15 And, hearing these words, one of those who were at table with him said to him, Happy is the man who will be a guest in the kingdom of God. 16 And he said to them, A certain man gave a great feast, and sent word of it to a number of people. 17 And when the time had come, he sent his servants to say to them, Come, for all things are now ready. 18 And they all gave reasons why they were not able to come. The first said to him, I have got a new field, and it is necessary for me to go and see it: I am full of regret that I am unable to come. 19 And another said, I have got some cattle, and I am going to make a test of them: I am full of regret that I am unable to come. 20 And another said, I have been married, and so I am not able to come. 21 And the servant came back and gave his master an account of these things. Then the master of the house was angry and said to the servant, Go out quickly into the streets of the town and get the poor, the blind, and those who are broken in body. 22 And the servant said, Lord, your orders have been done, and still there is room. 23 And the lord said to the servant, Go out into the roads and the fields, and make them come in, so that my house may be full. 24 For I say to you that not one of those who were requested to come will have a taste of my feast.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 14:15-24
Commentary on Luke 14:15-24
(Read Luke 14:15-24)
In this parable observe the free grace and mercy of God shining in the gospel of Christ, which will be food and a feast for the soul of a man that knows its own wants and miseries. All found some pretence to put off their attendance. This reproves the Jewish nation for their neglect of the offers of Christ's grace. It shows also the backwardness there is to close with the gospel call. The want of gratitude in those who slight gospel offers, and the contempt put upon the God of heaven thereby, justly provoke him. The apostles were to turn to the Gentiles, when the Jews refused the offer; and with them the church was filled. The provision made for precious souls in the gospel of Christ, has not been made in vain; for if some reject, others will thankfully accept the offer. The very poor and low in the world, shall be as welcome to Christ as the rich and great; and many times the gospel has the greatest success among those that labour under worldly disadvantages and bodily infirmities. Christ's house shall at last be filled; it will be so when the number of the elect is completed.