Kingdom Vision | Michael Gossett | Luke 14:1-24

Uh the last uh six weeks um have been a Uh the last uh six weeks um have been a privilege and an honor and uh that I do privilege and an honor and uh that I do privilege and an honor and uh that I do not take lightly. Uh but I want to tell not take lightly. Uh but I want to tell not take lightly. Uh but I want to tell you man that this was the gift from the you man that this was the gift from the you man that this was the gift from the Lord. Um yes I Lord. Um yes I Lord. Um yes I worked hard, played hard, all of it. But worked hard, played hard, all of it. But worked hard, played hard, all of it. But here here's what was incredible. here here's what was incredible. here here's what was incredible. the Lord really the Lord really the Lord really renewed my heart and my desire renewed my heart and my desire renewed my heart and my desire uh for this church. uh for this church. uh for this church. Like it only deepened my love for this Like it only deepened my love for this Like it only deepened my love for this church. church. church. And so I just want to say thank you u And so I just want to say thank you u And so I just want to say thank you u for allowing me to do that. Uh because for allowing me to do that. Uh because for allowing me to do that. Uh because every single one of us, all of us, you, every single one of us, all of us, you, every single one of us, all of us, you, me, our marriages, our families, me, our marriages, our families, me, our marriages, our families, our church, our church, our church, we all face the temptation to drift. we all face the temptation to drift. we all face the temptation to drift. And what I'm talking about is nothing And what I'm talking about is nothing And what I'm talking about is nothing major. major. major. Like that's the that's the danger of Like that's the that's the danger of Like that's the that's the danger of drift is that it's usually subtle drift is that it's usually subtle drift is that it's usually subtle and it's usually underneath the surface and it's usually underneath the surface and it's usually underneath the surface where you can't really see it and you where you can't really see it and you where you can't really see it and you don't see the effects until you're too don't see the effects until you're too don't see the effects until you're too far down the road.

far down the road. far down the road. That's what drift does. That's what drift does. That's what drift does. And usually there are no good or clear And usually there are no good or clear And usually there are no good or clear warning signs. It is only by God's grace warning signs. It is only by God's grace warning signs. It is only by God's grace that he would take any drifter and bring that he would take any drifter and bring that he would take any drifter and bring them back under his wing and that he them back under his wing and that he them back under his wing and that he would realign hearts, realign vision, would realign hearts, realign vision, would realign hearts, realign vision, realign desires, all for the glory of realign desires, all for the glory of realign desires, all for the glory of God. And over the last six weeks, that God. And over the last six weeks, that God. And over the last six weeks, that is exactly what God by his grace has is exactly what God by his grace has is exactly what God by his grace has done in my own heart. done in my own heart. done in my own heart. Because there are things that are around Because there are things that are around Because there are things that are around us us us that you start paying attention to more that you start paying attention to more that you start paying attention to more than the thing that God has called you than the thing that God has called you than the thing that God has called you to. And I'm talking about good things. to. And I'm talking about good things. to. And I'm talking about good things. I'm not talking about evil things. Those I'm not talking about evil things. Those I'm not talking about evil things. Those are easy to identify. are easy to identify. are easy to identify. Sin is is easy at times to identify in Sin is is easy at times to identify in Sin is is easy at times to identify in your life. Like I'm I'm talking about your life. Like I'm I'm talking about your life. Like I'm I'm talking about those small things, right? The things those small things, right? The things those small things, right? The things that are good but that can take you off that are good but that can take you off that are good but that can take you off course. You know, I was reading this article You know, I was reading this article this last week in out outside magazine this last week in out outside magazine this last week in out outside magazine and they don't really make magazines and they don't really make magazines and they don't really make magazines anymore, but I read it online. All anymore, but I read it online. All anymore, but I read it online. All right. But um and in this article that right. But um and in this article that right. But um and in this article that there was this skier, this extreme there was this skier, this extreme there was this skier, this extreme skier, and like that automatically kind skier, and like that automatically kind skier, and like that automatically kind of caught my attention because I think of caught my attention because I think of caught my attention because I think of myself as an extreme skier. I mean, of myself as an extreme skier. I mean, of myself as an extreme skier. I mean, I'm just tearing up those blues, you I'm just tearing up those blues, you I'm just tearing up those blues, you know? I'm just like grinding.

know? I'm just like grinding. know? I'm just like grinding. And and when I was like reading this, I And and when I was like reading this, I And and when I was like reading this, I was expecting it to be just about like was expecting it to be just about like was expecting it to be just about like the steepest slopes, right? If you think the steepest slopes, right? If you think the steepest slopes, right? If you think about danger in skiing, you're you're about danger in skiing, you're you're about danger in skiing, you're you're thinking about high altitude steep thinking about high altitude steep thinking about high altitude steep slopes, a lot of rocks, a lot of cliffs slopes, a lot of rocks, a lot of cliffs slopes, a lot of rocks, a lot of cliffs like that you can die from, right? But like that you can die from, right? But like that you can die from, right? But this was about tree skiing. Tree skiing. this was about tree skiing. Tree skiing. this was about tree skiing. Tree skiing. Y'all ever heard of that? All right. Me Y'all ever heard of that? All right. Me Y'all ever heard of that? All right. Me neither. All right. So, here's the idea. neither. All right. So, here's the idea. neither. All right. So, here's the idea. You ski through trees. Okay, that's it. You ski through trees. Okay, that's it. You ski through trees. Okay, that's it. I mean, and this article was talking I mean, and this article was talking I mean, and this article was talking about the danger about the danger about the danger of tree skiing that it's it's the most of tree skiing that it's it's the most of tree skiing that it's it's the most extreme because you have hardly any uh extreme because you have hardly any uh extreme because you have hardly any uh uh time to react to the next tree. uh time to react to the next tree. uh time to react to the next tree. And and what's amazing about this is I And and what's amazing about this is I And and what's amazing about this is I was thinking about I was like, man, I was thinking about I was like, man, I was thinking about I was like, man, I mean, how do you even like react that mean, how do you even like react that mean, how do you even like react that quick? I mean, how do you see? And one quick? I mean, how do you see? And one quick? I mean, how do you see? And one of this guy was talking about, listen, of this guy was talking about, listen, of this guy was talking about, listen, you move where your eyes are focused.

you move where your eyes are focused. you move where your eyes are focused. I was just like, I was just like, I was just like, okay. I mean, my feet don't work like okay. I mean, my feet don't work like okay. I mean, my feet don't work like that, but maybe his does, you know. But that, but maybe his does, you know. But that, but maybe his does, you know. But this is actually common. But this is this is actually common. But this is this is actually common. But this is what he actually says. He says, "Don't what he actually says. He says, "Don't what he actually says. He says, "Don't stare at what you don't want to hit." stare at what you don't want to hit." stare at what you don't want to hit." Pretty good advice. Look at the spaces Pretty good advice. Look at the spaces Pretty good advice. Look at the spaces between the trees. between the trees. between the trees. focus on where you want to go. focus on where you want to go. focus on where you want to go. And immediately, And immediately, And immediately, I mean, the Lord just got a hold of my I mean, the Lord just got a hold of my I mean, the Lord just got a hold of my heart and be like, man, this is the heart and be like, man, this is the heart and be like, man, this is the church. church. church. Like, this is what the church is called Like, this is what the church is called Like, this is what the church is called to. This is what individual followers of to. This is what individual followers of to. This is what individual followers of Jesus are called to. This is what Jesus are called to. This is what Jesus are called to. This is what families are called to and marriages are families are called to and marriages are families are called to and marriages are called to. like like don't look at the called to. like like don't look at the called to. like like don't look at the obstacle. obstacle. obstacle. Look and focus on where God is calling Look and focus on where God is calling Look and focus on where God is calling you. Like it's the same thing of a good you. Like it's the same thing of a good you. Like it's the same thing of a good quarterback. quarterback. quarterback. Like don't look at the wrong jersey. Like don't look at the wrong jersey.

