Pastor’s Corner – August 22, 2024

Jesus Told a Parable VIII

Teachers in Jesus’ time commonly used parables to express ideas. The parable is a story-like form of metaphorical communication. Parables invite reflection and conversation through multi-layered and open-ended interpretation. Parables are a perfect form for God’s Spirit to convey wisdom in both timeless and timely ways. Parables often come with a surprising twist, revealing the way Jesus’ lessons are counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. Jesus told parables to help his followers understand the quality and character of life aligned with God’s values.

Luke records the parable of the great dinner in 14:16-24 (note a different version recorded in Matthew 22:1-10). Jesus tells that a host invited many to a great banquet but each had an excuse not to attend and sent their regrets. The host felt disrespected by these excuses and ordered his servants to go out to any and all in town to fill the house for the banquet. The parable ends with the house full of guests and the host sadly admitting, none of those who were invited will taste my dinner.

I invite you to take a spiritual reading of the parable. Read it through a few times slowly and prayerfully. Listen for the connecting points between the parable and your own life experience. Identify an image, word, or phrase that resonates in your spirit. Sit quietly and ask God to open your heart to a truth that you need in this moment in your life.

I felt the Spirit nudging me to extend the invitation to life with God to anyone and everyone. It is not for me to decide who is in or who is out. My job is to extend the invitation to any who will listen.

This is a lesson I glean from this parable of Jesus. How about you? How is the living Spirit of Christ connecting with you through this parable? Feel free to reach out if you would like to share your connecting point.

May the parables of Jesus help us grow in faith and discipleship.

Yours in Christ,

Marc