The Great Dinner for All Peoples

Discipleship and Mission

Call to Discipleship

Called to Humility and Hospitality

Luke 14:15-24 The Message

The Story of the Dinner Party
15 That triggered a response from one of the guests: “How fortunate the one who gets to eat dinner in God’s kingdom!”
16-17 Jesus followed up. “Yes. 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.’
18 “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.’
19 “Another said, ‘I just bought five teams of oxen, and I really need to check them out. Send my regrets.’
20 “And yet another said, ‘I just got married and need to get home to my wife.’
21 “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.’
22 “The servant reported back, ‘Master, I did what you commanded—and there’s still room.’
23-24 “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.’”

For Reflection

Not all will accept the invitation to salvation.  Those that put their selfish needs before their need to be in sync with their creator will not be able to respond to the spiritual longing in their soul that will free them from human folly. Will attending to a piece of property,  working a new tractor, or answering a pressing obligation provide the substantial and robust relief from the never-ending pressure of daily life?  

I think not.  The weeds will always need attention. The tractor will break. Each obligation, once staisfied, will be replaced by another.

Responding to God's call to everlasting reliance on God is the only thing that will satisfy one's soul permanently and relieve the stress of being human.

Pray

Pray so that you will remain an honored guest at God's table. Pray so that you will be able to invite, welcome, and accept others who choose to eat elsewhere to sup the cup of salvation with you. 

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