Like don't look at the wrong jersey. You're going to throw the ball to that You're going to throw the ball to that You're going to throw the ball to that joker and he like that's not good. Look joker and he like that's not good. Look joker and he like that's not good. Look to where you want to throw, right? And to where you want to throw, right? And to where you want to throw, right? And that's the vision. That is the focus. that's the vision. That is the focus. that's the vision. That is the focus. And in the same way in their lives, like And in the same way in their lives, like And in the same way in their lives, like how many times has has Paul said this how many times has has Paul said this how many times has has Paul said this over and over again, he's like, "Man, over and over again, he's like, "Man, over and over again, he's like, "Man, fight the good fight." Listen, there's a fight the good fight." Listen, there's a fight the good fight." Listen, there's a reward at the end. The prize is Christ reward at the end. The prize is Christ reward at the end. The prize is Christ Jesus himself. And then in Colossians Jesus himself. And then in Colossians Jesus himself. And then in Colossians chapter 3:es 1 and 2, he actually says chapter 3:es 1 and 2, he actually says chapter 3:es 1 and 2, he actually says it twice. it twice. it twice. He says, "Seek the things above." He says, "Seek the things above." He says, "Seek the things above." He then he says again set your minds on He then he says again set your minds on He then he says again set your minds on things above not on earthly things. Like things above not on earthly things. Like things above not on earthly things. Like it is a clear calling from Paul even the it is a clear calling from Paul even the it is a clear calling from Paul even the author of Hebrews in Hebrews 12:es 1 and author of Hebrews in Hebrews 12:es 1 and author of Hebrews in Hebrews 12:es 1 and 2 when he says listen run the race that 2 when he says listen run the race that 2 when he says listen run the race that has been set before you with endurance keeping your eyes keeping your eyes on Jesus.

on Jesus. on Jesus. Paul, Paul, Paul, Jesus, the apostles, Jesus, the apostles, Jesus, the apostles, author of Hebrews, author of Hebrews, author of Hebrews, they realize and they understand that they realize and they understand that they realize and they understand that where your eyes are fixed where your eyes are fixed where your eyes are fixed is where you will go. is where you will go. is where you will go. This is a warning This is a warning This is a warning and a calling to God's people. and a calling to God's people. and a calling to God's people. And this is exactly what Jesus does for And this is exactly what Jesus does for And this is exactly what Jesus does for us. us. us. in Luke 14:es in Luke 14:es in Luke 14:es 1- 24. And it doesn't on the surface 1- 24. And it doesn't on the surface 1- 24. And it doesn't on the surface seem like it. It's like, man, no, this seem like it. It's like, man, no, this seem like it. It's like, man, no, this is about a couple of parables and a is about a couple of parables and a is about a couple of parables and a banquet. banquet. banquet. How are we talking about vision? Because How are we talking about vision? Because How are we talking about vision? Because it's right here it's right here it's right here in this passage that you see a collision in this passage that you see a collision in this passage that you see a collision of vision, of vision, of vision, a a collision of two competing kingdoms a a collision of two competing kingdoms a a collision of two competing kingdoms that Jesus exposes. And he's calling his that Jesus exposes. And he's calling his that Jesus exposes. And he's calling his disciples. He's calling the Pharisees.

disciples. He's calling the Pharisees. disciples. He's calling the Pharisees. He's calling everybody who would hear. He's calling everybody who would hear. He's calling everybody who would hear. and he's calling you and he's calling you and he's calling you to a kingdom vision. to a kingdom vision. to a kingdom vision. So, I want to invite you right here and So, I want to invite you right here and So, I want to invite you right here and Tyler down at Flint, if you are willing Tyler down at Flint, if you are willing Tyler down at Flint, if you are willing and able, would you stand with me as we and able, would you stand with me as we and able, would you stand with me as we read this passage together, Luke 14:es Luke 14:es 1- 24, it says this, starting in verse one. it says this, starting in verse one. says, "One Sabbath says, "One Sabbath says, "One Sabbath when he went in to eat at the house of when he went in to eat at the house of when he went in to eat at the house of one of the leading Pharisees, they were one of the leading Pharisees, they were one of the leading Pharisees, they were watching him closely. There in front of watching him closely. There in front of watching him closely. There in front of him was a man whose body was swollen him was a man whose body was swollen him was a man whose body was swollen with fluid." with fluid." with fluid." In response, Jesus asked the law experts In response, Jesus asked the law experts In response, Jesus asked the law experts and the Pharisees, "Is it lawful to heal and the Pharisees, "Is it lawful to heal and the Pharisees, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?" on the Sabbath or not?" on the Sabbath or not?" But they kept silent. But they kept silent. But they kept silent. He took the man, healed him, and sent He took the man, healed him, and sent He took the man, healed him, and sent him away. him away. him away. And to them he said, "Which of you whose And to them he said, "Which of you whose And to them he said, "Which of you whose son or ox falls into a well will not son or ox falls into a well will not son or ox falls into a well will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath immediately pull him out on the Sabbath immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?" They could find no answer to these day?" They could find no answer to these day?" They could find no answer to these things.

things. things. So he told a parable to those who were So he told a parable to those who were So he told a parable to those who were invited when he noticed how they would invited when he noticed how they would invited when he noticed how they would choose the best places for themselves. choose the best places for themselves. choose the best places for themselves. When you are invited by someone to a When you are invited by someone to a When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, don't sit in the place wedding banquet, don't sit in the place wedding banquet, don't sit in the place of honor because a more distinguished of honor because a more distinguished of honor because a more distinguished person than you may have been invited by person than you may have been invited by person than you may have been invited by your host. The one who invited both of your host. The one who invited both of your host. The one who invited both of you may come and say to you, "Give your you may come and say to you, "Give your you may come and say to you, "Give your place to this man." And then in place to this man." And then in place to this man." And then in humiliation, you'll proceed to take the humiliation, you'll proceed to take the humiliation, you'll proceed to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, lowest place. But when you are invited, lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place. So that go and sit in the lowest place. So that go and sit in the lowest place. So that when the one who invited you comes, he when the one who invited you comes, he when the one who invited you comes, he will say to you, "Friend, move up will say to you, "Friend, move up will say to you, "Friend, move up higher. You will then be honored in the higher. You will then be honored in the higher. You will then be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For presence of all the other guests. For presence of all the other guests. For everyone who exalts himself will be everyone who exalts himself will be everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself humbled, and the one who humbles himself humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted. He also said to the one will be exalted. He also said to the one will be exalted. He also said to the one who had invited him, "When you give a who had invited him, "When you give a who had invited him, "When you give a lunch or a dinner, don't invite your lunch or a dinner, don't invite your lunch or a dinner, don't invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your friends, your brothers or sisters, your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, your rich neighbors, because relatives, your rich neighbors, because relatives, your rich neighbors, because they might invite you back and you would they might invite you back and you would they might invite you back and you would be repaid." be repaid." be repaid." On the contrary, On the contrary, On the contrary, when you host a banquet, invite those when you host a banquet, invite those when you host a banquet, invite those who are poor, maimed, lame, or blind, who are poor, maimed, lame, or blind, who are poor, maimed, lame, or blind, and you will be blessed because they and you will be blessed because they and you will be blessed because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid cannot repay you, for you will be repaid cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

at the resurrection of the righteous." at the resurrection of the righteous." When one of those reclined at the table When one of those reclined at the table When one of those reclined at the table with him heard these things, he said to with him heard these things, he said to with him heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is the one who will eat him, "Blessed is the one who will eat him, "Blessed is the one who will eat bread in the kingdom of God." Then he bread in the kingdom of God." Then he bread in the kingdom of God." Then he told him, "A man was giving a large told him, "A man was giving a large told him, "A man was giving a large banquet and invited many. At the time of banquet and invited many. At the time of banquet and invited many. At the time of the banquet, he sent his servant to th the banquet, he sent his servant to th the banquet, he sent his servant to th to tell those who were invited," come to tell those who were invited," come to tell those who were invited," come because everything is now ready. But because everything is now ready. But because everything is now ready. But without exception, they all began to without exception, they all began to without exception, they all began to make excuses. make excuses. make excuses. The first one said to him, "I have The first one said to him, "I have The first one said to him, "I have bought a field and I must go out and see bought a field and I must go out and see bought a field and I must go out and see it. I ask you to excuse me." Another it. I ask you to excuse me." Another it. I ask you to excuse me." Another said, "I have bought five yolk of oxen said, "I have bought five yolk of oxen said, "I have bought five yolk of oxen and I'm going to try them out. I ask you and I'm going to try them out. I ask you and I'm going to try them out. I ask you to excuse me. And another said, I just to excuse me. And another said, I just to excuse me. And another said, I just got married and therefore I'm unable to got married and therefore I'm unable to got married and therefore I'm unable to come. So the servant came back and come. So the servant came back and come. So the servant came back and reported these things to his master. reported these things to his master. reported these things to his master. Then in anger, the master of the house Then in anger, the master of the house Then in anger, the master of the house told his servant, "Go out quickly into told his servant, "Go out quickly into told his servant, "Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the city and the streets and alleys of the city and the streets and alleys of the city and bring in here the poor, maimed, blind, bring in here the poor, maimed, blind, bring in here the poor, maimed, blind, and lame."

