“Accepting the Invitation”
Luke 14:15-35
“Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.’” – Luke 14:23
Our Lord’s invitation is highlighted in a parable, but interestingly the context of the parable points to disciples, professed followers.
When you read the parable, you will notice the words “excuses” and “excused” used multiple times. At the end of the age there will be many excuses, and many excused. The ones with excuses will be excused from the Kingdom.
Jesus forces no one to the “great supper;” He invites them. You must, however, respond to the invitation.
But notice the excuses. “The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.” [v.18]
The second, “I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.” [v.19]
The third, “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.” [v.20] And he, too, Jesus excused.
One was occupied with his investments, another his work, and still another with a relationship. And Jesus excused them all; they were all excused from the Kingdom.
The Lord honors our choices. We have a choice to either accept His invitation or not. Jesus forces no one into the Kingdom, and notice, by this parable He forces no one out. He simply extends an invitation and honors your choice.
I encourage you to choose wisely and accept the Master’s invitation to the “great supper” [v.16].
It comes [only] by way of receiving Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.
