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Luke 14:23
Verse
Context
The Parable of the Banquet
22‘Sir,’ the servant replied, ‘what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.’23So the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.24For I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will taste my banquet.’”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Compel them to come in - αναγκασον, Prevail on them by the most earnest entreaties. The word is used by Matthew, Mat 14:22, and by Mark, Mar 6:45; in both which places, when Christ is said, αναγκαζειν, to constrain his disciples to get into the vessel, nothing but his commanding or persuading them to do it can be reasonably understood. The Latins use cogo, and compello, in exactly the same sense, i.e. to prevail on by prayers, counsels, entreaties, etc. See several examples in Bishop Pearce, and in Kypke. No other kind of constraint is ever recommended in the Gospel of Christ; every other kind of compulsion is antichristian, can only be submitted to by cowards and knaves, and can produce nothing but hypocrites, See at the end of the chapter.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
highways and hedges--outside the city altogether; historically, the heathen, sunk in the lowest depths of spiritual wretchedness, as being beyond the pale of all that is revealed and saving, "without Christ, strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world" (Eph 2:12); generally, all such still. Thus, this parable prophetically contemplates the extension of the kingdom of God to the whole world; and spiritually, directs the Gospel invitations to be carried to the lowest strata, and be brought in contact with the outermost circles, of human society. compel them to come in--not as if they would make the "excuses" of the first class, but because it would be hard to get them over two difficulties: (1) "We are not fit company for such a feast." (2) "We have no proper dress, and are ill in order for such a presence." How fitly does this represent the difficulties and fears of the sincere! How is this met? "Take no excuse--make them come as they are--bring them along with you." What a directory for ministers of Christ! that my house may be filled--"Grace no more than nature will endure a vacuum" [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I say unto you,.... Most solemnly affirm it, and even swear to it, nothing is more certain, or will be found more true: that none of those men that were bidden: the impenitent and unbelieving Jews, the Scribes, and Pharisees, and the greater part of the nation; who first had the Gospel published to them, who are the many that were called, though few were chosen, and therefore came not; nor did, nor shall taste of my supper: nor had they so much as a superficial knowledge of the Gospel, of the truths, blessings, promises, and ordinances of it; being given up to judicial blindness and hardness of heart; and from whom, in a little while, the Gospel was wholly taken; and is not yet afforded to them as a body; nor will till the latter day, when the veil shall be taken away, and they shall turn to the Lord, and all Israel shall be saved; but as for the first disbelievers and rejecters of Christ among the Jews, they died in their sins, and perished eternally.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:23 Go out into the country lanes: These invitees might be a reference to the Gentiles to whom the Good News eventually went (cp. Acts 9:15; 13:46-48; 18:4-6; Rom 11:11-12).
Luke 14:23
The Parable of the Banquet
22‘Sir,’ the servant replied, ‘what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.’23So the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.24For I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will taste my banquet.’”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Guiding Voice in the Storm
By Carter Conlon4.3K42:16PSA 24:7PSA 133:1DAN 5:18JON 2:2LUK 14:23ACT 27:23ROM 12:1The sermon titled 'A Guiding Voice in the Storm' based on Acts chapter 27 emphasizes the importance of seeking God's direction and being a guiding voice in the midst of societal storms. It calls for a national spiritual awakening and a return to prayer, unity, and obedience to God's will. The message highlights the need for courage, surrender to God's plan, and a focus on glorifying Christ and saving the lost, even at personal cost.
The Awakening of 1859 in Britain and Elsewhere
By J. Edwin Orr3.3K28:16Revival HistoryPSA 72:6ISA 44:3JOL 2:28MRK 16:15LUK 14:23ACT 2:17JAS 5:16In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the revival of religion in South Africa and the Eastern Hemisphere in 1859. They highlight the positive changes that have occurred in the native work and the European and native populations. The speaker emphasizes that wherever there was an evangelical cause and missionaries preaching the old-time gospel, there were phenomenal results. They also mention a specific incident in Ahochal where a large crowd gathered and people were moved by the powerful preaching of laymen, falling to their knees in the muddy street. The sermon concludes by mentioning the continuation of the revival over the years, spreading from Ireland to the west coast of Scotland and other parts of the country.
