Have you ever received an invitation to a feast with the notable people of your town? He who spoke in Jesus’ presence during the feast thought that the invitation to the heaven’s feast was secured for him and in his possession. But Jesus explained to that proud Pharisee that not every invitee comes to God, for thousands of preventions stand in the way of his going to the fellowship of God. All the Jews were invited, but only few of them came to Jesus, and consequently the kingdom of heaven was given to the Gentiles.
In Christ’s parable, we read about four different invitations: First, the master of the house announced to everyone that he would make a party in honor of his son, and suggested to many that they should not forget the date of this feast. As such Christ invites you with many other people to be prepared to become the guest of God.
Second, an official invitation was directed to the individuals, when animals were slaughtered, and the delicious table was prepared full of spices, kabob, cooked food, fruits, sweets, and all tasteful food. Here we read the well-known statement: "Come, for all things are now ready." It was not necessary for the guests to bring any food with them, for the host had prepared every thing abundantly. This picture indicates the sacrifice of Christ who finished on the cross the salvation of the whole world. The apostles of the gospel tell you to come, for all things are now ready. It is not necessary to bring with you any of your own works, prayers, rites, fasting, or excuses to become worthy of entering into the fellowship of God. The Lord has fulfilled all the requirements, which qualify you to enter into his fellowship. Then come, for all things are now ready. This is the gist of the gospel, and the image of unconditional mercy.
How strange! All those who were invited in the town did not come, but made excuses in superficial words. They were all busy with themselves, and therefore despised, neglected, and pretended to have forgotten the Lord’s invitation. They, being full, satisfied, and self-conceited refused the Lord’s invitation rudely. The first loved his riches, possessions and ability, and sought insurance of his future. The second desired to buy strong oxen to get through them a good product, plentiful crop, and great returns. The third fell in love. He loved himself in his lusts, and had no time for God and men. In these three, we see the attractive temptations, which are about to carry us with their current. Every one longs helplessly for possessions, riches, social security, and high esteem. Many people die to have a brand-new car with a strong engine provided with great horsepower to run it speedily and crazily that people may applaud and shout after him. In this manner, the world is becoming more and more ugly, absorbed in lust and movies, heedless, and dissolute. How astonishing! No one spends any time for his Lord, and they all know in their innermost beings something about God’s invitation. They do not refuse it at all, but at the critical moment, when the Lord invites them to meet him and leave their trivialities, they turn the head, and pay no attention to him, considering that money, success, and passion are more important. Such a decision suggests disrespect for God. As a result of refusing his fellowship, the Lord, in his wrath, will definitely refuse every invitee who heard God’s invitation and did not respond to it.
The host refused those who turned away from him indifferently, and invited the despised in his surroundings. So be cautious! The third time he will invite the poor, the worn-clothed, the mobs, and the rebellious, then the sick, the blind, and the weak who are unable to walk. The master’s servant carried the poor, helped them to reach the palace, carpeted the floor for them, and placed them on soft beds that they might find rest. They did not feel disgust at their wounds, and bad smells because they had no bathrooms. The Lord preferred the lower to the notable. He valued them highly because they obeyed his invitation. They were probably ashamed of entering into the light and glory, but the servants encouraged them to enter with good words. This makes clear to us that those who will experience and join God’s fellowship are not the professors, the self-righteous, the respected, the clever, and the great, but the disqualified, the despised, the sinful, and those that are unable to wear the garment of salvation. To which party do you belong?
God’s house is wide and limitless. The fourth time, the master invited all the strangers, the unclean, and the passers-by to enter into his joy. If the inviter to this feast had been living at our time, he would have sent cars, planes, and vessels to bring all those who long for this global feast. But who will believe this invitation? Every one can enter without condition, without price, and without effort, to eat and enjoy his meal. As such God sends a general invitation to every single one to enter into his kingdom. The Lord commanded his messengers to convince the self-willed and the doubtful, and drag them if possible, for God himself is waiting for them. It is to be noted here that the aim of our hope is not food and drink, but the glorious fellowship with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The gospel tells you that all things are now ready. So come on!