, $1,136 on flowers, $1,739 on jewelry, $922 on music, $2,659 on photography, $13,692 on their reception, $809 on invitations and $563 on transportation. A study released by the Fairchild Bridal Group in 2005 revealed that only 25 percent of brides’ parents planned to finance an entire wedding. The survey found that 27 percent of couples planned to foot their wedding bills themselves and 16 percent planned to pay for the day with help from the families of the bride and groom.
http://www.in-forum.com/Business/articles/168843

Chinese weddings can be even more expensive. On top of the above expenditure, a 10-course dinner is served to guests. A young married couple I know paid $330 a table for 31 tables in 2007 at a Chinese restaurant. Relatives alone on the bride’s side occupy eight tables. One of the parents, bemoaning the stress, work and preparation, said, “I am going to ask my other child to get married out of town when his turn comes!” The compensation for Chinese couples is that both Chinese families – groom and bride’s - usually split the cost of the wedding and Chinese well-wishers often give money, not gifts, to help the newly-weds to cover the wedding!

Jesus likened God’s offer of salvation to receiving an invitation to a sumptuous feast, a costly banquet or a lavish party. When some declined to attend, others gladly took their place. The theory behind this parable includes the exclusion of the prideful Jews from the kingdom of God, the inclusion of outcast Gentiles in God’s kingdom, and the condemnation of the self-righteous Pharisees.

Why do people reject something as privileged, as precious, and as perfect as God’s gift of salvation? What does God think of man’s rejection? How did he feel and what did he say? What steps did he take? What was his original plan, his alternate plan, and his hidden plan?

God’s Gift of Salvation is Offered to Those Who Did Not Earn It
15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” 16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' (Luke 14:15-17)

A man dies and goes to heaven. Of course, the apostle Peter meets him at the pearly gates. Peter says, “Here how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you’ve done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in.”

“Okay,” the man says, “I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart.” “That’s wonderful,” says Peter, “that’s worth three points.”

“Three points?” the man says. “Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service.” “Terrific!” says Peter. “That’s certainly worth a point.”

“One point?” the man says. “Well, I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans.” “Fantastic, that’s good for two more points,” Peter says.

“Two more points!” the man cries. “At this rate the only way to get into heaven is by the grace of God!” Peter smiled, “There’s your 100 points! Come on in.”

God’s gift of salvation is compared to not just any supper, but a great supper (v 16), or a “mega” supper in Greek. It is not merely a meal but a feast, not a snack or high tea but a banquet and the mother of all parties. The supper will be a perfect, rich and opulent feast. The most distinguished chefs, bakers, florists, musicians and singers will be in His service. The staff, ushers and hospitality will be first-class. The food there will be better than Ritz Carlton, White House and United Nations fare. You will be pampered with appetizer, dessert and snacks. The food is not the all-you-can-eat Sizzler buffet, or the usual set lunch, lunch special, early bird special, weekday special or after 10 pm specials. Attendees will receive five-star service at world-class facilities for a day and an evening like no other. Potluck, catering, frozen food, canned food and fast food will be banned, and all the delicacies in the world – Alaskan king crab leg, lobster tail, abalone, bird’s nest soup, shark’s fin soup – will be served. Paper napkins, plastic cutlery and Styrofoam cups are not permitted; cloth napkins, stainless steel cutlery and the finest china tableware are provided.

In fact, no greater supper is recorded in the Scriptures, not even the Lord’s Supper, which is a foretaste, an appetizer and a rehearsal dinner for the feast that is to come. The feast will be fit for kings, emissaries and celebrities, served in the most magnificent hall ever, bigger and grander than Charles and Diana’s wedding. No other event on earth is comparable. Only God could throw, handle and manage such a party.

God Himself is the wedding planner, the wedding coordinator, the wedding host, and the wedding financier. The host follows everything in the book. He prepares the guest list, the food fare and the entertainment program. God has prepared this feast by himself and for himself. No expense is spared, no detail is insignificant and no arrangement is too ostentatious to commemorate the big event.

The feast, like salvation, is not cheap, but it's free. It’s not for sale. There is no discount price or application form. Money cannot reserve a seat, a spot or even a stool. One cannot earn it; one can only embrace it. Participants need not pay sales tax, lift a finger or bring a gift; the host did and paid the price. No gift, tipping or help was allowed or necessary; just the guests’ turnout was enough. However, they need to reply the invitation, return the card, check the box, make the party and enter the hall on the right day and at the right time.

God’s Gift of Salvation is Rejected to Those Who Did Not Examine It
18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.' 19 “Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' 20 “Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.' (Luke 14:18-20)

A farmer asked his neighbor if he might borrow a rope. “Sorry,” said the neighbor, “I’m using the rope to tie up my milk.” “Milk?” exclaimed the first farmer. “Rope can’t tie up milk.” “I know,” replied the neighbor, “but when a man doesn’t want to do something, one excuse is as good as another.” (Justin Hatfield)

Here are some unflattering quotes on excuses:
“Excuses are like arm pits, everyone has two and they both stink.”
“Excuses are like cigarettes - they are costly, addictive and leave a bad taste in your mouth.”
“Excuses are like bacteria: give them an antibiotic and they mutate.”
“Excuses are like straws but I'll pull the longest one out: I've been busy.”
“Excuses are like toilet paper...you can only use 'em once.”
“Excuses are like bad checks, they only get you off the hook for the moment.”
“Excuses are like a row of dominoes lined up...you topple the first one, and all the dominoes fall, one by one.”