Five Steps to Genuine Revival
By Ian Paisley2.8K27:31HAG 1:5HAG 1:7MAT 6:33MAT 11:12MRK 11:24LUK 14:23ACT 6:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and learning how to pray effectively. He urges believers to pray with fervor and passion, using prayer as a weapon against the enemy and to set free those who are captive. The preacher also highlights the significance of the cross and the sacrifice of Jesus, urging listeners to hate sin and the world because of its role in putting Jesus on the cross. He then references the Book of Haggai, specifically verses 7 and 8, calling believers to consider their ways and prioritize their Christian life. The sermon concludes with a reminder that divine power is necessary to accomplish God's work and that believers should rely on God's power rather than their own abilities.
Tasting the Lord's Supper
By Carter Conlon2.5K1:06:20Lord's SupperMAT 21:28MAT 28:19LUK 14:15LUK 14:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the high calling that God has placed on every person's life. He addresses the reluctance of some individuals to let go of their possessions and embrace the promises of God. The preacher uses the example of a man who bought a piece of land and another who bought five yoke of oxen, both of whom make excuses for not responding to God's invitation. The preacher highlights the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God and fulfilling the mission of spreading the gospel to all people.
Spurgeon a New Biography #1
By C.H. Spurgeon2.4K1:30:20PSA 51:12JER 20:9MAT 28:19LUK 14:23ACT 1:8ROM 10:151PE 2:7The video is a sermon transcript about the calling and passion of a preacher. It emphasizes that when someone is truly called by the Holy Ghost to preach, they cannot help but do so. The preacher's determination and indomitable spirit cannot be stopped by criticism or opposition. The sermon also highlights the joy and fulfillment that comes from preaching and the desire to continue doing so. The transcript includes a personal anecdote about a preacher who may not have been eloquent, but still conveyed a powerful message of salvation through a simple text.
(Through the Bible) Luke 12-13
By Chuck Smith1.6K1:28:34LUK 12:11LUK 13:25LUK 13:30LUK 14:15LUK 14:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the gospel of Jesus Christ is a divider of men. It separates those who are saved and believe in eternal life from those who are lost and have no hope. The preacher also highlights the responsibility that comes with knowledge of the gospel, stating that God holds individuals accountable for what they know. The sermon concludes with a call to live life with the expectation of the Lord's return, comparing it to a servant waiting for his master.
American Church Buffet
By E.A. Johnston1.2K15:31American ChurchPSA 51:17HOS 1:2MAT 21:13LUK 14:23ACT 20:27ROM 3:231PE 4:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the church to return to a pure message of the Gospel and to forsake worldly practices. He criticizes the inclusion of yoga, Zumba dancing, and worldly entertainment in churches, calling them idols and spiritual harlotry. The preacher warns that the American church has sold itself to the world and urges pastors to awaken the church from its spiritual slumber. He references Hosea chapter 4 to illustrate how the Jews departed from God and suffered judgment as a result. The preacher concludes by expressing his disgust with the state of many churches and calling for a return to true worship.
Rope Wanted (Audio Restored)
By William Booth1.1K02:14EvangelismPSA 107:28PRO 24:11ISA 58:10MAT 18:14MAT 25:40LUK 14:23JAS 2:14In the sermon transcript, the speaker tells the story of Mary, a woman who risked her life to save children from drowning in a city near the Mexican Gulf. Despite warnings from her comrades, Mary felt compelled to continue rescuing the children, knowing that their cries would haunt her if she didn't. She went back into the storm with a coil of rope, but unfortunately, she did not return. The speaker emphasizes Mary's selflessness and the need for others to support her mission by sending rope to help save more lives.
(History of the Salvation Army) Let Battle Commence
By H. Scotney1.0K36:09Salvation ArmyMAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 14:23JHN 3:3ACT 2:38ROM 10:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the spiritual state of the average Australian, describing them as under-shamed materialists and hedonists. The preacher emphasizes that people have become more concerned with external pleasures and consumer goods, neglecting the importance of God in their lives. The sermon also mentions the historical context of Sydney in the 1880s, describing it as a society characterized by cheerful brutality. The preacher then goes on to talk about the beginnings of the Salvation Army in Australia, highlighting the providential workings of God in bringing together the founders and their decision to start holding open-air meetings.
