Luke 14:16-24 Then said he to him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:… I. THE PROVISION WHICH HAS BEEN PREPARED BY DIVINE MERCY FOR THE WELFARE OF MANKIND. 1. Man is in a slate of spiritual want and destitution. 2. It is on this condition of man as a sinner, "without hope in the world," that God looks in mercy, and provides the abundant supplies of His grace. 3. This provision is made in the gospel. (1) The gospel is the means of communicating spiritual truth. (2) Pardon of sin. (3) All spiritual blessings, and the final happiness of heaven. II. THE PROCLAMATIONS ISSUED BY THE DIVINE COMMAND TO BRING MANKIND TO A PARTICIPATION OF THE BLESSINGS PROVIDED. Those persons who are sent out by God must make it the object of their anxiety — 1. To give an accurate statement of the nature of the gospel provision as it really exists. 2. To deliver the message in the spirit, and to the extent demanded by the spirit and extent of the gospel itself. III. THE AMPLITUDE OF ACCOMMODATION BY WHICH THE PROVISIONS OF THE GOSPEL ARE DISTINGUISHED — "Yet there is room." And from whence does this amplitude arise? From the infinite merit of the atonement of the Son of God. 1. What effect should this produce on the mind of a minister? The effect should be powerful. There is an amazing provision made, and all people and all nations may come and partake; then am I a minister; let me place no limits to my invitations; wherever I find men, let me tell them bow they may be saved. 2. This view of the subject ought to have powerful effects on the minds of penitents; on those who are sorrowful, being convinced of sin. 3. This view of the amplitude of the gospel should enkindle our hopes for its universal propagation. (James Parsons.) 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. |
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