There Is Still Room
More table theology.
Jesus continues using the setting and image of a eating together to teach. It’s quite an accessible image - everyone eats. But not everyone eats in banquet-form.
In the parable he goes on to tell, those who were previously privileged to experience a bountiful table begin to find reasons to let this one alone, more important tasks or responsibilities. At least, as they judged it.
So Jesus, in responding to the remark by someone that it is a blessing to feast in God’s Kingdom, yet again notes the nature of those who will benefit from such a Kingdom feast - those who otherwise generally do not get the privilege in the first place.
Luke 14:15-24
When one of the dinner guests heard Jesus’ remarks, he said to Jesus, “Happy are those who will feast in God’s kingdom.”
Jesus replied, “A certain man hosted a large dinner and invited many people. When it was time for the dinner to begin, he sent his servant to tell the invited guests, ‘Come! The dinner is now ready.’ One by one, they all began to make excuses. The first one told him, ‘I bought a farm and must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I bought five teams of oxen, and I’m going to check on them. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ When he returned, the servant reported these excuses to his master. The master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go quickly to the city’s streets, the busy ones and the side streets, and bring the poor, crippled, blind, and lame.’ The servant said, ‘Master, your instructions have been followed and there is still room.’ The master said to the servant, ‘Go to the highways and back alleys and urge people to come in so that my house will be filled. I tell you, not one of those who were invited will taste my dinner.’”
Prayer
God,
Thank you for this new day. The birds are loud. The ground is wet with last night’s rain. And I can almost hear and feel the greenness growing in the grass, plants, shrubs, and trees. As life continues to emerge from winter’s closet, I could use some of the life and energy!
So help me today, God - I’m tired. It’s a good tired, but it’s fatigue regardless. Help me to see the people in front of me today. Keep me safe on the road as I drive. And let me recognize your Spirit with me and us all along.
In Christ,
Amen.