God's Call
By Rolfe Barnard86654:12PRO 1:23PRO 1:28MAT 6:33LUK 14:16LUK 14:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of teaching the truth of God's call to those who do not know the Lord. He acknowledges that this teaching is often not believed or taken seriously in today's society. The preacher also criticizes the lack of commitment and dedication in some ministers, highlighting the need for genuine love for the Lord and adherence to biblical principles. He emphasizes that God calls people through the truth of His word and the work of the Holy Spirit, but many reject this call and are responsible for their own choices.
Three Battlefronts: The World
By Scott Moreau86252:34WorldECC 3:1MAT 6:33LUK 14:23JHN 15:15ROM 12:2EPH 6:12JAS 4:7In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about American students visiting a foreign country and taking pictures of chickens in a shop. The shopkeeper, who was a believer, observed their actions and could tell which shopkeepers were not believers based on their reactions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding worldviews and how they shape our interpretation of events. They also highlight the significance of being aware of our own worldview and how it influences our responses to difficult situations.
Matthew 7 Bromley Baptist Church 1977
By George Verwer4761:09:08Christian LifeMAT 7:12MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 10:2LUK 14:23ACT 1:8ACT 16:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not only distributing literature but also following up with people to ensure their spiritual growth. They believe that it takes 14 years to fully follow up on the work that God does in just 14 days of distributing literature. The speaker also expresses their commitment to building churches based on God's Word and not cooperating with those that are not. They urge the audience to have a deep love for Jesus Christ and to be willing to go and be ambassadors for Him, even if it means sacrificing and giving up other good things.
Snake Handlers
By David Wilkerson0Faith in ActionSpiritual ProtectionECC 10:8MRK 16:18LUK 11:11LUK 14:23REV 12:9David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of taking risks for Christ, likening the challenges faced by believers to handling serpents. He points out that while the wicked are like poisonous serpents, Jesus assures us that we can overcome these dangers through faith. Wilkerson highlights the importance of being spiritually protected from the world's poison as we engage in soul-winning, reminding us that the Holy Spirit cleanses and empowers us. He encourages believers to step out boldly into the world, trusting in God's promise of safety and protection. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a fearless approach to evangelism, grounded in the assurance of Christ's power.
Gospel Preaching Commanded
By A.W. Pink0Divine ElectionGospel PreachingMAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 14:23JHN 6:44ACT 1:8ROM 10:141CO 1:21EPH 2:11TH 2:42TI 4:2A.W. Pink emphasizes the necessity of gospel preaching, countering the misconception that God's election excludes certain individuals from salvation. He argues that while God has prepared a feast, it is humanity's natural inclination to resist coming to Him, necessitating divine intervention to compel them to accept His grace. Pink asserts that the power of the gospel lies not in human ability but in God's authority, which enables the dead in sin to respond to His call. He stresses the responsibility of Christians to actively share the gospel with all, as it is through this preaching that God's elect are called. Ultimately, he calls for a serious commitment to evangelism, urging believers to start in their own communities.
(Reformers and Their Stepchildren) Slabler! - Part 1
By Leonard Verduin0MAT 5:39LUK 14:23JHN 18:362CO 3:17GAL 5:1Leonard Verduin delves into the historical context of the Constantinian change, highlighting the introduction of coercion into the Church's affairs and the subsequent loss of voluntaryism in the cause of Christ. He explores the resistance of the 'heretics' who advocated for voluntaryism and opposed coercionism, symbolized by carrying harmless staffs. Verduin contrasts the ideologies of coercionism versus voluntaryism, tracing the roots of this theological debate from early times through the Reformation era. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the Church's transition from a voluntary association to a mass held together by the symbol of coercion, shedding light on the struggles faced by Reformers in choosing between 'Christian sacralism' and the rebellion against it.
