05 03 Luke 14.15-24 In Jesus’ day it was insulting to accept an initial invitation to a banquet and then reject the invitation when the time came to be in attendance. Yet, that is what the Pharisees and many Israelites had done. An invitation had been sent out regarding the coming of the Messiah through the Law and the Old Testament prophets, but when Jesus actually came to proclaim that the Kingdom of God was near and He was the One they had been waiting for, they rejected Him and the invitation to eternal life. Consequently the invitation was extended to many others, the ones considered outcasts. It is a reference to Gentiles and we see in Acts that many began to accept the invitation for salvation through Christ. That invitation is still open today, but one day the doors will be shut. People use many excuses to justify their rejection of the Gospel invitation. In the end, there will be no legitimate excuse. Is it time to put aside your excuses and trust Christ for salvation? The call to the banquet is about to be made. Have you made your reservation?