Banquet for The Canceled

In recent years, a social phenomenon known as “cancel culture” has developed that intentionally ostracizes individuals who express what is considered unacceptable views about certain social issues. Jesus confronted this kind of cruel “cancel culture” in His day as he proclaimed the arrival of God’s Kingdom of Heaven. This kingdom would be a place of open invitation, rather than canceling and rejecting. Jesus taught about this in one of His many parables about the Kingdom of Heaven.  In that parable, a king had prepared a wedding banquet for his son, but the invited guests did not attend the banquet.  Instead, they refused to come and made excuses.    

This rejection illustrated how many Jewish people had largely rejected God’s invitation to join the marriage supper of His Son in His kingdom.  The king then instructed his servants to “go to the highways” and invite as many as they could find to attend the wedding banquet. This broad invitation shows how desirous the Father is to open His kingdom to whosoever will come. The invitation is to everyone, including those who feel canceled by others!  

Take Away: Everyone is invited to celebrate Jesus!