Luke 14:23

COMPELLED GUESTS

‘Compel them to come in.’

Luke 14:23

Our Lord was ever ready to turn the circumstances of the hour to some good end. Thus, when at table, it occurred to Him to depict the privileges of those invited to the banquet of the Gospel.

I. The provision made by Divine bounty.—The Old Testament had pictured spiritual satisfaction and enjoyment under the similitude of a feast, a well-spread table. ‘Ho! every one that thirsteth,’ etc. And our Lord in His discourses, and by certain of His miracles, had impressed upon men’s minds the happiness of sharing in the provision made by Divine wisdom and beneficence for the spiritual wants of men. He had declared Himself to be the Bread of Life, alone able to appease the hunger, and sustain the life and strength of the soul.

II. The invitation published by Divine lovingkindness.

(a) A summons is addressed by the Lord’s ministers and messengers: ‘Come!’

(b) Representations are made which should have the effect of producing immediate compliance: ‘All things are ready!’

(c) The invitation is addressed to ‘many,’ and those of very various position and occupation and character.

III. The insensibility displayed by many who are invited to be the guests at the spiritual banquet.—Observe the indifference displayed, the excuses offered, the courses preferred to the acceptance of the Gospel call. Some are detained by property, some by business, some by pleasure.

IV. The urgency with which the invitation of the Gospel is addressed to all classes and conditions of men.

(a) No position in life, no previous sinfulness, are regarded as a hindrance. The streets and lanes of the city, the highways and hedges of the country, must be frequented by the Gospel messengers in the execution of their benevolent functions.

(b) Urgency and entreaty are to be employed, and men are to be, by the presentation of motives and inducements, constrained, compelled to come in.

(c) Thus shall the Lord’s great heart be satisfied when His house shall be filled, and the multitudes shall be fed.