and lame." and lame." Master, the servant said, "What you Master, the servant said, "What you Master, the servant said, "What you ordered has been done, and there's still ordered has been done, and there's still ordered has been done, and there's still room." room." room." Then the master told the servant, "Go Then the master told the servant, "Go Then the master told the servant, "Go out into the highways and hedges and out into the highways and hedges and out into the highways and hedges and make them come in so that my house may make them come in so that my house may make them come in so that my house may be filled. For I tell you, not one of be filled. For I tell you, not one of be filled. For I tell you, not one of those people who were invited will enjoy those people who were invited will enjoy those people who were invited will enjoy my banquet." Let's pray. God, would you my banquet." Let's pray. God, would you my banquet." Let's pray. God, would you help us? Because Lord, we recognize Lord Because Lord, we recognize Lord God that there's no way God that there's no way God that there's no way God that we can be transformed by your God that we can be transformed by your God that we can be transformed by your word or conformed to the image of your word or conformed to the image of your word or conformed to the image of your son apart from the work of your spirit. son apart from the work of your spirit. son apart from the work of your spirit. And so Lord, we are just begging you And so Lord, we are just begging you And so Lord, we are just begging you right now, God. Would you by your grace right now, God. Would you by your grace right now, God. Would you by your grace open our eyes to your truth, Lord? That open our eyes to your truth, Lord? That open our eyes to your truth, Lord? That there would be nothing of the flesh there would be nothing of the flesh there would be nothing of the flesh among us in preaching or in hearing or among us in preaching or in hearing or among us in preaching or in hearing or applying applying applying But everything But everything But everything that is said is of you. Everything that that is said is of you. Everything that that is said is of you. Everything that is heard is for you.

is heard is for you. is heard is for you. And so let it be among us today. And And so let it be among us today. And And so let it be among us today. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. You may be seated once again. You may be seated once again. You may be seated once again. You know this is an interesting scene. You know this is an interesting scene. You know this is an interesting scene. From the very beginning From the very beginning From the very beginning Jesus knows what is going on. Shocker. But it's strange because you have one of But it's strange because you have one of the leading Pharisees inviting Jesus to the leading Pharisees inviting Jesus to the leading Pharisees inviting Jesus to come to a dinner at his house. You may come to a dinner at his house. You may come to a dinner at his house. You may be thinking to yourself, "Well, that's be thinking to yourself, "Well, that's be thinking to yourself, "Well, that's very kind." Well, it is kind except it very kind." Well, it is kind except it very kind." Well, it is kind except it has a terrible motivation because verse has a terrible motivation because verse has a terrible motivation because verse one from the from the start gives us an one from the from the start gives us an one from the from the start gives us an idea, an indication of what it's all idea, an indication of what it's all idea, an indication of what it's all about. The whole thing is a setup. about. The whole thing is a setup. about. The whole thing is a setup. The whole thing is so that according to The whole thing is so that according to The whole thing is so that according to verse one, they can watch him closely. verse one, they can watch him closely. verse one, they can watch him closely. Do you see what they're trying to do? Do you see what they're trying to do? Do you see what they're trying to do? They're just trying to trap Jesus.

They're just trying to trap Jesus. They're just trying to trap Jesus. They even are using They even are using They even are using this poor dude that is literally this poor dude that is literally this poor dude that is literally drowning in his own fluid and they're drowning in his own fluid and they're drowning in his own fluid and they're using him to manipulate the entire party using him to manipulate the entire party using him to manipulate the entire party so that they could try to trap Jesus. so that they could try to trap Jesus. so that they could try to trap Jesus. But the tables are turned obviously But the tables are turned obviously But the tables are turned obviously against them. against them. against them. And from the beginning, this entire And from the beginning, this entire And from the beginning, this entire setup by God's grace is to expose the setup by God's grace is to expose the setup by God's grace is to expose the competing values of two different competing values of two different competing values of two different kingdoms. One is the kingdom of self, kingdoms. One is the kingdom of self, kingdoms. One is the kingdom of self, the other is the kingdom of God. And he tells us exactly And he tells us exactly like if you want to be like if you want to be like if you want to be about the kingdom of God about the kingdom of God about the kingdom of God then you need to understand that that then you need to understand that that then you need to understand that that this kingdom vision listen it rejects this kingdom vision listen it rejects this kingdom vision listen it rejects pride.

Like there's no way Like there's no way that you can keep pride as a pet. that you can keep pride as a pet. that you can keep pride as a pet. Feed it accordingly, but you know, try Feed it accordingly, but you know, try Feed it accordingly, but you know, try to keep it at bay and hopefully to keep it at bay and hopefully to keep it at bay and hopefully hopefully it will do what you say at the hopefully it will do what you say at the hopefully it will do what you say at the right time. right time. right time. No, the calling for this parable that No, the calling for this parable that No, the calling for this parable that Jesus gives us, the calling to these Jesus gives us, the calling to these Jesus gives us, the calling to these Pharisees and the calling to us is that Pharisees and the calling to us is that Pharisees and the calling to us is that you have to reject pride completely. you have to reject pride completely. you have to reject pride completely. Because it is pride that is the emperor Because it is pride that is the emperor Because it is pride that is the emperor of your own kingdom. of your own kingdom. of your own kingdom. Because here's the truth, man. You and I Because here's the truth, man. You and I Because here's the truth, man. You and I wake up every morning wake up every morning wake up every morning with a tyrant on the throne. with a tyrant on the throne. with a tyrant on the throne. That tyrant is me. That tyrant is you. That tyrant is me. That tyrant is you. That tyrant is me. That tyrant is you. It's self. It's self. It's self. Self is always competing for the throne Self is always competing for the throne Self is always competing for the throne of your heart. of your heart. of your heart. And it causes us, if we allow it, And it causes us, if we allow it, And it causes us, if we allow it, without rejecting pride, what it does in without rejecting pride, what it does in without rejecting pride, what it does in turn is it actually allows us to start turn is it actually allows us to start turn is it actually allows us to start competing for things with our own competing for things with our own competing for things with our own special interest or self-interest.

special interest or self-interest. special interest or self-interest. This is the way of the Pharisees. This is the way of the Pharisees. This is the way of the Pharisees. They functioned in a system of They functioned in a system of They functioned in a system of reciprocity. reciprocity. reciprocity. They're like, "Hey man, I'll invite you They're like, "Hey man, I'll invite you They're like, "Hey man, I'll invite you if you invite me." if you invite me." if you invite me." This is why Jesus corrects them. This is This is why Jesus corrects them. This is This is why Jesus corrects them. This is why he tells them this parable. why he tells them this parable. why he tells them this parable. And so as they are watching closely, And so as they are watching closely, And so as they are watching closely, look at the competing vision already. look at the competing vision already. look at the competing vision already. The Pharisees, what are they looking at? The Pharisees, what are they looking at? The Pharisees, what are they looking at? Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. But they're looking at how to trap him. But they're looking at how to trap him. But they're looking at how to trap him. It's not that they have their gaze fixed It's not that they have their gaze fixed It's not that they have their gaze fixed upon the Lord that he may direct their upon the Lord that he may direct their upon the Lord that he may direct their steps. No, no, no. They're trying to steps. No, no, no. They're trying to steps. No, no, no. They're trying to figure out how to manipulate Jesus into figure out how to manipulate Jesus into figure out how to manipulate Jesus into a corner so that they could turn him a corner so that they could turn him a corner so that they could turn him into the leaders and have him crucified. into the leaders and have him crucified. into the leaders and have him crucified. That's their motivation. That's their motivation. That's their motivation. And so their eyes are fixed for their And so their eyes are fixed for their And so their eyes are fixed for their personal gain. Their vision is all about personal gain. Their vision is all about personal gain. Their vision is all about their own interest. Their vision is all their own interest. Their vision is all their own interest. Their vision is all about how can we protect what is ours so about how can we protect what is ours so about how can we protect what is ours so that no one else can get in. Like that that no one else can get in. Like that that no one else can get in. Like that is the phariseaical way.

And when all eyes are on that, And when all eyes are on that, look at where Jesus fixes his eyes, look at where Jesus fixes his eyes, look at where Jesus fixes his eyes, on the one man that probably wasn't really invited that probably wasn't really invited because as soon as Jesus heals him, he because as soon as Jesus heals him, he because as soon as Jesus heals him, he sends him away. That tells us that he sends him away. That tells us that he sends him away. That tells us that he didn't have a seat at their table. didn't have a seat at their table. didn't have a seat at their table. This man is just here to be used. the lowest of society, an outcast the lowest of society, an outcast and his eyes and his eyes and his eyes were fixed on him. See the question of vision is See the question of vision is who you are fixed on and why you are who you are fixed on and why you are who you are fixed on and why you are fixed. fixed. fixed. For Jesus, it's his mission, For Jesus, it's his mission, For Jesus, it's his mission, his kingdom vision. As we will see later his kingdom vision. As we will see later his kingdom vision. As we will see later in Luke chapter 18 when he makes an in Luke chapter 18 when he makes an in Luke chapter 18 when he makes an explicit clear claim. He says, "I have explicit clear claim. He says, "I have explicit clear claim. He says, "I have come to seek and save the lost."

