BRBC Bible Notes
Week by week, we post notes based on the theme of the Sunday service, so that people can follow them in their own personal devotions, in prayer triplets, or in the church life groups.
Parables Bible Studies
Bible Study # 10 : "The Invitation of Grace"
– Don’t Miss the Feast
Main Passage:
Luke 14:15–24 (The Parable of the Wedding Feast)
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Purpose of the Study
This Bible study is designed to:
· Encourage us to treasure and respond to God’s invitation to His kingdom.
· Strengthen our understanding of grace over merit.
· Challenge the church to reach the overlooked, the outcast, and the spiritually hungry.
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Opening Prayer
“Lord, thank You for inviting us to Your kingdom feast. Help us not to take Your grace lightly, and awaken our hearts to the joy of Your call. Give us urgency to share Your invitation with those who feel forgotten. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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1. Read the Passage: Luke 14:15–24
Invite someone to read it aloud. Encourage the group to notice who is invited, who makes excuses, and who ends up enjoying the banquet.
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2. Context and Summary
Jesus shares this parable at a meal with Pharisees after one of them remarks, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” In response, Jesus tells the story of a man who prepares a great banquet. But when the time comes, those initially invited make excuses. The host, angered, opens the invitation to the poor, crippled, blind, and lame—anyone willing to come.
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3. Key Themes and Reflections
A. God’s Kingdom Is a Feast
· God compares His kingdom not to a courtroom or classroom—but a banquet! It’s rich, joyful, and full of relationship.
· The feast is prepared—it’s not earned, only received.
· Reflection Question: How do you view life with God—more like a burden or a banquet?
· Quote: “Christianity is one beggar telling another beggar where he found bread.” — D.T. Niles
· Related Scripture:
o Isaiah 25:6 – “On this mountain the Lord will prepare a feast…”
o Revelation 19:9 – “Blessed are those invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!”
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B. Excuses Are the Enemy of the Kingdom
· The invited guests give seemingly reasonable excuses—property, work, relationships. But all reflect misplaced priorities.
· Excuses reveal what we value most. They also reveal hearts that are not hungry for God.
· Reflection Question: What things in life might be distracting or delaying your full response to God’s invitation? Are you not hungry for the good things of God because you are ‘filling up’ on other menus offered?
· Quote: “There is always enough time to do God’s will.” — Elisabeth Elliot
· Related Scripture:
o Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God…”
o Luke 9:62 – “No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom…”
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C. Grace Extends to the Margins
· The host sends his servant to invite “the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame”—those most excluded from society.
· God’s grace is radically inclusive. No one is too broken to be welcomed.
· Reflection Question: Are we more comfortable inviting people like us—or are we embracing the outsider, the forgotten, the rejected?
· Quote: “God loves the lost too much to leave them uninvited.” — Anonymous
· Related Scripture:
o James 2:1–5 – A warning against favouritism in the church.
o 1 Corinthians 1:26–29 – “Not many were wise or influential… God chose the weak things…”
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4. A Word to the Church: Extend the Invitation
This parable challenges the church to:
· Reject apathy and spiritual entitlement.
· Embrace God’s heart for the poor, overlooked, and spiritually hungry.
· Go out to the highways and hedges—beyond our walls and comfort zones.
Challenge:
· Are we content just being invited—or are we bringing others in?
· Are we making room for the people Jesus came to reach?
· Are we restrictive in our welcome? Why?
Group Discussion:
· What are some modern-day “excuses” that keep people from responding to the Gospel?
· How can we make our church more welcoming to people on the fringes?
· Why might people not want to be associated with ‘church’ or BRBC in particular? How might we play our part in changing this?
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5. A Call to Action: “Compel Them to Come In”
Jesus uses strong language—“compel them.” That speaks to urgency, love, and intentional pursuit.
Personal Application:
· Think of one person in your life who might feel unworthy or uninterested in God’s invitation.
· Pray and ask God for an opportunity this week to share the invitation of grace with them.
Church-Wide Application:
· Identify a ministry or outreach that can go to the “highways and hedges” in your community.
· Consider hosting a community meal or event that reflects the welcome of this parable.
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Closing Scripture Meditation
Revelation 22:17 – "The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’"
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Final Prayer
“Jesus, thank You for Your invitation to the feast. Help us never take it for granted. Make us bold and loving in calling others in. May our lives reflect the joy, urgency, and grace of the kingdom of God. In Your name, Amen.”
For a printable version of this, and previous editions, please click here.
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