Classic Sermon Outlines (continued)
Matthew wy
SERMON THIRTEEN
A GRACIOUS INVITATION
Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money, come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money, and without price.
—ISAIAH 55:1
WE ARE invited to come and take the benefit of that provision which the grace of God has made for souls, of that which is "the heritage of the servants of the Lord" (Isaiah 54:17) and not only their heritage hereafter, but their cup now.
I. THE PERSONS INVITED.
A. The Extent of the Invitation.
1. The fact. Jews and Gentiles. "Ho (take notice of it; he that hath ears to hear, let him hear), every one." Not the Jews only, to whom first the word of salvation was sent, but the Gentiles, the poor and the maimed, the lame and the blind, are called to this marriage supper, whoever can be picked up ~ out of the highways and the hedges.
2. The intimation. Christ is sufficient for all. It intimates that in Christ there is enough for all and enough for each; that ministers are to make a general offer of life and salvation to all; that in Gospel times the invitation should be more largely made than it had been, and should be sent to the Gentiles.