We all love a good party. We love inviting people, making preparations, and finally enjoying the company of our friends. Social gatherings are the hallmark of Christian life, yet, something happened in this parable that deserves a closer look.

What happened?
I. The Invitation, vv. 16-17
Cultural and historical context of social obligations in the Middle East

II. The Excuses, vv. 18-20
a. Must check on land—I have bought a house without checking out the neighborhood
b. Must check on my oxen—I have bought a used car without test driving it
c. I am newlywed—I had a better invitation

III. The Reaction, vv.21-23
a. Invite the least, the last and the lost of the town
b. Invite the least, the last and the lost of the whole world

Application
I. Missed Opportunity
a. Must act on the invitation: It requires obedience.
b. Presumptive Faith: Once and for all response; a stale commitment.
c. Busyness: The obligations in life are a gift from God, not something to be mastered before we can be with God; our Priorities.

II. Hearing God’s Invitation to us today
a. Does it check out with the written word?
b. Are we in community?
c. Do we act on the message?

Table Talk
1. Spend some time discussing a moment in time when you thought Jesus invited you into communion, fellowship, and ministry. What were the circumstances?
2. Discuss what may prevent you in your life today from heeding His invitation.
3. What would His invitation to you look like this very day? What would it take for you to act on it?

August 29th, 2010, Dcn. Kirsten H. Gardner, Teaching Pastor, The Way Christian Fellowship.