But the Pharisees, they had a different But the Pharisees, they had a different understanding of what they should be understanding of what they should be understanding of what they should be about. And their vision was centered on about. And their vision was centered on about. And their vision was centered on self. self. self. Self-preservation, Self-preservation, Self-preservation, self-power, authority, self-power, authority, self-power, authority, all of it was what they were trying to all of it was what they were trying to all of it was what they were trying to protect. And Jesus says this in protect. And Jesus says this in protect. And Jesus says this in response, response, response, you know, Jesus asks the law you know, Jesus asks the law you know, Jesus asks the law experts and the Pharisees, uh, notice experts and the Pharisees, uh, notice experts and the Pharisees, uh, notice nobody said anything. Jesus understood the intentions of their Jesus understood the intentions of their heart and spoke to that. heart and spoke to that. heart and spoke to that. And then he asked this question. He And then he asked this question. He And then he asked this question. He asked the experts of the law, the asked the experts of the law, the asked the experts of the law, the Pharisees. He says, "Is it lawful to Pharisees. He says, "Is it lawful to Pharisees. He says, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?" Somebody heal on the Sabbath or not?" Somebody heal on the Sabbath or not?" Somebody just give it to me plain. Jesus is just give it to me plain. Jesus is just give it to me plain. Jesus is asking for for this. He's saying, "Look, asking for for this. He's saying, "Look, asking for for this. He's saying, "Look, just talk to me plain. Is it lawful or just talk to me plain. Is it lawful or just talk to me plain. Is it lawful or not?

not? not? Should I help this dude or not? Like, I Should I help this dude or not? Like, I Should I help this dude or not? Like, I know you guys got a lot of man-made know you guys got a lot of man-made know you guys got a lot of man-made rules and I don't want to break them. rules and I don't want to break them. rules and I don't want to break them. Is it lawful or not?" Well, Jesus obviously in their silence Well, Jesus obviously in their silence acts because they were speechless. How acts because they were speechless. How acts because they were speechless. How are you supposed to answer that? They are you supposed to answer that? They are you supposed to answer that? They can't because if they were to say it out loud, because if they were to say it out loud, yes, it is unlawful. Then everybody else yes, it is unlawful. Then everybody else yes, it is unlawful. Then everybody else who's kind of gathered around on the who's kind of gathered around on the who's kind of gathered around on the fence post to see what's going on at fence post to see what's going on at fence post to see what's going on at this dinner kind of eavesdropping a this dinner kind of eavesdropping a this dinner kind of eavesdropping a little bit. All those people would have little bit. All those people would have little bit. All those people would have known immediately how wicked the known immediately how wicked the known immediately how wicked the Pharisees are. They can't say no no no Pharisees are. They can't say no no no Pharisees are. They can't say no no no don't do not help this man obviously don't do not help this man obviously don't do not help this man obviously wicked the the wickedness is exposed wicked the the wickedness is exposed wicked the the wickedness is exposed but if they stay silent maybe they can but if they stay silent maybe they can but if they stay silent maybe they can finagle their way out of this finagle their way out of this finagle their way out of this and Jesus acts and he heals the man. and Jesus acts and he heals the man. and Jesus acts and he heals the man. And then he follows up with this And then he follows up with this And then he follows up with this question.

question. question. He says, "Which one of you, like if your He says, "Which one of you, like if your He says, "Which one of you, like if your son son son or your ox or your ox or your ox falls into a ditch, which one of you are falls into a ditch, which one of you are falls into a ditch, which one of you are not going to get him out?" not going to get him out?" not going to get him out?" Who wants to admit to that? Who wants to admit to that? Who wants to admit to that? Obviously, they were silenced again. Obviously, they were silenced again. Obviously, they were silenced again. You see what Jesus is doing is he is he You see what Jesus is doing is he is he You see what Jesus is doing is he is he is realigning to a kingdom centered vision. to a kingdom centered vision. And then he answers the silence with And then he answers the silence with And then he answers the silence with this parable. He says but when you are this parable. He says but when you are this parable. He says but when you are invited go and sit in the lowest place invited go and sit in the lowest place invited go and sit in the lowest place so that when the when the one who so that when the when the one who so that when the when the one who invited you comes he'll say friend move invited you comes he'll say friend move invited you comes he'll say friend move up. Like what are you hey man what are up. Like what are you hey man what are up. Like what are you hey man what are you doing back there dude? Come sit up you doing back there dude? Come sit up you doing back there dude? Come sit up with me. with me. with me. That's what Jesus is talking about. And That's what Jesus is talking about. And That's what Jesus is talking about. And then you'll be honored in the presence then you'll be honored in the presence then you'll be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For everyone of all the other guests. For everyone of all the other guests. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled. The who exalts himself will be humbled. The who exalts himself will be humbled. The one who humbles himself will be will be one who humbles himself will be will be one who humbles himself will be will be uh exalted. Listen, Jesus is not uh exalted. Listen, Jesus is not uh exalted. Listen, Jesus is not teaching wedding etiquette. By the way, teaching wedding etiquette. By the way, teaching wedding etiquette. By the way, like that's not what the parable is like that's not what the parable is like that's not what the parable is about. This parable is pointing toward about. This parable is pointing toward about. This parable is pointing toward something greater. And the underneath something greater. And the underneath something greater. And the underneath this parable is this understanding of this parable is this understanding of this parable is this understanding of how you are to interact with a kingdom how you are to interact with a kingdom how you are to interact with a kingdom vision.

vision. vision. Like how are you to see yourself in Like how are you to see yourself in Like how are you to see yourself in kingdom vision? What is the purpose in kingdom vision? What is the purpose in kingdom vision? What is the purpose in your life with a kingdom vision? Because your life with a kingdom vision? Because your life with a kingdom vision? Because the Pharisees have been consumed with the Pharisees have been consumed with the Pharisees have been consumed with themselves. themselves. themselves. They have lost They have lost They have lost their kingdom vision and they have their kingdom vision and they have their kingdom vision and they have swapped it for a kingdom of self. And swapped it for a kingdom of self. And swapped it for a kingdom of self. And this is the danger of pride that every this is the danger of pride that every this is the danger of pride that every single one of us that if we are not single one of us that if we are not single one of us that if we are not careful that we will easily drift and careful that we will easily drift and careful that we will easily drift and drift and drift into. drift and drift into. drift and drift into. And Jesus is just clarifying. And Jesus is just clarifying. And Jesus is just clarifying. Amen. You cannot coexist in the church Amen. You cannot coexist in the church Amen. You cannot coexist in the church with competing visions. with competing visions. with competing visions. You can't do it. You see, pride You can't do it. You see, pride You can't do it. You see, pride or the rejection of pride is choosing or the rejection of pride is choosing or the rejection of pride is choosing others others others for the good of others and for the glory for the good of others and for the glory for the good of others and for the glory of Christ.

of Christ. of Christ. Do you realize that there is no other Do you realize that there is no other Do you realize that there is no other place on earth where you can gather place on earth where you can gather place on earth where you can gather every generation, every generation, every generation, every socioeconomic status, every socioeconomic status, every socioeconomic status, every background, every color into one room into one room and be united. and be united. and be united. This is the one place on earth. It's This is the one place on earth. It's This is the one place on earth. It's called the church. called the church. called the church. You may think to yourself, well, well, You may think to yourself, well, well, You may think to yourself, well, well, how is this even possible? Well, the how is this even possible? Well, the how is this even possible? Well, the guess what the disciples also struggled guess what the disciples also struggled guess what the disciples also struggled with this understanding this thought. And then Paul reminds he's like, "No, And then Paul reminds he's like, "No, no, no. Listen, man. There's no Jew, no, no. Listen, man. There's no Jew, no, no. Listen, man. There's no Jew, there's no Greek, there's no slave, there's no Greek, there's no slave, there's no Greek, there's no slave, there's no free, there's no free, there's no free, there's no male, female. there's no male, female. there's no male, female. We are all one in Christ." We are all one in Christ." We are all one in Christ." You see this is why kingdom vision is so You see this is why kingdom vision is so You see this is why kingdom vision is so important because without kingdom vision important because without kingdom vision important because without kingdom vision guess what will happen.

