For some, our sin is outward, loud, and reckless. For others, our sin is more inward, but is masked by an outward morality. The sin of the “older brother” is expressed in pride, anger, and unforgiveness. A joyless life is the result of not knowing the Father. Joy comes when we are reconiled with him.

To the accusation that He received sinners and ate with them, Jesus answered with three stories, saying- “Why, yes I do and this is why…”. Apart from God, people are lost and without hope. The heart of God is like that of a Father who longs for the day when He can forgive and restore the children who left their home.

The BIG Idea: At the peak of His popularity, Jesus does the unexpected. He speaks in bold and stark terms what it means to be His disciple. His salvation is a free gift to us but it will cost us everything.

The BIG Idea: Using the language of a dinner party, Jesus teaches that God has invited you to be with Him at a Great Banquet in His Kingdom. None of us deserves to be there - that is the point of grace. However, you must receive Jesus’ invitation and come to Him.

The BIG Idea: Jesus moved with ease into the homes and lives of great sinners, but He was always the influencer and never the influenced. At a dinner Jesus deftly held up a mirror and the ones who were pointing fingers at the sins of others realize they are pointing at their own dark hearts which need God’s cleansing.

The BIG Idea: Everything regarding salvation has to do with and is dependent upon Jesus’ loving determination to die in Jerusalem for his people. Jesus would not be manipulated by threats nor deterred by fear from completing His mission. He is the hero of souls.

The BIG Idea: If there was no resurrection of Jesus, then we are left with only living for the moment and with whatever understanding and strength we have within ourselves to face life and death. If Jesus was resurrected from a state of death, then there is a basiss for our faith, hope and purpose in this life, power to be saved from sin and power to be obedient to God.

The BIG Idea: The coming of Messiah, the True King was prophesied in many Old Testament passages. In the “triumphal entry” of Jesus into Jerusalem, we see the fulfilment of some of those prophecies in the most unlikely King. Jesus, the True King, has all authority over our lives and invites us to bow before Him, know, serve, and worship Him.

The BIG Idea: When catastrophes happen, it is far too common that we wonder if the people impacted did something to bring the tragedy upon themselves. Jesus calls us to look at ourselves, instead of others, repent of our sins, and bear fruit in our living that comes from knowing and walking with Him.

The BIG Idea: Jesus says He came to bring fire. This is both a precious promise and a frigthening warning. He draws a bright line and following Him will cost us dearly. Finally, Jesus pleads with us to “settle things” before it is too late.