A sermon based on Luke 14:1-14, Rev. Dr. Jon Diefenthaler, Sr Pastor Emeritus, Our Savior Lutheran Church
Do you like to party? I certainly do. The occasion may be somebody’s birthday. The family and some friends gather. Food and drink are served up. The cake is brought out. The candles are lit. “Happy Birthday” is sung. The room is filled with warm and spirited feelings, and good wishes are expressed by everybody present. Or this Labor Day weekend for you may include a cookout shared with your neighbors or group of friends.
Jesus also seems to have liked parties because he was a guest at many of them during his time here on earth. In the Gospel lesson from Luke 14:1-14, we will consider a page out his etiquette book for such gatherings. There is the question of coming to a party you would rather not attend. There is his seating chart for the guests, and there is advice on who should be included on the guest list. In this text, Jesus’ version of proper party etiquette is filled with some surprises. But at the same time, it is his way of showing us ways by which God’s kingdom comes to us and to others in our lives and our world.
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