15 That triggered a response from one of the guests: "How fortunate the one who gets to eat dinner in God's kingdom!" 16 Jesus followed up. "Yes. For there was once a man who threw a great dinner party and invited many. 17 When it was time for dinner, he sent out his servant to the invited guests, saying, 'Come on in; the food's on the table.' 18 "Then they all began to beg off, one after another making excuses. The first said, 'I bought a piece of property and need to look it over. Send my regrets.' 19 "Another said, 'I just bought five teams of oxen, and I really need to check them out. Send my regrets.' 20 "And yet another said, 'I just got married and need to get home to my wife.' 21 "The servant went back and told the master what had happened. He was outraged and told the servant, 'Quickly, get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and wretched you can lay your hands on, and bring them here.' 22 "The servant reported back, 'Master, I did what you commanded - and there's still room.' 23 "The master said, 'Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full! 24 Let me tell you, not one of those originally invited is going to get so much as a bite at my dinner party.'"
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.