The Gospel Invitation
J. Burns, D. D. Luke 14:16-24 Then said he to him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:… I. THE FEAST. 1. The author of this feast. 2. The provisions. (1) Abundant. (2) Various. (3) Statable. 3. The characteristics of the feast. (1) It is a sacrificial feast. (2) It is a great and universal feast. (3) It is a gratuitous feast. (4) It is a heavenly feast, II. THE INVITATIONS — "Come." Now this implies distance. All men far from God, etc. Prodigal 1. To what must they come? To the Word of God. To the preached gospel (Romans 10:15). 2. How must they come? By repentance. Humbly, believingly, unreservedly, immediately. 3. To whom may this invitation be addressed? To the young, middle-aged, and to the old. To the moralist, profligate, and backslider. To the rich and poor, the learned and illiterate. III. THE MOTIVE URGED — "For all things are now ready." 1. The Father is ready. To embrace the repenting prodigal. 2. The Son is ready. To speak forgiveness and peace. 3. The Spirit is ready. To regenerate and save. 4. Ministers are ready. "And now then as ambassadors," etc. 5. The ordinances are ready. And you are freely welcome. 6. The Church is ready. To own you as her sons, etc. 7. Angels are ready. To bear the tidings of your repentance to glory. (J. Burns, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: WEB: But he said to him, "A certain man made a great supper, and he invited many people.