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.’”
Jesus uses a parable to demonstrate that how people especially the Jews rejected the invitation to join the Kingdom's banquet. People have various reasons to reject the invitation of Jesus, like the engagement the their own business or other personal affairs. But the irony is that people who are misfits, homeless, wretched and are considered unworthy finally will seat in the Kingdom's banquet.
My Master Jesus, your Kingdom's invitation is such a grace and privilege for me. I am considered unworthy to join this kingdom banquet as I am a wretched and spiritually dead person before I know you. But I was still invited as you determine to love and save me. Thanks again for your love and invitation for me to become a people of your kingdom. Our life is no longer the same once we know that God's Kingdom is near and Jesus redefines the meaning and priority of our life. Jesus is Lord!
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