Luke 14:12-24

Be Still: Father, show me your heart today and what you want to say to me through your Word. Amen

Read: Luke 14:12-24

A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’

But they all alike began to make excuses. (vv16-18)

Encounter: When I’m at home and have a spare bit of time, I can feel the pull of all the housework that needs to be done. Then, even if I complete the jobs on my mind, there’s always more. Being organised, trying to deliver a spick and span house, and getting on top of admin isn’t wrong, but when I have a window of time there is also always an invitation to meet with God. 

In the parable of the banquet, the host prepares a lavish feast and invites many guests, yet when it’s ready, the first invited have excuses — land, oxen, marriage. None of these things are inherently wrong, yet they become obstacles to responding to the invitation. It shows how easily ordinary responsibilities and desires can dull spiritual hunger. 

Instead of cancelling the banquet, the host expands the invitation to the poor, crippled, blind and lame and then sends for people further out to come. This beautiful story shows the expansive heart of God and how much he wants us to enjoy the party. The banquet is like a picture of grace, where belonging is not based on merit but accepting the invitation. His grace reaches outward, persistently inviting all who are willing to come.

Apply: What excuses do I make that prevent deeper intimacy with God? Can I also consider the challenge to mirror God’s hospitality by welcoming those whom society ignores or undervalues? The yearning that the host had for the guests to enjoy his lavish provision is only a fraction of God’s heart for people. Can we catch on to this yearning and desire to share God and help people to experience him?

Devote: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your open invitation to spend time with you and constantly grow deeper in relationship with you. I want to know you more, so please help me when I feel pulled in different directions but really what I need is time with you.