1. The Great Supper Luke 14:15-24

2. Introduction Jewish concept of earthly kingdom –Common mistake of some today –Corrected by this parable

3. Background of Parable Invitation to a great dinner –Jews invited but refused –Invited by the prophets, John, and Jesus –Others (Gentiles) were invited

4. Excuses What is an excuse? –“Lie wrapped in tissue paper” –Made to avoid responsibility (Genesis 3:12; 1 Samuel 15:20, 21)

5. Excuses Demonstrated –More concern about business or pleasure (Hebrews 10:24, 25) –Little appreciation of the host (Matthew 10:28-30; Hebrews 2:3)

6. Materialism Engaged in lawful business –Bought some ground (Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 5:8) –Go see it NOW?

7. Materialism Was his master –An age-old problem (Luke 12:15) –Kingdom not always first (Matthew 6:33) –Obsessed with making money (1 Timothy 6:12, 13)

8. Materialism Problem today –Causes lack of progress in the church –Affects preachers too (1 Thessalonians 2:5)

9. Work Also engaged in a lawful endeavor –Bought five yoke of oxen –Needed to test them NOW!

10. Work This was his master –Also a long standing problem (Ecclesiastes 4:8) –Kingdom neglected (Matthew 6:33) –Family neglected (Ephesians 6:4)

11. Work Problem today –Jobs interfere with work in the church –School activities allowed to interfere –Children learn that attending is what you do when nothing else is going on

12. Family Entered a lawful relationship –Honorable (Hebrews 13:4) –What is the problem?

13. Family Kingdom to be first –Ahead of family (Matthew 10:34-37) –Cannot convert family by compromise (1 Peter 3:1-6)

14. Your Excuse? Many –Too young (Ecclesiastes 12:1) –Not good enough (Romans 5:8, 9) –Can’t keep from sinning (Romans 6:1; 1 Corinthians 10:13) –There are hypocrites in the church

15. Your Excuse? Not acceptable –Sin is a choice (Hebrews 11:24-26) –Gospel must be obeyed (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9)

16. Conclusion Why not obey today? Eternity is a long time