Trinity Pulpit

Synopsis ►

In this parable from the book of Luke, a man throws a supper and all his supposed friends make excuses not to come. Traditionally, this has been interpreted as God calling the Israelites, who rejected the invitation, then transferring the invitation to the Gentiles. But let’s look at it another way.

This man is not the gracious host we think of when we think of God. He expects his friends to drop everything in their lives on the spur of the moment to come to the party on his timetable. He is concerned about appearances, inviting only those whose means allow them to buy properties and oxen and have a wedding requiring a dowry. And he gets angry at them when they refuse the invitation; only then does he invite the poor and lowly to fill out his party. What does this tell us about this man? What friend wouldn’t know what was going on in the lives of his friends? Or rejoice with them at their good fortune and postpone his party? Why did he not invite the poor and lowly in the first place? Who will “eat bread in the Kingdom of God”? It certainly won’t be those who are like this man.

Jesus was the antithesis of this man. Jesus came when the time was perfect for us. He was willing to put all our lives ahead of His. He didn’t get angry at those who disappointed Him. And he came first to the poor and lowly. As He hung on the cross–the Light of the World–no one was there except those who wanted to snuff out the light. Jesus Christ was the party! And before He went to the cross, He instituted a feast with the disciples because He knew that we, in our lost and condemned condition, could in no way come unto Him. He brought the feast to us.

Scriptures for the Day ►

Old Testament—Proverbs 9:1-10

Epistle—1 John 3:13-18

Gospel—St. Luke 14:15-24

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