Throughout the Bible, Jesus teaches through blunt actions along with His ministry, but His hidden messages through parables give great insight still relative today. Whether you see that as a blessing, or a curse, truly depends on how you evaluated society's progress. Nevertheless, I feel as though this parable allows for me to better understand God and His mercy towards all people.
This parable shares Jesus' description in reply to breaking bread in the Kingdom of God. I feel as though this teaching relates to the excuses we give as to why we cannot celebrate joy with others during their rejoicing, mainly due to thinking of only ourselves.
16Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, 23Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper. Luke 14:16-24 KJV
Through this parable, I feel as though Jesus is allowing us to see that thinking only for ourselves will exclude us from Heaven. Though many invitations were sent throughout the land, many had excuses for why they could not make the event, declining to join the celebration. The lack of confirmation from those invited to attend opened the doors to those that otherwise would not have been considered.
To me, this is Jesus' ministry to Gentiles, extending invitations to the Kingdom of God.
Just as Paul is confirming here, the Old Testament of the Bible required only a list of ten (10) items that became inflated with human intervention. Through the growing rules and constant failure to follow laws, not many (if any) that were invited through the old law could make it to God. Paul even describes it as being seen as dead, held to the law. Though we continue to attempt to restrict God to a set of rules we think require our approval, Jesus came to open the door to all of those willing to truly repent.
That repentance knowingly causes an adjustment to a lifestyle, in aim to reflect that of Jesus' example. With that open invitation, each of us are still required to accept by confessing Jesus as our savior, just as those in our parable above had to accept their invitation to the dinner.
As some close to religion might hear "work out their own salvation", this parable confirms that even with such an open-ended list of attendees, or the open invitation with Jesus as Savior, we are still required to confirm that invitation. While God does love all of His children, Jesus created such divine ministry by exemplifying His actions to God's will with His ministry. In accepting Jesus, we are to live as Jesus shows us. While Jesus' ministry teaches us how we should live, His sacrifice allows for us to accept mercy and grace from God, allowing us forgiveness from God.
So, while I am not where we want to be with God, I still continue to be better each day at putting God first in my life. Keeping that as my daily objective, I keep my heart on the Kingdom of God. This action will ensure that I will always be ready to accept the invitation. Though I may feel like I am calling to Jesus from the streets, keeping my heart close to the gates of God for when I hear the gates open, I know Jesus will answer the call.
My prayer I hope you join me in:
"Heavenly Father, we approach You today in humble thanks for the teachings that we still are able to share from Your Son. Thank you for keeping Your word. Thank you for allowing scripture to combat the doubts and deceit from our mind. Please allow Your word to inspire and encourage those that seek You, giving faith to combat fear. Direct us to live our lives more abundantly. I pray that each of us are allotted an individual experience with You that allows for growth within our relationship with You, as it is aligned to Your will. Enable us to live Your will and reflect the actions of Your Son. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen!"
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