Introduction:
Door-to-door salesmen are fast becoming a thing of the
past because of rising crime and the consequent fear of
answering our doors to strangers. Likewise, personal
visitation on the part of churches is experiencing
similar pressure. We guard the doors of our homes
carefully, as well we should. We decide who enters to
fellowship with us.
I. We notice first in our text that Jesus takes the
initiative.
A. Man is not so much seeking for the Living God as God,
all through scripture, is seeking man. If man takes
life as it comes, he automatically becomes an idolater.
That is, things become his gods: family, work, houses,
cars, and materialism – a thing-centered life.
B. In John 15: 16, Jesus says, “Ye have not chosen me,
but I have chosen you. . . .”
II. You must open the door to Jesus
A. Have you ever noticed a painting depicting our text?
The doorknob is not located on the outside of the door.
B. Jesus knocks on the heart through the Holy Spirit,
but Jesus will not force His way in. You must answer
the door.
III. If you open the door of your heart, Jesus will set
the table.
A. The original Greek says, “I will come in to him and
will dine with him.”
B. The table has been set with a covering, a covering
for sin by the work of the cross, the blood of the Lord
Jesus. (Ephesians 2: 13)
C. The table is set for salvation. Our “goodness” does
not make us worthy to sit at His table, but totally His
grace (unmerited gift). (Ephesians 2: 8 – 9)
D. The table is set for fellowship with God. There’s
just something about a meal for fellowship! Eating is
right there at the top of the list of life’s greatest
pleasures as well as a necessity. My wife and I were
dining the other day at the International House of
Pancakes. I said, “Ann, just listen to this place!
Such laughter! Such fellowship!” Jesus wants to dine
with us. He invites us to fellowship with God everyday,
not only as a necessity but for pleasure!
E. Is it any wonder that Jesus initiated a simple
symbolic meal to commemorate His body and blood for His
Church – communion (or the Lord’s Supper)? The great
Swiss theologian and beloved pastor, Walter Luthi,
wrote: “We have the message, splendid beyond all
supplication and understanding, that Christ the
crucified offers Himself to His Church in the Lord’s
Supper. He offers His body and blood.” This observance
is to be participated in perpetually “till He comes.” (I
Corinthians 11: 26)
IV. Jesus gave us a parable about a host who sent his
servants out with invitations to a great banquet. The
Invitation was “come for all things are now ready.”
Those invited began to make excuses. (Luke 14: 1 – 24)
A. The parable first applies to Israel’s rejection of
her Messiah and God, so that present Israel, except for
a remnant, is under the wrath of God. Those who are
invited, but reject the invitation will not share in
God’s fellowship. Indeed, Jesus said shocking words to
the religious leaders of the day (as He often did),
“Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the
harlots go into the Kingdom of God before you.” (Matthew
21: 31) Jesus hated nothing more than proud, religious
piosity. (Matthew 23: 12 – 33)
B. Secondly, this parable applies to every color and
every status in society, especially Gentiles or
non-Jews.
C. As with the host in this parable, God is still
offering the great opportunity to fellowship with Him.
He sends out all Christians (not just preachers or
Sunday school teachers). But people are still
responding, “Thanks, God, but no thanks!” The Lord’s
servants are still offering invitations, but the vast
majority of people are still slamming the door in Jesus
face!
D. But we, like the host in the parable have the message
– “and yet there is room!” (Luke 14: 22)
Conclusion:
The old hymn stands true:
There’s room at the Cross for you.
There’s room at the cross for you.
Though millions have come,
There’s still room for one.
There’s room at the Cross for you.
Ira F. Stanphill
Open the door of your heart and dine with Jesus.
