David Bahn – Reflections

¹⁵ When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” ¹⁶ But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. ¹⁷ And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ ¹⁸ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ ¹⁹ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ ²⁰ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ ²¹ So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ ²² And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ ²³ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. ²⁴ For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’”

When I was about 13 years old, I had a swimming party at our motel pool. On one hand, it was great—even a really cool kid showed up. But it wasn’t so great, because he crashed the party as though he belonged there—and I didn’t have the nerve to stop him. Even worse, after swimming, the kids found a radio or record player (did I provide that?) and started dancing.

I didn’t join in.

Again, a failure of nerve. It was my party, after all. But somehow, I didn’t feel like I belonged. Imagine that—not belonging at your own pool party!

Jesus describes a different kind of party in Luke 14:15-24—a feast where people are invited but strangely don’t want to come. They offer excuse after excuse and beg off. Who ever heard of such a thing? The party of the year—and you don’t want to go? Even more shocking, the party of the ages, and you decline the invitation?

Why would someone refuse? Maybe because they don’t like the host. If the party were thrown by your bitterest political opponent, would you go? If the host were a known criminal, you might steer clear. Or maybe you’d decline because you expect to be mocked, ignored, or out of place.

But this feast—the one Jesus speaks of—is for those who have been made new. They love God and their neighbor. They rejoice when the outcast is redeemed. They celebrate as all God’s people gather around Jesus, giving him the honor and praise he deserves.

In Jesus’ parable, the proud seat themselves in places of honor—only to be humbled. The humble, meanwhile, are invited to move up higher. The host makes all the difference. Those who love Jesus will certainly want to attend his feast.

This is the feast of victory for our God! Hallelujah! (Apologies to those refraining from “Hallelujah” in Lent.) The Lamb who was slain has begun his reign. Hallelujah!

So let’s join the celebration. Let’s take our place at the table—not because we deserve it, but because we have been invited.