Matthew 22: 1-10

A California scientist has computed that the average human being eats 16 times his or her weight in an average year, while a horse eats only eight times its weight. This all seems to prove that if you want to lose weight, you should eat like a horse. This being somewhat believable, Orson Wells, in his later years, said, “My doctor has advised me to give up those intimate dinners for four, unless, of course, there are three other people eating with me.”

The invitation, we heard about this morning, was to a wedding banquet. This reminds us of the wedding banquet in Cana of Galilee in the gospel of John, chapter two. It was in this story Jesus performed his first miracle in the gospel of John by turning water into wine. Recollect, if you would, his mother approaching him and saying the host had run out of wine for the guests. The wedding banquets of that day were meant to last as long as there were guests who were hungry or in need of libation. The groom’s family was responsible for keeping the wine pitchers filled and the tables full of food. If anything ran out it was a strike against the groom’s family in the eyes of the community. So, a wedding banquet was a great celebration for all who attend to eat and drink all they want. Who would want to miss a party like that?

I’ve been to diners where they had a eight to ten page menus. A tired and hungry traveler caught sight of a sign in front of a diner that read: “We have everything. Just ask.” He entered and took a seat. When the owner appeared, the cynical traveler asked if it was true that they had everything. “Just ask,” replied the owner. “What if you don’t have what I want?” the traveler persisted. “Then I’ll give you my new pickup truck,” said the owner. “OK,” said the traveler. “I’ll have buffalo head stuffed with pheasant eggs served in octopus gravy.” The owner turned around and shouted to the cook, “A number seventeen, Ralph!”

The king invited people to the wedding banquet for his son. Jesus said the kingdom of heaven may be compared to this. When the invitations to a great feast, like a wedding feast, were sent out in those days, the time was not stated. When everything was ready the servants were sent out again with a final summons to tell the guests to come. So, then, the king in this parable had long ago sent out his invitations, but it was not until everything was prepared that the final summons was issued. Dinner was served. Who would want to miss a party like this?

I think there’s something missing in this story. Those invited felt they can take or leave the invitation, the host, and the banquet. Some went back to farming. Some went back to their business. They weren’t all that moved or excited to attend the banquet. The wealth of food and drink and the opportunity to socialize with the king and his family wasn’t enough. Maybe they had plenty of opportunities to attend such gatherings, and there was nothing special about this one. NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT THIS INVITATION.

There were those who did harm to the king’s servants who brought the final word that the banquet was ready. Those were the ones who suffered greatly. Scholars believe this description of the harm brought to the king’s servants was Matthew’s referencing to what happened to Jerusalem by the Romans in AD 70. In the parable, the king changes his tone. He tells his servants the wedding banquet is ready. Go into the streets and invite EVERYONE YOU FIND to the banquet. The wedding hall was then filled with all kinds of people. WHO WOULD WANT TO MISS SUCH A PARTY? Again, the kingdom of heaven may be compared to this.

Who would want to miss it? Those who chose not to attend chose to return to their everyday activities. A sumptuous banquet meant to celebrate the wedding of the king’s son wasn’t enough to sway the invited to attend. But the king would not be denied. The invitation was then extended to EVERYONE THAT COULD BE FOUND. Those in the street were swayed to attend. Who would want to miss it?

By our attendance here, one might say, we haven’t missed it. We haven’t missed the opportunity to share this space with the King of glory as we devote ourselves to celebrating his grace and mercy for us and for all. This is a banquet hall to a degree. We have feasted here on the truth and love of God for us by virtue of what Jesus has done for us. We have feasted on the expressions of others in song and joyful words of testimony in what God did for them. We’ve shared in the feast of the good news of God’s love for us and for all in this place. There’ve been those we’ve invited to share in such a feast. They, perhaps, didn’t believe such a feast was possible or truly available to them. They didn’t come, or they had others things to focus on other than an opportunity to share a place such as this with the King of glory who has inspired us to invite others in order to fill this banquet hall.

WHO WOULD WANT TO MISS IT? What is it they’re missing? Are they missing an opportunity to come and pay our bills? To bring their passion and their faith because we’ve run out or we’re running dry? MAYBE THEY’RE NOT MISSING MUCH? 

(Preached at St Mark United Methodist Church in Anniston, AL, 10-15-23)