Sermon for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Not Now Maybe Later

Text: Luke 14:1-14 Parable of the Dinner

If you ask some random strangers if they think they are going to heaven, you are probably going to get some strange looks from many. “Oh, you’re one of those people” they might say, roll their eyes, and walk away. Some might tell you there is no heaven that this life is all there is. Those people are to be most pitied. What a hopeless outlook that is! Some, however, will say yes. “Well, I’m a pretty good person, I’m sure God will let me in.” This morning Jesus is teaching us that eternal life isn’t like frequent flier miles. You don’t earn enough to be able to get a “free” ticket. Eternal life is an invitation. It is an invitation offered to many, but not all will accept it.