Luke 14:15-24

Celebrations are fun just as well we get to all sorts of parties about now

friend ones – school ones - work ones – family ones

I’m also sure you’re looking forward to the end of school celebration

Or the Christmas New Years break with work done for another year

so I’ve been thinking what is worth celebrating today?

            Something Jesus wants us to be thinking about

as we get along to all of our celebrations

there’s an even better celebration he has in store

            than any of the best celebrations we could get along to this year

as Jesus tells us a story about a party

             The type of party you need an invitation to turn up at

Lets have a closer look at it Luke 14:15-17

15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God." 16 Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, `Come, for everything is now ready.'

anticipation mounts - parties to begin

everything flowing smoothly

invitations were accepted long ago

animal butchered -- meat cooked -- guests are now summoned

all that’s needed are the guests to turn up

this was an important occasion

            not only did you get the personal invite

                        you also got the servant to call in on you

telling you when the festivity’s about to begin

so the servant sets out and instead of being greeted with ready guests

they’re hit with ready excuses  - we’re not coming

imagine if we took that today

decorations put up --tables set - foods prepared

 and no one you invite comes

even if you sent a bus around to pick them all up

how would you feel

so here’s three reasons you use when you don't want to get to an important celebration

I’m buying some real estate tell the host on the day of the celebration

sorry mate can’t come I’m off buying a field