The World's Need
By Catherine Booth0ISA 6:8MAT 9:37MAT 21:23LUK 14:23ACT 1:8EPH 6:182TI 4:2HEB 10:24JAS 5:161PE 4:10Catherine Booth preaches about the fundamental principle in the New Testament that God's light and grace are meant to be shared with others, emphasizing the aggressive nature of real Christianity as seen in the lives of the Apostles and early Christians who tirelessly worked to spread the Gospel. She challenges listeners to understand the responsibility they have in saving souls around them, highlighting the call to work for God and the indispensable qualifications for successful labor, urging obedience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Catherine Booth calls for action, reminding believers of the sacrificial love of Jesus and the urgent needs of a dying world that require immediate attention and effort.
"Compel Them to Come In"
By Catherine Booth0JOS 1:9ZEC 4:6MAT 28:20LUK 14:23ACT 20:201CO 1:272CO 12:9Catherine Booth shares a powerful testimony of her experience in reaching out to lost souls in the streets, realizing the importance of house-to-house visitation and personal evangelism. She emphasizes the need for Christians to actively engage with the community, compelling them to come to Christ through love, compassion, and obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading. Catherine Booth encourages believers to step out in faith, trusting in God's strength and guidance to bring hope and transformation to those who are lost and broken.
Better Than a Humveebetter Than a Humvee
By Ray Comfort0PRO 11:30LUK 14:23JHN 3:16ROM 12:11CO 11:1Ray Comfort shares a personal story of a surprising and impactful birthday gift from his sons who courageously preached the gospel in front of strangers as a present to him. This unexpected act of love and boldness touched his heart deeply, emphasizing the importance of sharing the message of salvation with others out of gratitude to God. Comfort encourages believers to step out of their comfort zones, whether through open-air preaching or one-on-one evangelism, to reach the lost and compel them to come to Christ, following the example of Jesus and being driven by urgency and compassion.
Ralph Erskine's Marvellous Ministry by Dr. G. Ella. Word
By Ralph Erskine0PSA 119:105LUK 14:231CO 15:57PHP 1:212TI 4:7Ralph Erskine, a devoted preacher and writer, lived a life marked by prayer, dedication to God's Word, and a deep sense of unworthiness. Despite facing doubts and controversies, Erskine's ministry was blessed with revival and genuine conversions, leading many to Christ. His commitment to preaching the Gospel and training young ministers left a lasting impact, with his works remaining popular long after his passing. Erskine's final moments reflected his unwavering faith and trust in God's grace, as he declared victory in Christ even in the face of death.
Personal Soul Winning
By John R. Rice0ISA 53:6MRK 16:15LUK 14:23LUK 18:10JHN 1:40JHN 3:16JHN 5:24ROM 10:9John R. Rice preaches about the value and importance of personal work in winning souls for Christ. He emphasizes the New Testament model of Christianity, where personal conversations and individual efforts were the main ways of spreading the Gospel. Rice highlights the essential role of personal soul-winning in conjunction with mass evangelism, stressing the need for plain Bible preaching to create a climate for personal soul-winning. He shares practical steps and Bible verses to guide believers in effectively sharing the Gospel and leading others to Christ, emphasizing the significance of personal contact, invitation, and prayer in the salvation process.
Hidden Workers
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 83:3MAT 5:16LUK 14:23JHN 10:411CO 15:58Charles E. Cowman preaches about the significance of living a great life even in mediocrity, drawing inspiration from John the Baptist who did no miracles but bore witness to the Light. He encourages being content with being a voice that points others to Christ, doing common tasks with excellence, and allowing mistakes to bring forth strength and sweetness. Cowman emphasizes the impact of sowing seeds of faith and love, leading others to know Christ through our words and actions, even if we remain hidden and unnoticed.
The Spirit of the Gospel (Isa. Lxi: 1-2)
By Seth Rees0PRO 11:30ISA 61:1MAT 9:37MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 4:18LUK 14:23ROM 10:15JAS 1:27Seth Rees preaches about the spirit of Christ and His gospel, emphasizing the need for His followers to be aggressive and evangelistic, always seeking to spread the good news to the meek, broken-hearted, captives, and those in need of comfort. He highlights the importance of not settling in comfort but constantly moving to reach more people with the gospel, echoing the spirit of Jesus who was always about His Father's business. Rees stresses the gospel of 'good tidings' as a message of hope, joy, and liberation, urging believers to carry this message to all classes, especially the poor and broken-hearted, to bring renewal and restoration to their lives.