guess what will happen. guess what will happen. We will We will We will start competing for our own preferences. start competing for our own preferences. start competing for our own preferences. We will compete for our own comfort, for We will compete for our own comfort, for We will compete for our own comfort, for our own conveniences. But when you our own conveniences. But when you our own conveniences. But when you reject pride, you're choosing Christ reject pride, you're choosing Christ reject pride, you're choosing Christ over everything. over everything. over everything. You're choosing to live under the You're choosing to live under the You're choosing to live under the authority and banner of Christ Jesus authority and banner of Christ Jesus authority and banner of Christ Jesus himself and nothing else. This is how we himself and nothing else. This is how we himself and nothing else. This is how we can come together as one church. This is can come together as one church. This is can come together as one church. This is how we can come together as one body how we can come together as one body how we can come together as one body because we don't agree on everything. We because we don't agree on everything. We because we don't agree on everything. We agree on the one thing and that Jesus agree on the one thing and that Jesus agree on the one thing and that Jesus Christ is Lord and that is it. You see Christ is Lord and that is it. You see Christ is Lord and that is it. You see this is kingdom vision. This is what this is kingdom vision. This is what this is kingdom vision. This is what keeps us moving forward together as a keeps us moving forward together as a keeps us moving forward together as a body of believers. body of believers. body of believers. Yes, this is the kingdom vision for our Yes, this is the kingdom vision for our Yes, this is the kingdom vision for our church. But is it your vision for church. But is it your vision for church. But is it your vision for yourself?

We must as the people of God We must as the people of God do everything possible to connect people do everything possible to connect people do everything possible to connect people to Jesus to Jesus to Jesus so that they may grow in the likeness of so that they may grow in the likeness of so that they may grow in the likeness of Jesus and multiply for the purpose of Jesus and multiply for the purpose of Jesus and multiply for the purpose of Jesus. Because when you commit to this, Jesus. Because when you commit to this, Jesus. Because when you commit to this, you are committing to the kingdom you are committing to the kingdom you are committing to the kingdom vision. vision. vision. Kingdom vision. And it's this kingdom Kingdom vision. And it's this kingdom Kingdom vision. And it's this kingdom vision that rejects pride in order to vision that rejects pride in order to vision that rejects pride in order to pursue the forgotten. pursue the forgotten. pursue the forgotten. You see, this is exactly what Jesus does You see, this is exactly what Jesus does You see, this is exactly what Jesus does because he's fixed on this man first of because he's fixed on this man first of because he's fixed on this man first of all, the outcast, the marginalized, the all, the outcast, the marginalized, the all, the outcast, the marginalized, the down and out, the guy who can't repay, down and out, the guy who can't repay, down and out, the guy who can't repay, the poor, obviously because he probably the poor, obviously because he probably the poor, obviously because he probably can't hold a job. He can't help himself. can't hold a job. He can't help himself. can't hold a job. He can't help himself. And it's Jesus that steps in. Do you And it's Jesus that steps in. Do you And it's Jesus that steps in. Do you realize like when you look through the realize like when you look through the realize like when you look through the Gospel of Luke, man, over and over Gospel of Luke, man, over and over Gospel of Luke, man, over and over there's like this hidden theme. there's like this hidden theme. there's like this hidden theme. And it's Jesus moving toward the And it's Jesus moving toward the And it's Jesus moving toward the marginalized.

marginalized. marginalized. It's Jesus moving toward people who It's Jesus moving toward people who It's Jesus moving toward people who could never repay. And praise be to could never repay. And praise be to could never repay. And praise be to Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Praise be to God for that. Because Praise be to God for that. Because Praise be to God for that. Because unless that is true, listen, Jesus would unless that is true, listen, Jesus would unless that is true, listen, Jesus would have never moved toward you. have never moved toward you. have never moved toward you. He would have never moved toward me He would have never moved toward me He would have never moved toward me because I know that I certainly cannot because I know that I certainly cannot because I know that I certainly cannot repay Christ. repay Christ. repay Christ. And this is what Jesus does, man. He And this is what Jesus does, man. He And this is what Jesus does, man. He says, "Listen, when you have a kingdom says, "Listen, when you have a kingdom says, "Listen, when you have a kingdom vision, you're going to pursue the vision, you're going to pursue the vision, you're going to pursue the forgotten. forgotten. forgotten. Those who don't feel like they have a Those who don't feel like they have a Those who don't feel like they have a place, place, place, those who don't feel like that they those who don't feel like that they those who don't feel like that they belong anywhere." Listen, we want to be belong anywhere." Listen, we want to be belong anywhere." Listen, we want to be a church family that every person knows a church family that every person knows a church family that every person knows that they belong. that they belong. that they belong. There is an opportunity There is an opportunity There is an opportunity right here for every generation. right here for every generation. right here for every generation. There's an opportunity for every There's an opportunity for every There's an opportunity for every background that you can belong to this background that you can belong to this background that you can belong to this body. Why? Because if you belong to body. Why? Because if you belong to body. Why? Because if you belong to Christ, Christ, Christ, then you belong here with us, committed then you belong here with us, committed then you belong here with us, committed together to one kingdom vision.

together to one kingdom vision. together to one kingdom vision. This is what Jesus says. He also said to This is what Jesus says. He also said to This is what Jesus says. He also said to them in verses 12 through 14, look at them in verses 12 through 14, look at them in verses 12 through 14, look at how he teased this up. how he teased this up. how he teased this up. When you give a lunch or a dinner, When you give a lunch or a dinner, When you give a lunch or a dinner, don't invite your friends, your brothers don't invite your friends, your brothers don't invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, your rich or sisters, your relatives, your rich or sisters, your relatives, your rich neighbors because they might invite you neighbors because they might invite you neighbors because they might invite you back and you would be repaid. back and you would be repaid. back and you would be repaid. On the contrary, when you host the On the contrary, when you host the On the contrary, when you host the banquet, invite those who are poor, banquet, invite those who are poor, banquet, invite those who are poor, maimed, lame, or blind. maimed, lame, or blind. maimed, lame, or blind. And you will be blessed And you will be blessed And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you. for you because they cannot repay you. for you because they cannot repay you. for you will re be repaid at the resurrection of will re be repaid at the resurrection of will re be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. Do you see how Jesus the righteous. Do you see how Jesus the righteous. Do you see how Jesus turns their attention? He turns their turns their attention? He turns their turns their attention? He turns their vision, turns where their eyes are. He's vision, turns where their eyes are. He's vision, turns where their eyes are. He's like, "No, no, no. Look, don't worry like, "No, no, no. Look, don't worry like, "No, no, no. Look, don't worry about being repaid here. about being repaid here. about being repaid here. Don't worry about your own personal gain Don't worry about your own personal gain Don't worry about your own personal gain on earth, man. Give that up. Surrender on earth, man. Give that up. Surrender on earth, man. Give that up. Surrender it." As Paul would say, man, I consider it." As Paul would say, man, I consider it." As Paul would say, man, I consider everything I gained as rubbish in everything I gained as rubbish in everything I gained as rubbish in comparison to what I have in the riches comparison to what I have in the riches comparison to what I have in the riches of Christ Jesus our Lord. Like that's of Christ Jesus our Lord. Like that's of Christ Jesus our Lord. Like that's Paul's understanding.

Paul's understanding. Paul's understanding. That's what Jesus is saying here. He's That's what Jesus is saying here. He's That's what Jesus is saying here. He's like, listen, don't worry about the like, listen, don't worry about the like, listen, don't worry about the system of reciprocity and getting system of reciprocity and getting system of reciprocity and getting repaid. repaid. repaid. Do what pleases the father. Do what pleases the father. Do what pleases the father. Don't worry about inviting your rich Don't worry about inviting your rich Don't worry about inviting your rich friends. friends. friends. Don't worry about inviting your brothers Don't worry about inviting your brothers Don't worry about inviting your brothers or sisters and those that can repay you. or sisters and those that can repay you. or sisters and those that can repay you. Now, now understand this. When Jesus Now, now understand this. When Jesus Now, now understand this. When Jesus makes this claim, he's not saying forget makes this claim, he's not saying forget makes this claim, he's not saying forget about them. about them. about them. He's not saying you shouldn't care about He's not saying you shouldn't care about He's not saying you shouldn't care about them. them. them. What he is correcting is the motivation What he is correcting is the motivation What he is correcting is the motivation of your invitation. of your invitation. of your invitation. That's what he is correcting. He's That's what he is correcting. He's That's what he is correcting. He's saying, "Don't act so that you can saying, "Don't act so that you can saying, "Don't act so that you can receive in return. receive in return. receive in return. Act in pleasing your father who sees in Act in pleasing your father who sees in Act in pleasing your father who sees in secret." secret." secret." That's the idea here. That's the idea here. That's the idea here. And man, this makes us think about all And man, this makes us think about all And man, this makes us think about all sorts of things in our own lives, right? sorts of things in our own lives, right? sorts of things in our own lives, right? I mean, this is correcting our behavior.

