THE BIG PARTY

In the night I saw a Big Party going on and I arrived at the Party to see dancing, singing, shouting and some were softly crying and others were silent and almost as unmoved as statues. It just seemed like every variety of personality was at the Party. I asked, ‘What kind of Party is this?’ A woman excitedly said, “This is a Hedges and Highways Party!’

As soon as I heard this I knew the context of her comment. It is from the three part parable in Luke 14:7-24. The first is a Wedding Feast, then a luncheon or Dinner and ‘A Big Dinner and invited many’ (v.16) Those invited to the Big Party were all making excuses and the Head of the Household giving the Party became angry and disappointed that invited guests used lame excuses and chose not to come. He told his servants to go to ‘back streets and alleys’ and find the poor, crippled, blind and lame’ (v. 21) and invite them to come to the Big Party. They did so and yet there ‘still was room’ at the Party. Then the master asked his servant to ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.’ (v. 23)

The obvious idea is that the Jews had rejected the Messiah and felt privileged to God and Jesus was making it clear that everyone is now invited to the great banquet… the Big Party. There are no special seats, places or persons or excuses: all are welcome… even the despised, rejected, poor, blind, sick and lame.

The Big Party is still going on. Everyone is still welcome. Since the Cross it is a Hedges and Highways Party. Come on now…let’s get down.

“For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.” Jesus