People make excuses to make themselves look good and not look bad. It’s been said, “The Granddaddy of all excuses is: “I don’t have time.” The three excuses offered in the parable were not any better, fresher or cleverer. Greek scholar Robertson Nicoll says that the preoccupation of the excuse-makers in the parable “was very real, but their apology was lame.” The truth is, they didn’t even apologize; they just excused themselves. They did not say “I’m sorry,” “Let me explain” or “Give me another chance.”

The first and second man’s excuse was laughable. Why would anyone want to “go and see” (v 18) or “try out” ( 19) so badly something they had already bought? They uttered nonsense and cried over spilt milk in saying they wanted to examine their investment after-the–fact. Further, they had the sense to examine something of less value and but no sense to examine something of more value; in fact, something of infinite, permanent and glorious value. They wasted time trying out what they had already bought, but not made time for what they could never ever buy or afford.

G. Campbell Morgan suggests that the third person should just bring his wife along. Note that the third person did not ask if his wife could attend and, unlike the first two, did not even say, “Excuse me,” “Pardon me,” or “Forgive me.”

All three did not ask why they were invited, what they were missing and, more importantly, if and when it is returning. They did not ask if they could be slightly late, enter midway or leave early. The farmer boys and the newly-wed did not understand or care that it was a one-time deal and not an ongoing event, deal and bargain. They did not know or care what they were missing, which was not the master’s food, but His presence, fellowship and greeting. The men did not know how unique the situation was, how fortunate they were and that they were in select company, that entrance was by invitation only and that membership was priceless.

In fact, this is the second chance, not the first chance, they were given. They had all the time in the world before the date but they did not bother to reply the master or consider the offer up to the last day, minute and notice. Even then, the master, to show His sincerity, made sure that the reply was not lost in the mail and see if the guests had a change of heart. He sent his servant to make a courtesy call, to remind the guests, to provide a second opportunity. Up to the last minute, the master did not mind and was not offended by the lack of courtesy, the absence of etiquette and the failure to make a reservation.

God was not being unreasonable. Just a flat “No” would suffice, but the invitees dragged their feet, wasted the servant’s time and conjured up excuses. The answers “Maybe” and “No” would sound insincere, but silence was worse and inexcusable. It would have been better if they had said they would not come. At least they didn’t waste the servant’s time and he could hurry to the next house. The servant would have more time to visit others. The master did everything possible and necessary to include all but some did everything possible and unnecessary to exclude themselves. While others wanted in, they wanted out. Those that flatly rejected God’s offer could have at least check it out, think about it or show some interest. The master was not embarrassed by their lack of participation, query and enthusiasm, but by the waste of space, time and effort. Many people would have welcomed the opportunity to attend.

Lame excuses include “I am busy,” “I don’t have time,” “I have things to do,” “I have things coming up” and “I have things on my mind.” Indecisiveness, procrastination, and tardiness can be tolerated but disinterest, absence and evasion are intolerable.

God’s Gift of Salvation is Extended to Those Who Did Not Expect It
21 “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.' 22 “'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.' 23 “Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.'“ (Luke 14:21-24)

A one-legged school teacher from Scotland came to J. Hudson Taylor to offer himself for service in China. “With only one leg, why do you think of going as a missionary?” asked Taylor.

“I do not see those with two legs going,” replied George Scott. (Pillar of Fire, January First, 1983)
http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/m/missions_evangelism_witnessing.htm

It’s been said, “One man's loss is another man's gain.”

The anger of the house-owner was understandable and interesting. Even then, He did not sulk in anger, remain in anger or unleash his anger. His emotions, feelings and reaction were never negative. The host did something positive with his anger. He did not dish out physical, psychological or negative punishment on those who were ungrateful. No fear, pain or humiliation was necessary. Neither did he have time for them. Their not coming was punishment in itself and the worst punishment possible.

No way in the world was the master going to cancel the feast. He was not about to let the bad news dampen or ruin the occasion, depress the spirits and spoil the day. The food was ready, the guests were coming and the expenses were paid. He was not celebrating for others but Himself. It was his banquet, not theirs (v 24). He was not about to eat by himself, mourn the loss or pine for company. The less work the better was not his style; the more the merrier was.

The master had a plan B. He ordered the servant to canvass as many places and as many rounds as possible, so that those who were not in the original guest list could come. When the master ordered his servant to “go out to the highways and country lanes and make them come in,” it also does not mean the kingdom was for strangers, drifters, bumpkins, tramps or lowlifes. It merely means that those who did not live nearby, those who did not know the master previously and those who did not stand a chance before had the opportunity to attend. By this, Jesus referred to Gentiles, sinners and other unlikely candidates for salvation.

Conclusion: Sadly, a lot of people are informed of the King but not invested in His kingdom. Are you waiting to be invited or included in the kingdom? Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (Rev 3:20). God’s kingdom is irresistible, unsurpassable, and more: “Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Rev 7:16-17). What are you waiting for? Are you looking for the coming of the king? Have you reserved a place in His kingdom?

Discussion Questions (Contributed by Daniel Hung)
1. “Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God” (v 15). How can one “eat at the feast”?
2. Why do the people in the parable turn down God’s invitation? Why do people today do the same thing - rejecting something as privileged, as precious, and as perfect as God’s gift of salvation?
3. In the parable, what does God think of man’s rejection? How did he feel and what did he say? What steps did he take?

Reflection Question
1. How long have you been coming to church for worship, Sunday school or fellowship? Do you come with great joy and excitement or with reluctance and only after you have taken care of your other priorities?