I mean, this is correcting our behavior. I mean, this is correcting our behavior. Like how many of us choose friends based Like how many of us choose friends based Like how many of us choose friends based on what will help us? on what will help us? on what will help us? You choose groups on what would be most You choose groups on what would be most You choose groups on what would be most helpful to you, what would be helpful to helpful to you, what would be helpful to helpful to you, what would be helpful to me. Like this happens all the time. And me. Like this happens all the time. And me. Like this happens all the time. And what Jesus is cautioning here is don't what Jesus is cautioning here is don't what Jesus is cautioning here is don't do this with the motivation of personal do this with the motivation of personal do this with the motivation of personal gain and exclude those who cannot. You gain and exclude those who cannot. You gain and exclude those who cannot. You know, they're not going to help you. know, they're not going to help you. know, they're not going to help you. They may even drag you down. They may even drag you down. They may even drag you down. They might be dead weight, but he says They might be dead weight, but he says They might be dead weight, but he says don't exclude them because listen, don't exclude them because listen, don't exclude them because listen, pursue those who are forgotten. And man, pursue those who are forgotten. And man, pursue those who are forgotten. And man, that's why I am so proud of our church that's why I am so proud of our church that's why I am so proud of our church family. family. family. Like we we are committed to pursue the Like we we are committed to pursue the Like we we are committed to pursue the forgotten. forgotten. forgotten. That's why we have That's why we have That's why we have uh ministries with every age in mind, uh ministries with every age in mind, uh ministries with every age in mind, with every season in mind. with every season in mind. with every season in mind. This is why we have a brand new widows This is why we have a brand new widows This is why we have a brand new widows ministry that because listen, widows, ministry that because listen, widows, ministry that because listen, widows, they feel forgotten.

they feel forgotten. they feel forgotten. We want to step in that gap. This is why We want to step in that gap. This is why We want to step in that gap. This is why we have a thriving prison ministry. we have a thriving prison ministry. we have a thriving prison ministry. Listen, you're talking about the lowest Listen, you're talking about the lowest Listen, you're talking about the lowest peg on the societal totem pole. peg on the societal totem pole. peg on the societal totem pole. Those in prison, man, they feel Those in prison, man, they feel Those in prison, man, they feel forgotten. And guess what? We have forgotten. And guess what? We have forgotten. And guess what? We have people going every single week to people going every single week to people going every single week to minister to them in the name of Jesus minister to them in the name of Jesus minister to them in the name of Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. salvations over and over and over again. salvations over and over and over again. salvations over and over and over again. People growing in the likeness of Jesus People growing in the likeness of Jesus People growing in the likeness of Jesus over and over and over again to the over and over and over again to the over and over and over again to the marginalized. marginalized. marginalized. This is why we have an incredible This is why we have an incredible This is why we have an incredible celebrate recovery ministry. celebrate recovery ministry. celebrate recovery ministry. For everybody with hurts, habits, and For everybody with hurts, habits, and For everybody with hurts, habits, and hang-ups, man, they can come and have a hang-ups, man, they can come and have a hang-ups, man, they can come and have a place that they can get rid of addiction place that they can get rid of addiction place that they can get rid of addiction that they can thrive in Christlikkeness. that they can thrive in Christlikkeness. that they can thrive in Christlikkeness. It's because we as a church are It's because we as a church are It's because we as a church are committed to stepping in to that gap. committed to stepping in to that gap. committed to stepping in to that gap. It's the gap of heaven and hell that we It's the gap of heaven and hell that we It's the gap of heaven and hell that we want to link arms with people so that we want to link arms with people so that we want to link arms with people so that we can help them understand who Christ is can help them understand who Christ is can help them understand who Christ is and that there is freedom in Jesus.

and that there is freedom in Jesus. and that there is freedom in Jesus. There is a a a life of abundance in There is a a a life of abundance in There is a a a life of abundance in Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus. And by the way, just in celebrate And by the way, just in celebrate And by the way, just in celebrate recovery up to this point this year, recovery up to this point this year, recovery up to this point this year, 199 professions of faith. Like just this 199 professions of faith. Like just this 199 professions of faith. Like just this year. Like that's incredible. year. Like that's incredible. year. Like that's incredible. [applause] Is it strange we couldn't find one more Is it strange we couldn't find one more to say 200? But you know what? Look, to say 200? But you know what? Look, to say 200? But you know what? Look, do you realize that as a church family do you realize that as a church family do you realize that as a church family just up to this point that we are now just up to this point that we are now just up to this point that we are now celebrating celebrating celebrating 220 220 220 baptisms baptisms baptisms like just this year? like this is stuff like just this year? like this is stuff like just this year? like this is stuff that only God can accomplish through that only God can accomplish through that only God can accomplish through you, through his people. We have a an you, through his people. We have a an you, through his people. We have a an incredible men's ministry, women's incredible men's ministry, women's incredible men's ministry, women's ministry, adult ministries, for married, ministry, adult ministries, for married, ministry, adult ministries, for married, for singles, for college, for older for singles, for college, for older for singles, for college, for older singles, younger singles, and you can singles, younger singles, and you can singles, younger singles, and you can decide where you are. All right? I don't decide where you are. All right? I don't decide where you are. All right? I don't care. But the point is is that man, we care. But the point is is that man, we care. But the point is is that man, we have thriving ministries. We have a have thriving ministries. We have a have thriving ministries. We have a sports ministry that is maxed out in sports ministry that is maxed out in sports ministry that is maxed out in almost every single sport. like almost every single sport. like almost every single sport. like volleyball is the biggest it's ever been volleyball is the biggest it's ever been volleyball is the biggest it's ever been this year. And and here's the truth this year. And and here's the truth this year. And and here's the truth about this because it's like, well, about this because it's like, well, about this because it's like, well, okay, great. People are playing sports.

okay, great. People are playing sports. okay, great. People are playing sports. No, every single kid here's the gospel No, every single kid here's the gospel No, every single kid here's the gospel of Jesus Christ. And so when you hear of Jesus Christ. And so when you hear of Jesus Christ. And so when you hear 1,500 athletes, that's not just 1500 1,500 athletes, that's not just 1500 1,500 athletes, that's not just 1500 people learning how to play football or people learning how to play football or people learning how to play football or soccer or volleyball. It's 1500 kids soccer or volleyball. It's 1500 kids soccer or volleyball. It's 1500 kids hearing about Jesus Christ who will save hearing about Jesus Christ who will save hearing about Jesus Christ who will save them if they trust in him. And this is them if they trust in him. And this is them if they trust in him. And this is why we do everything that we do at why we do everything that we do at why we do everything that we do at Greenacres, man. There's no hidden Greenacres, man. There's no hidden Greenacres, man. There's no hidden agenda. Here is the agenda. It is for agenda. Here is the agenda. It is for agenda. Here is the agenda. It is for the kingdom vision of Christ himself. the kingdom vision of Christ himself. the kingdom vision of Christ himself. There is no other agenda. It is to There is no other agenda. It is to There is no other agenda. It is to pursue the forgotten. Is to reject all pursue the forgotten. Is to reject all pursue the forgotten. Is to reject all pride and lay our lives down for the pride and lay our lives down for the pride and lay our lives down for the gospel of Jesus Christ and say unto him gospel of Jesus Christ and say unto him gospel of Jesus Christ and say unto him who deserves all things, Jesus, I am who deserves all things, Jesus, I am who deserves all things, Jesus, I am yours. Use me however you want. Man, if yours. Use me however you want. Man, if yours. Use me however you want. Man, if you want ME TO BE HUMILIATED FOR CHRIST, you want ME TO BE HUMILIATED FOR CHRIST, you want ME TO BE HUMILIATED FOR CHRIST, THEN DO IT. If you want me to be THEN DO IT. If you want me to be THEN DO IT. If you want me to be persecuted for Christ, then do it. But persecuted for Christ, then do it. But persecuted for Christ, then do it. But here is my life because there is a here is my life because there is a here is my life because there is a greater purpose. There is a greater greater purpose. There is a greater greater purpose. There is a greater blessing. There is a greater blessing. There is a greater blessing. There is a greater point to your life point to your life point to your life and it is all Jesus.

and it is all Jesus. and it is all Jesus. And as soon And as soon And as soon as we start to drift to believe that it as we start to drift to believe that it as we start to drift to believe that it is about anything else, you talk about is about anything else, you talk about is about anything else, you talk about division in a church. division in a church. division in a church. When we have competing ideas, When we have competing ideas, When we have competing ideas, Jesus says, "No, Jesus says, "No, Jesus says, "No, this is it. this is it. this is it. Reject your pride. Reject your pride. Reject your pride. Pursue the forgotten Pursue the forgotten Pursue the forgotten and expand the table. He tells them because He tells them because in verse 15, there's this there's this in verse 15, there's this there's this in verse 15, there's this there's this moment that happens that appears good, moment that happens that appears good, moment that happens that appears good, but it's not. but it's not. but it's not. You know how you always at every You know how you always at every You know how you always at every wedding, you got like crazy uncle Larry wedding, you got like crazy uncle Larry wedding, you got like crazy uncle Larry that always wants to give a toast? that always wants to give a toast? that always wants to give a toast? If your name is Larry, I don't mean you. If your name is Larry, I don't mean you. If your name is Larry, I don't mean you. All right?