Street Preaching
By William Taylor0PRO 24:11ISA 6:8MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 14:23ACT 20:20ROM 10:141CO 9:162TI 4:2JAS 1:22William Taylor, a Methodist preacher in the mid-1800s, emphasized the importance of street preaching, drawing from the duty Jesus Christ commanded to spread the Gospel to every creature. He highlighted divine and apostolic precedent, citing examples of successful out-door preaching by Jesus, the apostles, and other renowned preachers like Whitefield and Wesley. Taylor stressed the moral necessity of street preaching in reaching the neglected masses who do not attend church, pointing out the vast number of souls in America without access to church accommodations. He urged the American pulpit to unite and take the Gospel to the streets, following the example of Jesus in seeking and saving the lost.
Feed My Sheep
By Richard E. Bieber0LUK 14:23LUK 15:4JHN 21:1Richard E. Bieber preaches about the temptation to go back to our old routines and comforts after experiencing the power of God, similar to Peter going back to fishing. However, Jesus patiently waits for us to realize the emptiness of our pursuits and calls us to feed His sheep as an expression of our love for Him, emphasizing the importance of actively sharing the Gospel with those around us and reaching out to the lost and broken in the world.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Compel them to come in - αναγκασον, Prevail on them by the most earnest entreaties. The word is used by Matthew, Mat 14:22, and by Mark, Mar 6:45; in both which places, when Christ is said, αναγκαζειν, to constrain his disciples to get into the vessel, nothing but his commanding or persuading them to do it can be reasonably understood. The Latins use cogo, and compello, in exactly the same sense, i.e. to prevail on by prayers, counsels, entreaties, etc. See several examples in Bishop Pearce, and in Kypke. No other kind of constraint is ever recommended in the Gospel of Christ; every other kind of compulsion is antichristian, can only be submitted to by cowards and knaves, and can produce nothing but hypocrites, See at the end of the chapter.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
highways and hedges--outside the city altogether; historically, the heathen, sunk in the lowest depths of spiritual wretchedness, as being beyond the pale of all that is revealed and saving, "without Christ, strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world" (Eph 2:12); generally, all such still. Thus, this parable prophetically contemplates the extension of the kingdom of God to the whole world; and spiritually, directs the Gospel invitations to be carried to the lowest strata, and be brought in contact with the outermost circles, of human society. compel them to come in--not as if they would make the "excuses" of the first class, but because it would be hard to get them over two difficulties: (1) "We are not fit company for such a feast." (2) "We have no proper dress, and are ill in order for such a presence." How fitly does this represent the difficulties and fears of the sincere! How is this met? "Take no excuse--make them come as they are--bring them along with you." What a directory for ministers of Christ! that my house may be filled--"Grace no more than nature will endure a vacuum" [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I say unto you,.... Most solemnly affirm it, and even swear to it, nothing is more certain, or will be found more true: that none of those men that were bidden: the impenitent and unbelieving Jews, the Scribes, and Pharisees, and the greater part of the nation; who first had the Gospel published to them, who are the many that were called, though few were chosen, and therefore came not; nor did, nor shall taste of my supper: nor had they so much as a superficial knowledge of the Gospel, of the truths, blessings, promises, and ordinances of it; being given up to judicial blindness and hardness of heart; and from whom, in a little while, the Gospel was wholly taken; and is not yet afforded to them as a body; nor will till the latter day, when the veil shall be taken away, and they shall turn to the Lord, and all Israel shall be saved; but as for the first disbelievers and rejecters of Christ among the Jews, they died in their sins, and perished eternally.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:23 Go out into the country lanes: These invitees might be a reference to the Gentiles to whom the Good News eventually went (cp. Acts 9:15; 13:46-48; 18:4-6; Rom 11:11-12).