“Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’”

Luke 14:23-24

Jesus speaks this parable to reveal what feasting in the kingdom (v. 15) really means. Two invitations were sent: the first a ‘save the date,’ telling people when the event was planned; the second when the celebration was actually ready to go. Hence the servant’s words in verse 17: ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ Everyone to whom the servant goes had previously agreed to come to this celebration on this date. The excuses are flimsy. Nobody buys property without viewing it first—you have to check everything (especially the availability of water). Again, nobody makes such a massive investment as buying five pairs of oxen without first checking they can pull.

The third guest doesn’t even bother to be polite. He’s so engrossed in enjoying the pleasures of his honeymoon that he sees no need to apologize. Having previously agreed to come, they’ve now all refused.

So he reacts to their shocking rudeness by upending everything. Those recommended to his host by Jesus (v. 13) are invited: the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. When they’re within, the master sends the servant to those living in the roads and the hedges. Some argue that those in the town are Jewish people unable to keep the Law because of their occupations (like shepherds), while those in the roads and hedges outside the town are Gentiles. Those who received the ‘save the date’ refuse to come. That prompts the master to throw open the doors and invite everyone unable to keep the Law to feast at his table. That’s what feasting in God’s kingdom really means.

CLOSING PRAYER

Loving Savior, as I thank you for your sacrifice offered for me, bring to my mind those around me who do not yet know you and inspire my prayers for them.

(Edited from Encounter with God)