O LORD GOD, who never fails to help and guide us, and bring us up in fear and love of you; Keep us, we pray to you, under the protection of your good care for the future, and make us to fear and love your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

'Quickly, get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and wretched you can lay your hands on, and bring them here.'

BIBLE STORY

****Luke 14:16 ****

For there was once a man who threw a great dinner party and invited many. When it was time for dinner, he sent out his servant to the invited guests, saying, 'Come on in; the food's on the table.' "Then they all began to beg off, one after another making excuses. The first said, 'I bought a piece of property and need to look it over. Send my regrets.' "Another said, 'I just bought five teams of oxen, and I really need to check them out. Send my regrets.' "And yet another said, 'I just got married and need to get home to my wife.' "The servant went back and told the master what had happened. He was outraged and told the servant, 'Quickly, get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and wretched you can lay your hands on, and bring them here.' "The servant reported back, 'Master, I did what you commanded — and there's still room.' "The master said, 'Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full! Let me tell you, not one of those originally invited is going to get so much as a bite at my dinner party.'"

Ease 85%, Level 4.4

LESSON

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and Peace be with you Christ's Soldier!

Have you ever been invited to a party? Have you ever invited a friend to your party? What if one day you invited 20 people, but not one came. How would you feel?

That is the way the lord in this story felt - very mad. He had invited all to come and be with him. They made up stories why they could not come. They were only excuses. The truth was that they did not want to come. If they had really wanted to be with the Lord, they would have.

So what did the Lord do? He sent his servant out to get other people: the poor, the hungry, the lonely. The people who need a friend to help them. They were happy to come to the lord.

The Lord Jesus told this story for a reason. He had invited all the people of Israel to come and join him. Most said no. They made up excuses. They would not call him the Son of God. So he sent out his servants. We call them his disciples. They went all over the world. They called all the people everywhere to come: the poor and the rich, the master and the slave, the farmer and the store keeper. Everyone was welcome. Jesus' disciples set up little dinners in houses in every city of the world. They had a little dinner party every Sunday. They welcomed everyone who believed in Jesus. But, not those who said "I can't come" and would not believe.

Jesus wants you to come to his little dinner party with his friends. When you go to church and believe the stories. Whey you believe Jesus loves you. Then you are ready. Then you are welcome. When you take Holy Communion you are seated at his little dinner table. When the end of the world comes, Jesus will take all who love him to heaven. He will have the biggest dinner party that ever was. It will be like a big wedding party. The church will be his bride. He will take you too, if you love him.

Farewell, and may God, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Ghost bless you, your family, and your friends!

Granddaddy

Ease 89%, Level 3.0

LESSON EXERCISES

* Can you name the people in this story, and tell about them?

* In you own words, what do you think this story is about?

* Draw a picture that tells the Gospel story. (You may copy or trace the one on the lesson if you wish.)

* Make up a story (parable) or share a true story that is like our lesson today.

* Sing a song about today's story Bring in the Children

Songs for Children

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Notice: This is an open letter to my Grandson Nathan. It is under copyright protection: The Rev. Mark Carroll, MMVI

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