GREAT FEAST

“… Jesus concluded, “Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

(Matthew 22 : 14)

The word ‘feast’ delights our mind.  It is common phenomenon in our society to accept an invitation, be a part of it in its proper disposition. It was a custom of the Jews to send out invitations to weddings or a banquet to guests publicly prior to the event. God’s invitation comes numerous times in different manner in our life. It was through various prophets and prophetess that the descendants of Abraham were handed over God’s invitation. It was in this context Lord Jesus told this parable:

Here the host of the banquet is the Almighty God; who had sent out invitations to the Jews- chosen people of God to enjoy the Messianic Kingdom which His Son Jesus proclaimed. His servants were sent out to tell the invited guests to appear to the feast, but they refused. Again God sends out another set of His servants with His message but again those invited refused citing various excuses in regards to their – farm, shop etc. Initially privilege was given to the chosen race, but they chose to defame and prove their disliking to the king and his rules.

We humans tend to be tired of repeated advices or warning through our benefactors to repair a broken relationship or to break off a particular bad habit or to repent of deadly sins. Forgetting their goodness and loving care, we seldom abuse and accuse them falsely to avoid their presence in our life. Similarly, when we simply chose to ignore His messengers or refuse to accept them, a time will come sooner when we will be cut off from God.

The Holy Bible says, “The axe is ready to cut down the trees at the roots, every tree that does not bear good fruit …..” (Luke 3 : 9)  It is wise to remember that you may not get such valuable days, so let’s take this blessed day to turn to the Lord and accept His message.

Later on, the king commanded his servants to go to the main streets and lanes; gather all the people good and bad alike, and the wedding hall was filled with people. 

Though originally the invitation, a great privilege in itself, was extended to His chosen ones; but as the Holy Bible says, “It was necessary that the Word of God should be spoken first to you, but since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we will leave you and go to the Gentiles.”  (Acts 13:46) The King of kings, widely opened the door of His Majestic Kingdom to the Gentiles who were confused and disturbed.  “If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear His voice behind you saying, ‘Here is the road follow it.’  (Isaiah 30 : 21)  The king gave great opportunity to those who listened to his invitation without any discrimination.  Thus, unexpected people were given the opportunity to enter the Kingdom of heaven and to relish the banquet.  Here we see it was not the respectable and rich ones of the society but the ones despised by the Jews who got the opportunity.  Once Lord Jesus said in His teaching, “I assure you that many will come from the east and the west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of heaven.”  There was a belief and the attitude of Jews that whoever received baptism was worthy for the Kingdom of God (salvation).

It was the custom that one must attend the wedding feast with the attire that was given freely by the king.  The hall symbolised the Kingdom of God which has enough space for everyone who wishes to enter.     Then, the enthroned king’s eyes was fixed to one guest who was not properly dressed for the wedding feast.  Each event and its place have its own dress code, mode of behaviour and decoration. The invitation was free but it does not absolve the rules of the event. 

The king ordered his servants, “Tie him up hand and foot, and throw him outside in the dark.”  A proper attitude and disposition are essential to please God and to enjoy the Kingdom of heaven.    The Holy Bible says, “Happy are those who wash their robes clean and so have the right to eat the fruit from the tree of life and to go through the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22 : 14)

Every day before the clouds break and the sun rises, the heavenly banquet is set by the Gracious Lord. In front of all your enemies –the worldly forces- the Good Lord Himself sets the table for His children to relish. We may have many excuses ranging from occupational, material, family to personal obligations to ignore God’s call and invitation. Not only do we neglect it, but with a word of apology we move to our personal obligations. Practice first to relish from His Holy Table – personal prayer - that provides love, joy, peace, wisdom, self-control, etc. and weave the eternal garment by the Gospel values and virtual deeds.

May the Lord bless you and take care of you. May He be kind and gracious to you. May the Lord look on you with favour and give you peace.

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