Lent: Journey According To LukeSample

THE INVITATION

DEVOTION
Have you ever hosted a large party (maybe a wedding), sent out invitations, spent massive amounts of money (on food, venue rentals, decorations), invested an incredible amount of time in planning….and then people who had RSVP’d didn’t show up? I don’t mean just a few but a noticeable amount? You can imagine the disappointment and even anger you would feel. To the Jewish listeners this parable would have been laughable, ludicrous. No such scenario would ever happen. This banquet would have been the social highlight of the town. In ancient eastern traditions, if you received an invitation to a meal, it was an extension of friendship and when you refused that, it was a statement that you no longer wanted friendship with that individual.

The excuses given are even more ridiculous. You would rather watch dirt than come to the party? Really? The next excuse about oxen is probably a flat out lie because you would never purchase that many oxen before ‘trying them out’ first. Finally, the last excuse would have been absurd because in ancient culture, the implication that
the wife dictates what the husband is and is not allowed to do, was unthinkable.

This tremendous act of generosity and kindness is returned with indifference and contempt. Jesus is showing his listeners that as ludicrous as it sounds, that’s how we have treated this invitation to eternal life. By God’s very nature, he is inviting all people, including the poor, to a wonderful banquet that will take place (Isaiah 25:6). Those who refuse the invitation will be excluded from the feast. Such exclusion is not God’s desire. God’s invitation is free and for all.

FOR REFLECTION
• What are some excuses people make today to refuse the invitation to eternal life?
• Have you received an invitation from God? Did you accept or refuse?

PRAYER
Jesus, help us recognize that all of your invitations are worthy of our ‘yes’. Forgive us for insulting you by refusing to participate. May we stop making excuses and accept your invitation. Let this invitation go to the ends of the earth and may we see all people, especially the poor and the oppressed, experience your glory as we look forward to the final banquet. Amen.