But this is what happens in verse 15. But this is what happens in verse 15. When one of those who was there When one of those who was there When one of those who was there who reclined at the table with him heard who reclined at the table with him heard who reclined at the table with him heard these things, listen. This is what he these things, listen. This is what he these things, listen. This is what he said. He says, "Blessed is the one who said. He says, "Blessed is the one who said. He says, "Blessed is the one who will eat bread in the kingdom of God." will eat bread in the kingdom of God." will eat bread in the kingdom of God." Sounds good, doesn't it? This joker, you Sounds good, doesn't it? This joker, you Sounds good, doesn't it? This joker, you know what he's doing? He's toasting know what he's doing? He's toasting know what he's doing? He's toasting himself. himself. himself. He's like, "Man, good to be us. He's like, "Man, good to be us. He's like, "Man, good to be us. Good to be me. Good to be me. Good to be me. Because obviously because of everything Because obviously because of everything Because obviously because of everything that I've done, Lord, I mean, I am a that I've done, Lord, I mean, I am a that I've done, Lord, I mean, I am a Pharisee after all. Pharisee after all. Pharisee after all. Like, I keep the law. I don't even want Like, I keep the law. I don't even want Like, I keep the law. I don't even want you to heal this poor poor guy on the you to heal this poor poor guy on the you to heal this poor poor guy on the Sabbath. I mean, I'm even against that. Sabbath. I mean, I'm even against that. Sabbath. I mean, I'm even against that. That's how committed to the law I am. That's how committed to the law I am. That's how committed to the law I am. Look at me. Blessed are those who keep Look at me. Blessed are those who keep Look at me. Blessed are those who keep the law like the Pharisees." This is the law like the Pharisees." This is the law like the Pharisees." This is what he is saying. Hey, here's to us. what he is saying. Hey, here's to us. what he is saying. Hey, here's to us. And Jesus is like, you have missed it And Jesus is like, you have missed it And Jesus is like, you have missed it completely. completely. completely. They've turned it on themselves again. They've turned it on themselves again. They've turned it on themselves again. Because here's the truth. There is no Because here's the truth. There is no Because here's the truth. There is no salvation apart from Christ.

salvation apart from Christ. salvation apart from Christ. Acts 4:12 makes this abundantly clear. Acts 4:12 makes this abundantly clear. Acts 4:12 makes this abundantly clear. There is no other name. There is There is no other name. There is There is no other name. There is salvation in no one else. For there is salvation in no one else. For there is salvation in no one else. For there is no other name under heaven given to no other name under heaven given to no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved. people by which we must be saved. people by which we must be saved. This is what we see throughout the New This is what we see throughout the New This is what we see throughout the New Testament. Jesus is the only name that Testament. Jesus is the only name that Testament. Jesus is the only name that can save. And so these Pharisees who are can save. And so these Pharisees who are can save. And so these Pharisees who are pretending that they're going to have a pretending that they're going to have a pretending that they're going to have a seat at the king's table are being seat at the king's table are being seat at the king's table are being misled. And so Jesus has to hit him with misled. And so Jesus has to hit him with misled. And so Jesus has to hit him with this with this truth between the eyes this with this truth between the eyes this with this truth between the eyes because Jesus is not going to let them because Jesus is not going to let them because Jesus is not going to let them just continue just continue just continue and this false security and false hope and this false security and false hope and this false security and false hope of a false religion. of a false religion. of a false religion. Instead, he calls them back to the Instead, he calls them back to the Instead, he calls them back to the kingdom vision. And this is what he says. And this is what he says. He says in verse 23, then the master He says in verse 23, then the master He says in verse 23, then the master because he tells him, he's like, look, because he tells him, he's like, look, because he tells him, he's like, look, this is what's going to happen. I'm this is what's going to happen. I'm this is what's going to happen. I'm gonna have this banquet and I'm going to gonna have this banquet and I'm going to gonna have this banquet and I'm going to give out invitations.

give out invitations. give out invitations. And then everybody started giving And then everybody started giving And then everybody started giving excuses. excuses. excuses. Everybody started giving excuses. One Everybody started giving excuses. One Everybody started giving excuses. One dude said, "Man, I got some land. I got dude said, "Man, I got some land. I got dude said, "Man, I got some land. I got to go figure this out. I got some ax. I to go figure this out. I got some ax. I to go figure this out. I got some ax. I got to go figure this out. got to go figure this out. got to go figure this out. I got a new wife. I got to go figure I got a new wife. I got to go figure I got a new wife. I got to go figure that out." Poor guy. I mean, he's that out." Poor guy. I mean, he's that out." Poor guy. I mean, he's helpless. They're all excuses They're all excuses of why they can't go and be present at of why they can't go and be present at of why they can't go and be present at the table. You realize, right? Like You realize, right? Like that's us. that's us. that's us. Every time God calls you, Every time God calls you, Every time God calls you, every time God realigns you, every time God realigns you, every time God realigns you, every time he makes this vision for his every time he makes this vision for his every time he makes this vision for his kingdom clear, it's it's automatically kingdom clear, it's it's automatically kingdom clear, it's it's automatically like, "Well, well, I mean, look, I will, like, "Well, well, I mean, look, I will, like, "Well, well, I mean, look, I will, man. Just let me graduate high school.

man. Just let me graduate high school. man. Just let me graduate high school. I'll start living for Jesus. Let me just I'll start living for Jesus. Let me just I'll start living for Jesus. Let me just graduate. graduate. graduate. I mean, this is the time that I'm I mean, this is the time that I'm I mean, this is the time that I'm supposed to have freedom. supposed to have freedom. supposed to have freedom. I can do whatever I want. I can do whatever I want. I can do whatever I want. Would you let me get out of college and Would you let me get out of college and Would you let me get out of college and then I'll and then and then I'll start then I'll and then and then I'll start then I'll and then and then I'll start living for Jesus. And then then you get living for Jesus. And then then you get living for Jesus. And then then you get out of college, then you get married and out of college, then you get married and out of college, then you get married and you're like, "Well, we're we're just so you're like, "Well, we're we're just so you're like, "Well, we're we're just so busy right now." Listen, the devil does busy right now." Listen, the devil does busy right now." Listen, the devil does not have to destroy your life to be not have to destroy your life to be not have to destroy your life to be ineffective for the kingdom. ineffective for the kingdom. ineffective for the kingdom. He just has to make you busy. Busy with excuses. Busy with excuses. busy with looking at the obstacles and busy with looking at the obstacles and busy with looking at the obstacles and looking at the trees, looking at the trees, looking at the trees, naming everything that is going wrong, naming everything that is going wrong, naming everything that is going wrong, naming just all of the different things naming just all of the different things naming just all of the different things that's going on in your life of why you that's going on in your life of why you that's going on in your life of why you can't participate in the kingdom and why can't participate in the kingdom and why can't participate in the kingdom and why why the kingdom will wait. Let me just tell you, Let me just tell you, you cannot pursue you cannot pursue you cannot pursue Jesus and another kingdom.

