Banquet

"Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come." (Mat 23:1-3)


Jesus continues His confrontation with the religious gatekeepers at the temple.  Mind you these men meant good.  They meant to protect the people from a false Messiah. After all Jesus came out of nowhere...Nazareth in Galilee.  As far as we know He had no formal training. The company He kept was suspect to the holy men of the temple.  Jesus disciples were the rabble. They were poor, diseased, leprous and lame. They were sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors and thieves.  


The chief priests and scribes had good reasons for confronting Jesus and the commotion around Him. They were causing a scene.  Under Roman occupation where Governor Pilate executed Jews with regulatory, one must not draw attention to oneself.  These men were afraid of what the Romans might do.  Their security seemed precarious. If they upset the crowds by treating Jesus too harshly, a riot may break out.  They feared the crowds too.  It was situation that must be handled delicately.


Jesus tells his opponents another parable about a wedding banquet which of course speaks to the situation.  God has announced good news.  "Repent, for the kingdom of God is upon you!" But the religious leadership do not believe, nor do they see a need to repent.  As those who observe the law of Moses and teach others to do the same, they see no need for confessing their sins and turning to Jesus for a fresh start with God. That is why Jesus says to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you." (Mat 21:31b)


Not until I began studying the bible during this Daniel Fast did I notice the amount of material having to do with food and dining. In this parable a man throws a big party for His son's wedding.  Weddings in ancient Israel were a whole community kind of thing.  Everybody turned out to enjoy the party.  The foods was plenteous, provided the family had the means. The wine flowed freely.  Depending on how far relatives needed to travel the festivities may last 3-4 weeks in length.  To turn down an invitation was something few people would have done.  These kind of parties were a rare luxury for most. I'd go to eat and enjoy the festive feel in the air.  Wouldn't you?


Jesus is saying to us that God's kingdom is like a great party with lots of food, drink and joy abounding!  A festive spirit is a natural thing as people gather to celebrate love at weddings.  I see that Jesus' invitation to believe the good news and repent is an invitation to live in the joy  and love of the Kingdom of heaven!  It is something to enjoy now through the Spirit, not only after I die.


When it comes to food and drink and dancing and other festive activities, Jesus isn't really depicting heaven as a booze and gluttony fest. This isn't a pagan gathering where hedonism (pleasures of the flesh) is being celebrated.  Rather, by way of analogy, our relationship with God is where true joy, real festivity occurs.  There is an enduring joy in knowing Him personally and walking in His love each day.  And there's no hangover. There's no eating yourself sick. There is simply life abundant in the presence of the Life!


In a few days this fast will end.  Tonight is Good Friday.  We remember that Jesus' passion came to its crescendo at the cross.  Then all is silent.  I look forward to eating myself sick on Easter. I wonder if I haven't heeded the invitation to the party God is throwing for His Son, Jesus?


Lord Jesus, in You there is life everlasting.  You offer it to me freely and without price. But I give you excuses. "I have too much work to do at church.  I'm too tired right now, I'd rather just veg out. Honestly my time in prayer seems to be a waste of time."  Like the religious leaders of old, I too refuse to enter into the kingdom of heaven.  I'm too busy with the mind numbing, body defiling things of earth. Forgive me. Clothe me in Your Spirit that I may be properly fit for the party of all time. Amen