Luke 14:15–24
One of the most defining marks of the early church was its culture of invitation. The gospel was never meant to be hoarded but shared, and Jesus’ parable of the great supper (Luke 14:15–24) shows us what that looks like.
When Jesus spoke of the kingdom of God, one of those present responded, “Blessed is the one who will eat in the kingdom of God.” (v. 15) Jesus then told a story about a man preparing a great banquet. This parable reveals the blessing of God’s call, the tragedy of man’s excuses, and the wonder of God’s grace-filled invitation.
The Great Banquet: God’s Open Invitation
The man in the story represents Christ, and the banquet is a picture of His rich grace. The invitation went first to the Jewish people, God’s covenant people. They had been told the day of the feast was coming—and when the servant announced the banquet was ready, they should have been the first to rejoice.
But instead, they made excuses. One cared more about land, another about work, another about family. In each case, the invitation of God was set aside for the priorities of life. Investment, occupation, and relationships—all good things—became reasons to reject the best thing.
The master then sent his servant to the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame—those no one expected to be invited. Still, there was room. So he sent the servant even further out to the highways and hedges to “compel them to come in.” The message is clear: God’s invitation to salvation extends beyond Israel to all people. No one is too far gone. Grace still makes room.
But the story ends with a sobering reminder: those who reject the invitation will not taste the banquet. God’s grace can be refused, but His judgment cannot be escaped.
Why We Invite
As a church, we are called to embody this culture of invitation. We don’t simply invite people to church services—we invite them to Jesus. Why?
- Because the Master instructed us.
Jesus is the Lord of the banquet, and He has commanded us to go out and invite all. Every person matters to God. - Because the time is ready.
Today is the day of salvation. We live with urgency because we believe Christ could return at any moment. - Because some will come.
Jesus Himself declared, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37). The call is wide open—“whosoever will may come.” - Because there is room for more.
Grace is never exhausted. There is still room at the cross.
How We Invite
Our invitation happens through gospel conversations—ordinary moments where we share what Christ has done for us. We don’t force it, but as the Spirit leads, we speak the truth in love.
Spurgeon once said, “Every Christian is a missionary or an imposter.” That means we invite in the everyday places of life:
- At home
- At work
- At play
- At the market
And our invitations take different forms:
- To church. When we invite people to gather with us, we must be ready to receive them—with trained greeters, ministry leaders, and altar workers who are prepared for guests.
- To our homes. One of the best settings for gospel conversations is around the dinner table, where hospitality becomes a platform for grace.
Who Will You Invite?
The culture of the church should always reflect the culture of Christ’s kingdom: open, welcoming, and urgent in extending His invitation. The banquet is ready. The feast is prepared. Grace has made room.
The question is—who will you invite to Christ?
Pastor Jason Lane 