Satan's Banquet and Christ's

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John 2:10

And said to him, Every man at the beginning does set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse…

I. THE HOUSE OF SATAN, in which are four tables.

1. The table of the profligate — a gay table. The governor comes in. He has a bland smile and a robe of many colours. He brings —

(1) The wine-cup of pleasure. The young man takes it, and sips at first cautiously. He does not intend to indulge much. But how sweet it is! He drinks a deeper draught, and the wine is hot in his veins. How blest is he! He drinks and drinks again, till his brain begins to reel with the sinful delight. This is the first course.

(2) Now, with a leer, the subtle governor riseth. His victim has had enough of the best wine. He brings in another, all flat and insipid — the cup of satiety. "Who hath woe? who hath redness of the eyes? They that tarry long at the wine," figuratively and literally. The profligate soon discovers that all the rounds of pleasure end in satiety. "Give me something fresh," he cries; and gaiety itself grows flat and dull.

(3) The governor commandeth another liquor to be broached. This time the fiend bears the black goblet of suffering. He who rebels against the laws of God must reap the harvest in his own body here.

(4) The last course remains — the grave. The profligate dies, and descends from disease to damnation.

2. There is another table, all clean and comely. The wine on it seems to have no intoxication in it. How contented are the guests! It is the table of self-righteousness. Satan, like an angel of light, brings forth a golden goblet containing the wine of —

(1) Self-satisfaction. This wine makes the drinker swell with self-important dignity.

(2) This cup is eventually replaced by that of discontent and unquietness of mind. As confidence is wanted, it is found wanting.

(3) This is removed, and the cup of dismay is brought in. How many a man who has been self-righteous all his life has, at the last, discovered that the basis of his hope has gone.

(4) The last course must be the same as that of the profligate, inasmuch as Christ has been rejected.

3. The third table is crowded with most honourable guests — kings, princes, mayors, aldermen, and great merchants.

(1) Satan brings in a flowing cup, and says: "Young man, you are starting in business; get rich as fast as you can." The youth drinks, and says: "I have abundance now: my hopes are indeed realized."(2) But next comes the nauseous cup of care. Riches canker his heart.

(3) After this comes the cup of avarice, which increases the burning thirst of which many have died clutching their money-bags.

(4) Then there is the cup of loss, in which money and the satisfaction it once gave perish.

4. The fourth table is set up in a very secluded corner for secret sinners. Satan steps in noiselessly

(1)  with the cup of secret sin. "Stolen waters are sweet."

(2)  After that he brings the wine of an unquiet conscience.

(3)  A massy bowl filled with black mixture, the fear of detection, next has to be quaffed.

(4)  Discovery is the last cup. "Be sure your sin will find you out," if not in this world, in the next.

II. THE HOUSE OF THE SAVIOUR.

1. Come and sit at the table of Christ's outward providences.

(1)  The first cup is often one of bitterness — the worst wine first. Christ seeks no disciples who are dazzled with first appearances.

(2)  After the cup of affliction comes the cup of consolation.

(3)  The cup of glory.

2. The table of inward experience.

(1)  The first cup is the bitter cup of conviction.

(2)  This gives place to the cup of forgiving love.

(3)  The cup of everlasting bliss.

3. The table of communion.

(1)  The cup of communion with Christ in His sufferings.

(2)  The cup of His labours.

(3)  The cup of good wine, communion with Christ in His resurrection and triumphs.

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