His Inclusive Invitation by Pastor Karena Lout

I love that Jesus spoke in parables to teach the disciples what holds value and what doesn’t. He encourages us to seek His heart and His nature in these stories. He displays who He is in acton, instead of telling us through only words. In Luke 14:12-24, He uses the example of a man who planned a large banquet. He sent out invitations but when the time came, all the guests made excuses. When the master of the house heard this, he told his servant to forget the guest list and go into the streets and alleyways to “invite the poor, crippled, the blind, the hurting, the lonely.” Jesus wanted His house to be full!  At the time, Jesus was journeying to Jerusalem, encountering people along the way (some became His disciples). He also encountered the sick, blind, lame, samaritans, tax collectors. Here are a few things I believe Jesus communicates to us through this parable: *Jesus likes food and parties! Heaven celebrates and welcomes us in, which is also expressed through the story of the prodigal son.  *Jesus confronts pride and hypocrisy. Israel’s leaders at the time rejected His message. *Humility and hunger cause us to recognize our need for Him. Self sufficiency rejected His invitation.  *Jesus is not exclusive. He invites ALL! The social outcasts responded to His call. *He includes us into the “inviting.” He told His servant, “Go quickly into the streets and alleys and invite them in.” The harvest is here and now! *It’s important that we have increased sensitivity to know when people are ready to receive Him. The excuses the “elite” made only revealed fear, apathy and hardened hearts. Let the inner movement of your heart always be to love one another and never play the role of an actor wearing a mask. Despise evil and embrace everything that is good and virtuous. Be devoted to tenderly loving your fellow believers as members of one family. Try to outdo yourselves in respect and honor of one another. Romans 12:9-10 (TPT) One of my favorite things that Jesus shows time and again throughout the gospels is that He wasn’t afraid when things got messy. He loved people more than He cared about protecting His reputation. He didn’t yell down from the mountaintop to the woman caught in adultery. He got up close and personal, in the dirt, challenged the religious leaders and brought love and healing to her heart. Jesus built relationship and gained favor. His starting point was not, “Go and sin no more.” He made sure He defended the woman BEFORE He challenged her.  - JESUS CLOSES THE DISTANCE - On Saturday night, I encouraged our church family to get to know someone this week who looks, believes and thinks completely differently than you. Listen to truly understand their heart, their story. I encourage you to do the same. I truly believe that listening and extending empathy flings the door wide open to the lost so they can find their way home to Jesus. Let Holy Spirit lead you. We weren’t meant to save the world. Jesus already did that. We get the honor of listening to His heart, hand out the invitations and allow Him to provide the banquet.