Who Does Jesus Invite?

Where does your invite list end? When you open your doors for friendship, community, or a shared meal, where does the guest list end? Most likely, you’re excited to invite your closest friends, perhaps family members, and other people who live and think like you do. It’s good to have a close community! 

Yet, the people hungry for relationship might be those just outside your invite list. It’s possible that the person you’re counting out is actually the one God would have you welcome in. Pause and consider: who are the people you choose not to invite in, because their circumstances or opinions look different from yours?

In Luke 14:15-23, Jesus tells the parable of a host inviting many people to a banquet at his house. The host began with those who were like him, who were expected to come. They each made excuses and turned down the opportunity. 

Committed to hosting as many as he could, the host began inviting unexpected guests. He sought out the crippled, blind, and lame — the outcasts. When they arrived, there was still more room, so he welcomed people hidden in the corners of society: those whom everyone else overlooked. These guests were the most hungry for a relationship with the host, and therefore the most eager to accept his invitation.

This parable is an image of the Kingdom of God. The invites have been sent. Who will come?

It may not be those who are expected — it just might be the overlooked who are hungry for a relationship with the King. King Jesus does not reserve his welcome for the privileged, the high-status, or the wealthy. He seeks out those who are uninvited in the eyes of the world; Jesus welcomes the people who can never repay him.

Following his example, disciples of Jesus should live with the same kind of grace. How will you invite others? Where will you find them? How can you step outside of your comfort zone to prioritize this?

You are invited to be an inviter. This week, follow Jesus’ example by extending your invite list.

Dive Deeper

Do you remember where you were when Jesus found you? Were you the unexpected guest, grateful to receive an invitation from the King?

Consider your life now. If the invitation came today, would you make excuses like the people in the parable, or would you accept Jesus’ welcome? Take some time to reflect on your priorities. Watch this week’s message for more.

Writer: Molly Spikereit