Accepting the Invitation

There are two stages in today’s story. First, the invitations are sent out. A lot of them. People accept. Then, when the day comes, they find they have other things to attend to, more important in their eyes than the feast. Have you ever been in a situation where you had planned something for a crowd of people, and in the end, only a few showed up? I have, and I understand the anger of the man (v 21).

This is how Jesus feels if we “make a decision” and then put other things in front of following him. Things like focusing on our work to the exclusion of all else, working overtime for more money, spending time with the opposite sex, even spending time with family. It’s obvious that all these activities can be good! But they’re not if we are putting our own selfish desires ahead of our commitment to Jesus. Sometimes, something else needs to take precedence.

I remember from childhood the sixteenth-century translation of Psalm 15:4 that was used in our church: “Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? . . . He that sweareth (i.e. makes a promise) unto his neighbour, and disappointeth him not, though it were to his own hindrance.”

Jesus is probably referring to Jews and Gentiles when he continues with the people who were rounded up the second time. For many of us today, the reminder is that accepting him as our Lord and Saviour--accepting the invitation to the banquet — means that we follow through on our commitments to other people, even when it’s not to our advantage.

Now think of this on an altogether bigger scale. What Jesus looks for in us is a whole life of consistent discipleship.

Respond in Prayer

Jesus, you are my Lord as well as my Saviour. Please train me to listen to your voice. Reorient me to think of what’s pleasing to you ahead of what’s in my own interests. I find this so hard! Amen.

Annabel Robinson

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).