April 28 2024: A Meal for Everyone - Paula Williams

Meals were far more than simple “get-togethers” in Jesus’ day. They meant connection, identification and even went as far as meaning approval of the other. It is at a meal with some religious folks that Jesus tells a stunning parable about the inclusiveness of God’s heart. And what other story to tell at a meal than a story about a meal?

Jesus’ story tells a story about a king hosting a banquet and those who end up at the table are not those who everyone expected at the table. More than that, those who are supposed to be at the table are no longer welcome at the table.

This story reflects Jesus’ ministry while he was on earth. Always eating and spending time with the wrong people as a way of showing people that all are welcome at God’s table. This is not how we typically think. We often think about who is allowed at God’s table and we leave that decision up to our standards and regulations. Perhaps we need to ask – how big is God’s table?