How many times did Jesus raise His voice? The gospels tell us that He did so twice on the cross (Matt 27:46, 50) and once at Lazarus' tomb. The only other time recorded in all of Scripture is right here, as He is telling the parable of the sower. So aside from either dying or speaking to a dead man who's inside a rock tomb, what could be important enough for Jesus to shout about it? Actually, one commentator noted that this statement "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" is the phrase Jesus says most frequently, appearing repeatedly in the gospels and in the letters to the seven churches as well. Jeremiah and Ezekiel both say it (20:16 and 3:27, respectively), and we find it on the lips of our Lord at least sixteen times in the NT. So listen, please. No one here should say "I missed the part after 'Dearly beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ.'" Luke has shown us how Jesus picked the twelve apostles, and how He taught them what it means to be His follower by preaching the sermon on the mount to them. Ch. 7 presented illustrations of the points made in the sermon, showing that Jesus practices what He preaches. And now, in ch. 8, Jesus presents another block of teaching that highlights the importance of listening in three different ways. The first of these ways is the unforgettable parable of the sower; the second is a series of proverbs that teach that your listening skills (or lack thereof) are really pretty obvious; the third is a declaration that listening is the hallmark of Jesus' own family, biological and spiritual. All three elements of our Lord's teaching this morning point to this: to be His disciple, you must listen to what He says.

Pastor Jim Billings The Parable of the Great Supper (3) The Invitation and Excuses Luke 14:15-20 https://gracebaptistmh.org/ - https://www.youtube.com/@GraceBaptistMH

This well known parable was told to illustrate the futility of trying to earn your way into heaven. It also shows us the wonder of Christ's sacrifice for us beaten and dying sinners

In the parable and the questions Jesus stresses the goodness and faithfulness of God when we pray.

Sermon Points: 1) Keep a pre-occupation with the Lord and His heaven. 2) Making preparation to meet the Lord at the end of your life. 3) Take seriously the working out of your salvation.