Jesus and another kingdom. Jesus and another kingdom. You cannot pursue Christ and the kingdom You cannot pursue Christ and the kingdom You cannot pursue Christ and the kingdom of self. of self. of self. You can't put yourself at the center of You can't put yourself at the center of You can't put yourself at the center of your decision-making process your decision-making process your decision-making process and have Jesus as Lord reigning over and have Jesus as Lord reigning over and have Jesus as Lord reigning over your heart. It doesn't work that way. your heart. It doesn't work that way. your heart. It doesn't work that way. And so, what will you do with the time? And so, what will you do with the time? And so, what will you do with the time? What will you do with the friends? What What will you do with the friends? What What will you do with the friends? What will you do with your influence? What will you do with your influence? What will you do with your influence? What will you do with your money? What will will you do with your money? What will will you do with your money? What will you do with your job? What will you do you do with your job? What will you do you do with your job? What will you do with your school? What will you do with with your school? What will you do with with your school? What will you do with your life? your life? your life? Will it be a life of excuses? Will it be a life of excuses? Will it be a life of excuses? Or will it be a life surrendered to the Or will it be a life surrendered to the Or will it be a life surrendered to the King of Kings? King of Kings? King of Kings? You know, in 1939 on the eve of World You know, in 1939 on the eve of World You know, in 1939 on the eve of World War II, War II, War II, there was a man named Nicholas Winton who just happened to be at the right who just happened to be at the right place at the right time in his own place at the right time in his own place at the right time in his own words. words. words. And he arranged for 669 mostly Jewish kids mostly Jewish kids to flee Czechless of under Nazi rule.

to flee Czechless of under Nazi rule. to flee Czechless of under Nazi rule. Nobody even knew about it. Nobody even knew about it. Nobody even knew about it. He was just quietly serving, He was just quietly serving, He was just quietly serving, quietly arranging for the freedom of quietly arranging for the freedom of quietly arranging for the freedom of these kids. And and then his wife 50 these kids. And and then his wife 50 these kids. And and then his wife 50 years later just found this scrapbook years later just found this scrapbook years later just found this scrapbook and she sees all these faces and she sees all these faces and she sees all these faces of kids and stories with kids of how of kids and stories with kids of how of kids and stories with kids of how they were saved and brought from death they were saved and brought from death they were saved and brought from death to life, from imprisonment to freedom. to life, from imprisonment to freedom. to life, from imprisonment to freedom. And she confronts him. She like like And she confronts him. She like like And she confronts him. She like like what what is this about? And so he comes what what is this about? And so he comes what what is this about? And so he comes clean. He's like, "Yeah, man. I did clean. He's like, "Yeah, man. I did clean. He's like, "Yeah, man. I did this. I did that. this. I did that. this. I did that. And so she arranged this huge And so she arranged this huge And so she arranged this huge celebration without him knowing. And celebration without him knowing. And celebration without him knowing. And there's hundreds of people here. I mean, there's hundreds of people here. I mean, there's hundreds of people here. I mean, probably like a room almost this size probably like a room almost this size probably like a room almost this size and and just people all over the place. and and just people all over the place. and and just people all over the place. And and then in the middle of this, I And and then in the middle of this, I And and then in the middle of this, I mean, I watched this video in the middle mean, I watched this video in the middle mean, I watched this video in the middle of this and they they're they're sharing of this and they they're they're sharing of this and they they're they're sharing stories and this girl that was little stories and this girl that was little stories and this girl that was little now in her 60s and 70s, she looks at now in her 60s and 70s, she looks at now in her 60s and 70s, she looks at this man and says, "I was one of those this man and says, "I was one of those this man and says, "I was one of those girls."

girls." girls." She starts hugging him and kissing him. She starts hugging him and kissing him. She starts hugging him and kissing him. She say, "Thank you. Thank you for She say, "Thank you. Thank you for She say, "Thank you. Thank you for giving me life." And then to his right, giving me life." And then to his right, giving me life." And then to his right, there's this other little girl and she's there's this other little girl and she's there's this other little girl and she's like, "You saved me." And now she's in like, "You saved me." And now she's in like, "You saved me." And now she's in her 70s or 80s and she starts hugging her 70s or 80s and she starts hugging her 70s or 80s and she starts hugging them and kissing them. And there's this them and kissing them. And there's this them and kissing them. And there's this celebration and everybody is cheering. celebration and everybody is cheering. celebration and everybody is cheering. They're like, "Yes, you would have been They're like, "Yes, you would have been They're like, "Yes, you would have been dead, but you're alive and you grew and dead, but you're alive and you grew and dead, but you're alive and you grew and and look at you." And then all of the and look at you." And then all of the and look at you." And then all of the sudden, this lady gets to the microphone sudden, this lady gets to the microphone sudden, this lady gets to the microphone and she's like, "Hey, anybody in the room, anybody in the room, if you owe your life to this man, if you owe your life to this man, if you owe your life to this man, stand up." stand up." stand up." Then hundreds Then hundreds Then hundreds of people, they stand up in this room of people, they stand up in this room of people, they stand up in this room and you're looking across and he just and you're looking across and he just and you're looking across and he just starts weeping and uncontrollably. starts weeping and uncontrollably. starts weeping and uncontrollably. He's looking into the face of people He's looking into the face of people He's looking into the face of people that should have been dead, but now that should have been dead, but now that should have been dead, but now they're alive and they're well and they they're alive and they're well and they they're alive and they're well and they see each other face to face and all I see each other face to face and all I see each other face to face and all I could think of myself is Jesus, let this could think of myself is Jesus, let this could think of myself is Jesus, let this be my story when I get to heaven be my story when I get to heaven be my story when I get to heaven and we're gathered around the Lord's and we're gathered around the Lord's and we're gathered around the Lord's table table table that I could see people that by God's that I could see people that by God's that I could see people that by God's grace that he would just simply use me grace that he would just simply use me grace that he would just simply use me for whatever reason, not because I have for whatever reason, not because I have for whatever reason, not because I have anything to give, but I'm willing, God, anything to give, but I'm willing, God, anything to give, but I'm willing, God, I'm I'm able, God, to do whatever you I'm I'm able, God, to do whatever you I'm I'm able, God, to do whatever you want me to do. What if that was every

want me to do. What if that was every want me to do. What if that was every single one of us? We had this type of single one of us? We had this type of single one of us? We had this type of kingdom vision that we just rejected our kingdom vision that we just rejected our kingdom vision that we just rejected our pride that we pursued the forgotten and pride that we pursued the forgotten and pride that we pursued the forgotten and we expanded the table of God because we we expanded the table of God because we we expanded the table of God because we would use all of our resources, all of would use all of our resources, all of would use all of our resources, all of our life, the little time that we have our life, the little time that we have our life, the little time that we have for the glory and for the purpose for for the glory and for the purpose for for the glory and for the purpose for the kingdom of Christ alone. Like let the kingdom of Christ alone. Like let the kingdom of Christ alone. Like let that be known of this church family. Let that be known of this church family. Let that be known of this church family. Let that be known of this man. Let that be that be known of this man. Let that be that be known of this man. Let that be known of you and your family that known of you and your family that known of you and your family that everything we have, God, you just use at everything we have, God, you just use at everything we have, God, you just use at your disposal your disposal your disposal because I don't want to get anywhere. Like, can you imagine Like, can you imagine sitting at the banquet table with the sitting at the banquet table with the sitting at the banquet table with the Lord and then just people come to mind and then just people come to mind that you had a chance that you had a chance that you had a chance and their seat is empty.

Instead, we should do exactly what he Instead, we should do exactly what he says. says. says. Man, don't stare at the trees Man, don't stare at the trees Man, don't stare at the trees of every excuse and obstacle that you of every excuse and obstacle that you of every excuse and obstacle that you have around you. have around you. have around you. Fix your eyes on Christ Fix your eyes on Christ Fix your eyes on Christ and let him move you and let him move you and let him move you and the way you should go. and the way you should go. and the way you should go. That's what this Lord's Supper table is That's what this Lord's Supper table is That's what this Lord's Supper table is all about. all about. all about. It is a reminder that you did nothing It is a reminder that you did nothing It is a reminder that you did nothing to receive a seat at his table. to receive a seat at his table. to receive a seat at his table. And then it should also remind you who And then it should also remind you who And then it should also remind you who is not here with me. is not here with me. is not here with me. Who's not here at this table? And let us pray And let us pray as God's people. Lord, would you give us as God's people. Lord, would you give us as God's people. Lord, would you give us that kingdom vision? that kingdom vision? that kingdom vision? Let's pray together. Heavenly Father, we Let's pray together. Heavenly Father, we Let's pray together. Heavenly Father, we ask you ask you ask you that right now, Lord, that you would just remind us, Lord, that you would just remind us, Lord, through the symbolism of these Lord, through the symbolism of these Lord, through the symbolism of these elements elements elements that you paid the price for me.

that you paid the price for me. that you paid the price for me. And so now, God, And so now, God, And so now, God, as your servant, let me be faithful as your servant, let me be faithful as your servant, let me be faithful to reject pride in my life. to reject pride in my life. to reject pride in my life. to pursue the forgotten to pursue the forgotten to pursue the forgotten and do everything possible to expand and do everything possible to expand and do everything possible to expand your table for your purpose, by your your table for your purpose, by your your table for your purpose, by your design, and for your [music] glory. And design, and for your [music] glory. And design, and for your [music] glory. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.