Making excuses

Luke 14:21-24 (TNIV)

“The servant came back and reported this to his master.  Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'  'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.' Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.’  I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.” 

The context for this story starts in Luke 14:15.  This is the parable of the Great Supper.  Many people were invited to the Great Supper, but so many had excuses for why they could not come:

·  The excuse of possessions (verse 18)

·  The excuse of career (verse 19)

·  The excuse of relationships (verse 20)

These excuses show the humor of Jesus.  For example, how can one go out and look at his property when it is dark (the dinner was at night)?  Would someone buy oxen, then determine if they were worth the investment?  The excuse about the wife in verse 20 surely generated some laughter with Jesus’ audience!

When so many refused to accept the invitation (or had backed out after first accepting the invitation), the owner became angry and told his servant to invite the less fortunate and those in remote areas. 

What is the meaning of this parable?  Jesus was talking to the Jews.  The supper was a feast of salvation.  Salvation is an invitation from God, all anyone has to do is accept it, everything else is provided.  When the original guests started making lame excuses the host was insulted.  The result?  He shut the door on those originally invited (the Jews).  They will not get a taste of the prepared meal, the banquet.  Instead others (the Gentiles) will take their place at the banquet. 

God will fill His kingdom, no matter what.  Likewise, your church should/will make room for everyone.  If those originally called refuse the invitation, others will take their place.  Jesus is saying that He demands full participation in His kingdom.  Are you accepting His invitation to be part of His kingdom, His banquet, His celebration?  Or, are you making excuses?  Are you doing your part in inviting and welcoming others to be part of our church?