CHILDREN STS LESSON 11 PARABLE OF THE GREAT SUPPER

Text: Luke 14:1-24

In our Bible passage, Jesus had honoured an invitation to be a guest of a Pharisee on a Sabbath day. While there, He healed a man with dropsy a disease of accumulation of water in the tissue of the body. Other Pharisees present there were angry with Jesus because they regarded Sabbath days as holy, in which no man should do any work. Jesus then used the occasion to teach the people:

(i) The importance of doing works of kindness and mercy on the Sabbath day (now our Sunday).

(ii) Lesson on humility by taking a lower seat at any function instead of being disgraced or put to shame when a more distinguished and honoured personality comes in later and he is asked to take that seat. It is written, “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:11). When you come to fellowship, you do not need to struggle or fight for seat or cry when another child occupies your seat after you left and returned. Always prefer others first.

(iii) It is more rewardable and blessed to invite the less privileged to a feast or ceremony that will be of benefit to them, than one’s friends, family or rich people who will pay you back.

Jesus invites boys and girls to come and have fellowship with Him. Since Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, they disobeyed and every child born after that became sinful, separated from God’s love and lost fellowship with Him. Then Jesus came, reconciled us to God and restored the lost glory. So, come in humility, repent of your sins and accept Jesus as your Saviour and you will be a partaker of the marriage supper of the Lamb. This is the great invitation to all.

1. THE SAVIOUR’S INVITATION TO THE GREAT SUPPER:

Luke 14:15-24; Matthew 11:28; Proverbs 28:13; Acts 3:19

Supper is the last meal of the day. In ancient times, it is the time of fellowship and interaction in the family when parents and children share the joy and sorrow of the day together, ask questions, solve problems and encourage one another.

The man in the parable, after he had prepared everything ready for supper, sent his servant to call the invitees but they gave excuses one by one. At the end, they were disqualified and replaced by others. In the same way, Jesus calls all sinful children. He said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Tell Him that you are sorry for fighting, flying in the night with evil power, joining gangs and cults, disobeying parents, your teachers in the school and church and others. Repent, ask for forgiveness and cleansing in the blood of Jesus. Ask Jesus to come into your heart to be your Saviour, Lord and Friend and forsake all your sins.

Then ask for grace and power to become His child and that He writes your name in the book of life in heaven. Jesus has prepared everything you need for a fruitful, fulfilled and prosperous life. Be wise, do not give excuses; for you do not know what tomorrow will bring. It is dangerous to give excuses. Come just as you are; He will receive you.

2. SUNDRY EXCUSES FOR REJECTING THE GREAT INVITATION:

Luke 14:16-24; 9:62; Matthew 22:1-5; 8:21; Acts 24:25

Jesus had perfected everything about our salvation on the cross at Calvary when He said, “It is finished.” He is the final Sacrifice accepted by God in fulfilling God’s demand for our redemption and salvation. Do not delay; believe. Today is the accepted day and time (2 Corinthians 6:2). Do not join some children who give excuses of:

1. Peer pressure. “My friends will make fun of me.” They will not play or share with me anymore”.
2. “I am too young now. I will do it when I am much older” – looking for convenient time.
3. Affections for family, friends and inability to set one’s priority right, not taking wise decision at the right time. “My parents will forsake me. They will not care for me. I will be homeless, hopeless and helpless.”

Fear of being rejected, not willing to forsake the old life of worldliness. Fear of being killed by former gang and cult groups.”I want to prepare for my future life and settle down.” Jesus asked that what it will profit a boy or girl to gain the whole world and lose his or her soul.

Accept Jesus now for there may not be a second chance. He cares for you and will not forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

3. SANTISFACTION AND REWARDS FOR RESPONDING TO THE GREAT INVITATION.

Luke 14:23,24; John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:4

Having received Jesus as your Saviour,

(i) You must continue to show your love and appreciation to Him by reading, studying and meditation on His word (the Bible).

(ii) Do your quiet time morning and night to have sweet fellowship with Him.

(iii) Pray regularly and set few minutes aside to praise and worship Him, rejoicing in His presence.

(iv) Attend fellowship meetings punctually and regularly with other friends of Jesus. This will enable you to be built up, trained, know more of Jesus Christ and become a soul-winner for Christ.

God will then reward you with success in all your endeavours, peace, provision, protection from all evils, good health, healing, favour with all men, opportunity to partake in the marriage supper of the Lamb, crown of righteousness and beautiful mansion in heaven at last.

QUESTIONS:

1. Mention three important lessons from the message of Jesus at the feast in the Pharisee’s house.
2. Which supper is all friends of Jesus preparing for now?
3. Who invites sinful boys and girls to this great supper?
4. What steps must a sinful child take to qualify for the supper?
5. Mention three excuses some s children give for rejecting Jesus’ invitation.
6. What are the rewards for responding to Jesus’ invitation?

MEMORY VERSE: “And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready” (Luke 14:17).

LESSON: Only the children who respond to Jesus’ invitation will be saved and partake in the marriage supper of the Lamb.

THOUGHT: I will be wise and not give excuse to be excluded from the great supper.

ACTIVITY: A boy and a girl should rise and say what they would do to qualify for the great supper.

CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 158 “COME BELIEVING”

CHORUSES:

(1) No, you can’t get to heaven without S. A. L. V. A. T. I. O. N.

(2) Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness

(3) Behold, behold, I stand at the door and knock, knock, knock.

HOMEWORK: Mention two people in the New Testament who responded to Jesus’ invitation.

BIBLE WORD SEARCH

Find the meanings of these words. You can use your dictionary. 1. Supper

2. Sabbath 3. Peer group 4. Excuse 5. Reconcile