Luke 14:15-35
Of all those bidden to the great supper, who has the poorest excuse? Do we really wait until we have bought a field before we go to look at it, or buy oxen without trying them first? The man who had just married might have brought his young wife to the feast with him. In turning down the invitation they not only miss the festivities but offend the host as well.
To the great supper of His grace, God has bidden first the Jewish nation, then, at their refusal, all whose poverty, infirmity and wretched state cannot be hidden. These are just the sort of people who will fill His heaven (cf. v. 21 end with v. 13). There is still an empty place that you can take if you have not already done so.
V. 26 teaches us simply that anyone who is a stumbling-block to another’s becoming a disciple of Christ, even if it be that person’s parents, is an obstacle to be hated. We must first come to Him (v. 26), then follow after Him (v. 27). But the enemy is powerful. Whoever sets off without first having worked out the cost is foolish. This cost is great since it means forsaking all that one has (v. 33). Whoever carries a cross cannot weigh himself down with other burdens. But the gain is incomparably great: it is Christ Himself (Philippians 3:8).