Scripture: Matt 22:1-10
Key Verses: (8-10) 8Then he said to his slaves, “The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.” 10Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.
Reflection: The prophetic ministry of Jesus proclaims the kingdom of God. Jesus welcomes the lost, the broken, and the unlovable. The exchanges with all of these individuals reflect a deep and abiding love. Every aspect of the life and ministry of Jesus invites us to glimpse the Kingdom of God and still Jesus feels the need to tell the parable — the kingdom of God is like a great wedding banquet.
Everyone is worthy of an invitation but you do not get it and check your schedule. This is an invitation that invites you to change your schedule and your life. The invitation frees you to respond in gratitude and service.
This summer, an invitation went out to Myers Park Presbyterian Church. You have responded to God’s grace with humility, compassion, kindness and gratitude. In order for us to remember that this is kingdom living, I invite you to hear your testimony.
The kingdom of God is like vacation Bible school where we lived out promises we made at baptism for what seemed to be a thousand cute, energetic, theological children of God.
The kingdom of God can be found at 4:30 a.m. — a time a day we didn’t know existed (especially in the summer) — when our new friends in Chicago allowed us to serve and eat alongside them on our mission trip.
The kingdom of God is like the meal ministry that offers comfort through a home-cooked meal in the midst of recovery or the community garden that offers fresh vegetables in a food desert.
The kingdom of God is like communion at our Sunday night worship where a child turns to you offering the bread, reminding you that this is the body of Christ and the cup of new life. New life!
The kingdom of God is CROSS meal hosts, bus drivers on Sunday morning, Stephen ministers caring for someone, front desk volunteers (in the summer), greeters, youth advisors, and volunteers who clean up after vacation Bible school!
It is indeed a party!
Prayer:
Thank you for this glorious day, Lord,
A day of grace, that welcomes me when I don’t feel like I belong,
A day of unity, mending broken lives, broken relationships and bringing redemption,
A day of celebration, for we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
Thank you. Amen.
Author: Michelle Thomas-Bush
[Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved].