19.03.25 Luke 14:15-24

Prepare -

God, create in us a hunger, a desire, a thirst for you. Clear our minds from the many distractions that we’ve got and help us want you more than anything else. 

Read – Luke 14:15–24

15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, ‘Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.’

16 Jesus replied: ‘A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, “Come, for everything is now ready.”

18 ‘But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, “I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.”

19 ‘Another said, “I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.”

20 ‘Still another said, “I have just got married, so I can’t come.”

21 ‘The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.”

22 ‘“Sir,” the servant said, “what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.”

23 ‘Then the master told his servant, “Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.”’

Reflect

Imagine being invited to an incredible event. For me it would be going to a World Cup Final where Argentina wins, a bit like what happened 2 years ago. You get a dreamed event, but then you can’t go or you get a bit lazy and choose not to go. What would your friend who got the ticket for you feel? 

This parable reveals the generous heart of God — He has prepared a place for us at His table. But how often do we let distractions, busyness, or even pride keep us from responding to His invitation?

Jesus calls us not only to receive His invitation but also to share it. 

Be

What is stopping you from being more intimate with Jesus? If it’s such a great offer, why aren’t we taking it up?

Lord, fill my heart with gratitude for Your invitation. Help me to respond with joy and faithfulness.

Become

What are the longings in our heart that are competing with our desire for more of God? Is it our reputation, what others think of me? Is it my desire to be entertained? Is it my desire to be distracted because things are hard at the moment?

Jesus, shape my heart to be open and responsive to Your call. May I reflect Your generosity and grace to others.

Do

Ask God to reveal any “excuses” you’ve been making that are keeping you from fully accepting His call.

May our lives reflect the joy of being invited to God’s table. May we resist distractions and excuses and instead say “yes” to His invitation every day.

Practice:

Why not spend time today, even now, going deeper with God, what your excuse?