Jesus' Welcome Is For All ... Except Those Who Don't Want It

By Jeremy Hoover

In a different article I studied how Jesus' invitation was a challenge to truly repent, turn away from pride in religious heritage, and turn to God through him. In this article I will study the welcome that Jesus offered those who responded to his invitation.

Matthew 21:28-22:14 tells three stories that answer the key questions. In the first story, two sons are asked individually to go to work in the father's vineyard. One says he will but doesn't, the other says he won't but does. Jesus uses this parable to teach about who responded to his invitation.

Because the people who respond to Jesus aren't always the most socially acceptable people (in the minds of the elite), Jesus told another story—the parable of the Wicked Tenants—to teach about how people should feel towards or about those who respond to his invitation.

Finally, Jesus tells a story about a great banquet to illustrate who was invited. Here, we learn that all were invited, though many chose to decline the invitation. Consequently, many who weren't expected to respond did respond.

Sometimes we feel that we have a handle on who really responded and who didn't, who's fit to follow Jesus and who isn't. Such a feeling can breed pride and contempt within us for other people. Let Jesus' teaching about who he welcomes be a warning to seek him out of repentance and faith, not pride and ceremony.

Jeremy M. Hoover is a freelance writer and book reviewer. To request a review, email Jeremy at jeremyhoover AT gmail.com. To use his online article writing service , visit his website, http://www.jhooverwebcopy.com .

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