Lesson 148 - Junior
Memory Verse
"Come; for all things are now ready (Luke 14:17).
Notes
Eating with Pharisees
One Sabbath Day Jesus went to eat at the home of one of the chief Pharisees. Jesus had accepted the invitation because He sought to do good for the Pharisee. Jesus never missed an opportunity to point out sin in the lives of the people that they might be saved. Upon other occasions Jesus ate with Pharisees ([LUK:7:36]; [LUK:11:37]). Each time, He taught to show how they were coming "short of the glory of God" ([ROM:3:23]; [HEB:4:1]). Whatever Jesus did was done for the purpose of winning souls for the Kingdom of God.
Perhaps the Pharisee had invited Jesus for a different reason to watch Him. No doubt he and the other Pharisees wanted to see what Jesus would do for the man who had an affliction called dropsy. At another time, when they were watching Jesus to accuse Him ([MAT:12:10]), the Pharisees had asked Him if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath. He said that it was lawful to do well on the Sabbath. Jesus knew what was in their thoughts and hearts. This time He asked them if it was lawful ([LUK:14:3]). They did not answer. He healed the afflicted man, for Jesus would not be hindered from doing good by their opposition.
Jesus asked them another question, to teach them about their own deeds. They did not answer when Jesus asked if they would not rescue, on the Sabbath, one of their animals that had accidently fallen into a hole. Of course, they would have rescued the ox or ass lest it perish. They would have rescued it, not for compassion but because it was their own animal. These Pharisees did not have so much regard for the Sabbath; they were angry with Jesus for His good works. They could answer not a word. They held their peace for shame. Jesus did good along with keeping the Sabbath Day holy.
The Lowest Place
As Jesus looked over the guests at the Pharisee's home, He saw that they were quick to choose the best for themselves. His eye is on everyone, too, and He knows if he is humble or if he exalts himself as these Pharisees who chose the best seats at the table.
Jesus spoke a parable to the guests to show the value of humility. He told them how to act when they were invited to a wedding, or any other place. They were not to take the highest place, lest they would be moved to the lowest place when a more honourable person came. "For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen" (Proverbs 25:7).We have studied how Moses warned the Children of Israel against the sin of exalting one's self (
). Jesus knew that the Pharisees needed to be reproved for it. We, too, can learn a lesson from this par-able on humility. Perhaps Jesus would teach us in similar words. When you are invited to a dinner, do you choose a place next to the host, or the honour guest, or the speaker? Do you sit where you think you will receive more attention and more food? When you are invited into a home, do you choose the best chair by the window, or the heater, or a dish of candy? Jesus taught that one should take a less conspicuous and less desirable place. If you are worthy, in due time, you will be given a place of honour. If you would be Christ's disciples, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" (I Peter 5:6).A person can exalt himself by words and looks as well as by actions. These things will come to nought. The Lord will "bring down high looks" (Psalm 18:27) for a proud look is an abomination unto the Lord ([PRO:6:16-17]). We read in Proverbs 29:23, "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit." God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble (I Peter 5:5).
Giving to Receive
As Jesus looked over the guests He saw another thing. No doubt all of them were well dressed. Perhaps some were wealthy or had high positions in the land. Jesus saw that these guests had been asked because they would return the favour. The Pharisee, no doubt, expected to be asked into their homes.
Jesus was faithful to these people to point out the sins in their lives. He told them that there is no blessing in giving to others in order to receive something in return. The blessing comes in doing for those who cannot re-pay you. Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
Jesus' teaching here does not prohibit one from entertaining friends or giving them gifts. It does condemn giving a feast or a meal to make a show. Jesus sees much smaller things than a feast or a meal. He would com-mend the child who shares his candy bar and toys with another who has none. There are some people who give a gift or favour with the idea of receiving one in return. Try giving to someone who cannot give to you. It will make you happy, for there is a blessing in it and a reward on the day of judgment.
The Kingdom of God
Those who were eating with Jesus did not like to hear about humility and charity. One of them tried to change the subject by saying, "Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God." Like many others, he would rather hear about the Kingdom of God and its blessings. The man's remark gave Jesus an opportunity to bring out some other truths. Jesus likened the Kingdom of God to a great supper which was given. Many per-sons were invited, and at suppertime the servant was sent to bid them come.
In like manner the Lord has sent His Holy Spirit as a servant to call men into the Kingdom of God. In the evening time of the world, all people are given an opportunity, for Jesus said, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink" (John 7:37).
Excuses
Were the people happy to receive the invitation to supper? Did they gladly accept it? No; they began to make excuses. Perhaps they told the servant, "Some other time." There were other things that they would rather do. All of them could have gone if they had wanted to go. One man gave, as his excuse, the purchase of some land. He said that he needed to see it. Was he not invited to a supper, the evening meal, when it would soon be dark? How, then, could he see his land? Was it so important that he see the land that he asked to be excused? No, it was not so important, but he chose to view his purchase.
Another's excuse was just as unreasonable, for who could properly prove five yoke of oxen when the day was so nearly finished? His excuse showed that he preferred to go somewhere else. He did not want to go to the supper.
Another said that he had married a wife and could not go. Either he would rather stay home with his wife or he was letting her persuade him that he could not go.
Many people, boys and girls as well as men and women, are making excuses for not receiving Jesus and His invitation: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). They shun Jesus because they would rather do something else than serve Him. They may not say aloud that they are too busy, but in their heart they have no time and no room for the King of kings. Some people would rather look at their property and possessions. Could it be that you have a treasured possession that would keep you from serving God? Or is it your family that hinders you from accepting the invitation to eternal life? Many people are saying, "Some other time." For now, they will let their school, a friend, an ideal, or a goal fill their time and heart. Perhaps they do not realize that they may never receive another opportunity to serve the Lord.
Whosoever Will
Those who asked to be excused from the supper did not prevent it from being served, nor was it postponed until a time convenient for them. The table was furnished with guests, for the servant did as he was commanded. On the streets of the city and out on the highways of the country, he searched for guests. He did not exclude the common people, or those who were afflicted, or those without money and family. The invitation was given to everyone who would go to the supper, that the house would be filled.
The Spirit of God is searching out guests today among the poor and low of the world as well as among the rich and great. He convinces and compels them by love, not by force, to enter the Lord's Kingdom. Yet there is room for those who, by sin, are poor, maimed, halt, and blind. The Gospel excludes none who do not exclude themselves. There is room for you. Do not slight the invitation or make excuses, for by so doing you are inviting your own doom. Jesus is saying to you, "Come; for all things are now ready."
Questions
1. Why did Jesus eat with the Pharisees?
2. Why did Jesus heal on the Sabbath?
3. What will happen to those who exalt themselves?
4. How can one exalt himself?
5. What does recompense mean?
6. Why were some excused from the supper?
7. Who did not taste of the supper?
8. What excuses for not serving God do people make today?