Bible Text: Luke 14:1-24 | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: Lessons for the Religious, Luke

1.  As Jesus dined at the home of a prominent Pharisee He addressed a third topic, being a respecter of persons, that is, interacting with people on the basis of their position, influence, social standing, or money.  The Pharisees socialized and ministered on the basis of those who could repay them/do them some good, Jesus urges ministry to those who cannot repay or return the favor, by doing that His followers will lay up treasure in heaven.  (James 2; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; Matthew 6:19-21).

2.  The last of the four topics Jesus deals with at this banquet is the issue of the importance of not rejecting His offer of the kingdom. 

3.  There are those today who reject Jesus’ offer of eternal life on the basis of flimsy excuses not unlike the ones offered in the parable (material things, business, relationships).

4.  Commitments for the coming year based upon Jesus’ teaching in Luke 14:1-24.  With the help of God (as I yield to the control of His Spirit):

-I will be more grace-oriented, merciful and loving

-I will stop competing with others for attention, being self-promoting

-I will not treat others on the basis of what they can do for me or the position they hold

-I will share my faith with others as God gives me opportunity