Luke 14:15 (ESV)
When one of those who reclined at
table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who
will eat bread in the kingdom of God!”
Jesus had just told a parable
about not inviting people to a banquet who can repay you. His point was to do
good without expecting anything in return. One of those at the table then
responded with the words above, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the
kingdom of God!” Was he trying to say something that would make him look good
in Jesus’ eyes? Was he trying to appear spiritual? Or was he implying that the
wealthy are the ones blessed by and acceptable to God? We’re not sure, but
Jesus’ answer seems to imply the last option.
The theology of the day insisted
that the wealthy were more blessed by God because they were more pleasing to
him. It was assumed that the “poor, crippled, blind, and lame” (vs 21) were
that way because of sin in their lives. They were less acceptable. Jesus responded
with a parable that said exactly the opposite. The “poor, crippled, blind, and
lame” were invited to a party because the wealthy friends who promised to come
were found to be too busy.
This story ought to challenge our
own thinking. A scary looking individual walks into church one Sunday. Do we
avoid him, or do we strike up a conversation? He brings his family the following
week. Do we welcome them, or do we hold them at arm’s length? Who are the
acceptable people? Jesus’ parable seems to indicate that it’s not who we
thought. Jesus’ story ought to challenge us to reexamine our own faith, and
then to reach out to those we would not naturally connect with. Maybe God is
doing something we don’t expect.
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