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I. THE MAKER OF THE FEAST. Christ God-Man, or God in Christ, is a bountiful Benefactor to man. God in Christ is here called a Man —

1. By way of resemblance; those properties of any worth appearing in man, or spoken of man, being more eminently in God: as

(1)  Sovereignty;

(2)  pity;

(3)  rationality.

2. By Ray of reality.

(1) In respect of Christ, by whom this gospel-provision is, wherein God shows Himself such a Benefactor. Christ has

(a)  the blood of a man;

(b)  the bowels of a man;

(c)  the familiarity of a man.

(2) In respect of man for whom this gospel-provision is, wherein God shows Himself such a Benefactor. The grace of the gospel is called "the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man." And that —

(a)  by way of distinction from other creatures in general;

(b)  by way of opposition unto fallen angels in particular.

(3) In respect of the ministers of the gospel, through whose hands this gospel-provision is distributed. Uses.

1. Observe the condescension of God.

2. The advancement of man.

II. THE FEAST. Supper — chief meal of the day: intimating the abundance of the provision made for the recovery of lost man.

1. What is this gospel-provision for the good of souls? It is the only way of man's salvation since the Fall, begun in grace, and swallowed up or perfected in glory.

2. How does the provision appear to be so plentiful?

(1) Look at the Maker of the feast. God, rich in mercy, great in love.

(2) The materials. Christ Himself. The sincere milk of the word. The promises. Work of grace in soul. Sum up all this: here is solidity, plenty, variety; here is for necessity and delight, for health and mirth. 'Tis a great supper.

(3) The vessels. Ordinances: "golden vials full of odours."(4) The guests. Such as are clothed with the righteousness of Christ. Kings and priests unto God.

(5) The attendants. Ministers instructed by God.

III. THE PERSONS BIDDEN.

1. Adam was invited, and with Him the whole race of mankind.

2. Noah was invited, and with him the old world.

3. Abraham was invited, and with him the whole nation of the Jews.

4. Moses was invited, and with him the Jews had a fresh invitation under that pedagogy of his which was to bring them to Christ.Uses:

1. Information. This shows us God's desire for man's happiness. He not only propounds a way for man to be happy, but invites man to accept of it. How inexcusable, then, is man if he refuse.

2. Caution.

(1) Though men are thus generally invited, yet other fallen creatures have not so much as an invitation; so that there is somewhat of distinguishing mercy in the very invitation (Hebrews 2:16).

(2) Though men are thus generally invited, yet they are very hardly persuaded really to close with the invitation.

(3) Though men are thus generally invited, yet they will not be continually invited.

(4) Though men are thus generally invited, yet they will be as generally rejected, if they continue slighting God's invitation.

3. Be exhorted to hearken to this call and invitation of God. To move you to accept: consider seriously —

(1)  God communes with us in a way of familiarity (Isaiah 1:18).

(2)  God commands us in a way of authority (1 John 3:23).

(3)  God beseeches us in a way of entreaty (2 Corinthians 5:20).

(4)  Upon refusal, God threatens us in a way of severity (Proverbs 1:24, 32).They who will not fecal upon these gospel dainties, "shall eat of the fruit of their own way." They that sow the wind of iniquity shall reap the whirlwind of misery.

(John Crump.)

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KJV: Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:

WEB: But he said to him, "A certain man made a great supper, and he invited many people.