The Storyteller: Great Banquet Day 5

Extending the Invite
So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. Luke 14:23 (NLT)

Luke 14 begins with an invitation to dinner that was a trap. Everyone is watching Jesus closely for proof that he doesn’t quite measure up to their expectations. He responds by talking about table manners pressing people to broaden their concept of who they are willing to sit with.

One man responds with a formula blessing that assumes the faithful few will be attending God’s banquet - “What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!” Luke 14:15 (NLT) Jesus responds with this parable about rejected invitations and an open invitation.

What’s your attitude about Jesus’ party? Is it for the faithful few, or open to “them”?
What parts of your community do you avoid having contact with? Which neighbor wouldn’t even consider an invite to join you in worship? Jesus says to urge/compel them. You see, they’ve always been told they don’t belong at this party. Start by forming a relationship, an exchange of names and information. Get to know their needs, their hurts, the beauty of who they are as a child of God. The love you give them makes the invitation believable, and yes, this might take a while.

Have a conversation with the Master of the Feast. Pray for a willing heart to enter the search for guests and deep love like His so you can give a convincing invitation.