Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

I enjoy a great meal with good friends. The food, the company, the relationships, the laughter. I can be exhausted after a night with a full house, kids running all over the place, and dishes piled up. As tiring as it can be, the experience is usually worth it all. I’m also the type of person, however, that doesn’t get mad when plans get canceled, and I unexpectedly have an obligation-free night at home with my wife and daughter. But that is only when I’m not the one that has bent over backwards to plan and prepare. Can you imagine the frustration of preparing a special meal, cleaning the house, and clearing your schedule, all so your guests can have a great experience just to have them cancel at the last minute? That’s exactly what happens in Jesus’ parable in Luke 14:12-24.

In the story, a generous master prepares a great feast and invites many guests. But one by one, they make excuses. One says he just bought a field and needs to check on it. Another just got some new farm animals. Someone else just got married and decided he had better things to do. In the end, they all decline the invitation. So, the master sends his servant out to bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. When there’s still room, he goes even further, inviting strangers from the roads and country lanes until his house is full.

This is much more than a story about a frustrated party planner. This parable is a powerful picture of God’s heart. He is generous beyond what we can imagine. The banquet represents the life and salvation He freely offers, and the invitation is open to everyone. God isn’t looking for the “most important” or “most qualified” people. He welcomes the broken, the overlooked, and the ones who never thought they’d belong. That includes you and me.

But here’s the hard truth: as much as God desires for us to come, He won’t force us. Just like the guests in the story, we have the choice to accept or ignore His invitation. And sadly, many do turn away—not always in outright rejection, but in quiet distraction. We get caught up in our own plans, our busy schedules, or even good things like family and work, and we push God’s invitation aside.

Yet, God’s heart remains the same. He still calls. There’s still room at His table. The question is, how will we respond? Will we let life’s distractions keep us from the feast He’s prepared for us? Or will we joyfully accept His invitation and draw near to Him?

God’s invitation is open. Will you pull up a seat at His table and enjoy the abundant life He’s offering? And beyond that, will you share the invitation with others, because His house isn’t full yet?

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.
• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.
  

The Way of Jesus: 7 Marks of Discipleship

As we begin a new series, we encourage you to lean into the 7 Marks of Discipleship each week. The 7 Marks of Discipleship provide a simple tool to help us identify areas where we are thriving in our calling and where we can grow. Check here each week for a new 7 Marks Challenge that will encourage you to follow Jesus closer every day.