Two fests, two fates

"[Jesus] said another parable to the guests, observing how they chose the first places." Luke 14. 7

"[The guests] all began to apologize unanimously. The first ... said : I bought a field, and I must go and see it ; I pray you, hold me for excuse ..." Luke 14. 18

 

Invited to eat with a Pharisee, Jesus observes the guests. He quickly noticed that they were endeavoring to seize the places of honor and distinction around the table. Everyone believes to be a personality and wants to be recognized as such. This vanity of appearing important is already denounced by a proverb (Prov. 25, 6, 7). On the other hand, the Creator of the worlds, God manifested in the flesh, has vanquished himself to the point of taking a human body to serve, to die and to save his creature. As a man, Jesus lowered Himself to the last place.

Nothing is more opposed to the character of the Lord on earth than pride and vanity. "Debut and humble of heart" (Matthew 11:29), he invites us to imitate him by warning against pride and by encouraging us to humility : "Whoever rises will be humbled, Which lowers itself will be high "(Luke 14: 11).

The Lord continues his teaching by the parable of the "great dinner" (second verse of the day). He identifies himself with this man who organizes a great reception and invites "many people" : it is the feast of grace, it is the call to receive the gift of God. But if many people crowd with an important Pharisee, many refuse to sit at the table of Jesus who offers salvation. All possible excuses are cited : material goods, occupation, occupations or business. . . Everything passes before the invitation of grace. Even the seemingly most legitimate circumstances of life may be a pretext for refusing God's call and rejecting Jesus as Savior and Lord. The master will still fill his house with the redeemed who accept his invitation ; But those who refuse it will be lost eternally. "Do you despise the riches of his goodness, of his patience and of his long support, unaware that the goodness of God leads you to repentance ?" (Romans 2: 4).

Two feasts, two fates ... there is still time to choose !

Source (Please the Lord)