WINTER QUARTER SUNDAY SCHOOL 2013-2014
THEME: JESUS AND THE JUST REIGN OF GOD
Unit Two: Ushering in the Reign of God
“CHRIST TEACHES LESSONS ON COMPASSION FROM A DINNER TABLE”
Sunday School Lesson No. VIII – January 19, 2014
Lesson Presented by Rev. Frank A. Davis, III, Pastor-Teacher
Lesson Text: Luke 14:7-11, 15-24
Required Reading: Luke 14:1-24
Motto Text: Luke 14:11(NIV), “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Reliable Resources: Union Gospel Press Expositor and Illuminator; Precepts for Living (UMI); Standard Commentary; Logos Bible Software; Word Search 10 Electronic Library; H. L. Willmington’s Outline Bible; Willmington’s Guide to the Bible; Life Application Bible (NIV); Rightly Dividing Luke by E. L. Bynum; Children’s Ministry Resource Bible (Thomas Nelson Publishers)
Introduction:
As we approach this lesson, we see perhaps one of Christ’s greatest acts of compassion. It is illustrated in His actions and parables spoken while being a guest at dinner. The parables teach the passion of Christ to reach the souls of men. They demonstrate that God had the souls of men on His mind from the beginning, reflecting on the Nation of Israel and even to the Gentile world. Beloved, this compassion is demonstrated in the words of Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Now let us go to dinner with the Messiah and watch Him teach a group of very religious men and their company, how one’s compassion is demonstrated through their practices and priorities, in daily living!
Anticipated Power Points:
· Lesson in Compassion through Healing. Luke 14:1-6
· Lesson in Compassion through Humility. Luke 14:7-11
· Lesson in Compassion through Hosting. Luke 14:12-14
· Lesson in Compassion when Honored. Luke 14:15-24
LESSON OUTLINE
I. Lesson in Compassion through Healing. Luke 14:1-6
During an invitation to a Sabbath day meal at the home of a chief Pharisee, Jesus was confronted with the need of a hurting man who had dropsy (a sickness that caused excess water accumulation and swelling in the body). Jesus then questioned the lawyers and Pharisees present as to what the law says about healing on the Sabbath day. Of course, Jesus knew that “the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath.” But the very religious leaders had put the Jewish people under a great bondage concerning the Sabbath day. These men refused to answer, so Jesus did what was necessary – He showed compassion upon the hurting! God never intended for even an animal to be in need on the Sabbath, and not receive attention. How much more a human being, made in His image? The lesson to be grasped is simply this: “One practices compassion in the way he helps and heals the hurting in humanity.”
II. Lesson in Compassion through Humility. Luke 14:7-11
As our Lord sat at dinner in the house of the Pharisee, he noticed that many of the guests, who arrived early, set their priorities on acquiring the honored seats in the house. He showed His compassion towards the guests by speaking a parable that illustrates the importance of humility. Honor is not gained by haughtiness, but by sincere humility. Jesus teaches that when one attends a wedding or dinner, to look for the lowest seat, and don’t seek the seats of honor. The host may have invited someone of greater esteem and would have to ask one to take a lesser seat, and this would be embarrassing. It would be far more commendable if one took the lowest seat and then is asked up to the seat of greater honor. Remember our Lord’s Word in verse 11, “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
III. Lesson in Compassion through Hosting. Luke 14:12-14
Then in verses 12-14, Jesus declares that it is not right to seek honor in those whom we invite to affairs; in other words, inviting only people who can in turn reciprocate by inviting you to a gala of equal or greater value. Jesus reiterates the importance of showing compassion, remembering those who are less fortunate, and then doing well towards them. When one practices such priorities in their lives, they will be honored by God at the resurrection of the just. One the finest modern day examples of Jesus’ teaching is the annual fellowship banquet of the Lott Carey National Foreign Mission Convention. Tables are purchased and tickets are distributed to the homeless and indigent. There is no head table and folk don’t have to get all dressed up. All are invited!
IV. LESSON IN COMPASSION WHEN HONORED... Luke 14: 15-24
As one of the guests at the Sabbath dinner makes a statement concerning the great blessing of eating in the future kingdom of God, Jesus delivers a real blow to those who have gathered – that not everyone who anticipates it will eat at the great supper in the kingdom of God. In fact, He makes it clear that many who were invited will not be granted an opportunity to attend because of their procrastination and lack of divine preparation.
A. The parable. vss. 16-23
Jesus delivers a parable about a certain man (who represents God) giving a great supper. The early invitees undoubtedly represented the Nation of Israel, who accordingly had accepted the invitation to come and dine. But, through the characters in verses 18-20, the Nation offered flimsy excuses for not fulfilling their pledge to attend the great supper. The host then, after making preparation for their coming, sends his servants out to invite others in, so that the food would not be wasted. These probably represented the Samaritans or other Jewish outcasts (poor, maimed, halt and blind). When there was yet space for others, the servant is commanded to search the highways and hedges, and “whosoever” (Gentiles) were invited.
B. The perspective. vs. 24
As the Lord closes the parable, He gives a frightening perspective. Those who procrastinated and offered the lame excuses would not be given the privilege to enter this great event. I am challenged by the compassion of our Lord to reach the lost, but I am also aware that it is the decision of every human being to accept or reject the great invitation. Our practices and priorities can hinder us from receiving the compassionate invitation of the Lord. In fact when one is honored with God’s compassionate invitation it should never be squandered or rejected. Remember the words of II Corinthians 6:2 (NIV),“For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
Beloved, what will your response be to the Lord’s Compassionate Invitation? There is a place for you at the table; don’t let the wrong practices and priorities cause you to miss the invitation of the Lord.
CLOSING
We offer the invitation to you found in Revelation 22:17, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Our lesson closes with John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
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Looking Ahead: January 26, 2014 Luke 16:19-31
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