Let’s Eat!
Luke 14:15–24
“Let’s eat!” might be one of the best phrases in the English language. And when we hear God say it, it gets even better. God is throwing a party, and everyone’s invited. But His idea of a guest list might look different from ours.
If I could choose my seat, I’d want to be near some big names (Mary Magdalene would be my first choice). And I’d love a spot close to the fajitas and, of course, the dessert table. But when I look around at my fellow guests, I might be surprised. Jesus’ invitations go out to the people most would overlook: not the powerful or privileged, not the smartest or richest, but the poor, the vulnerable, the broken, and the forgotten.
Jesus’ party is for those who never even checked their mailbox for an invitation. Those who never dreamed they’d be welcome, or who assumed they didn’t deserve it. But when God calls out, “Let’s eat!” He means it for everyone. And He saves the best seats for the ones who don’t even know which fork to use. They don’t have to prove themselves, they just have to come hungry.
Pastor Jay reminded us that the heart of Jesus’ table is inviting the misfits: the doubters, the wounded, and the weary. The Kingdom table isn’t for people who have it all together; it’s for those who’ve been left out, forgotten, or told they don’t belong. And this table is beautifully diverse: every generation, every color, every language, every background. Economic, political, and educational barriers don’t matter here. This is what the Kingdom of God looks like: a feast for those who never thought they belonged, where grace never runs out and there’s always another chair to pull up.
And what’s beautiful is that this feast isn’t a fast, flashy event. It’s a slow feast. It takes time to savor. Grace doesn’t rush. Healing doesn’t hurry. At Jesus’ table, we’re given permission to breathe, to unlearn old shame, and to enjoy all the new flavors one bite at a time.
Maybe you’ve felt like you don’t fit. Maybe you think you’re too scarred, too skeptical, or just too late to the party. But Jesus is still sending out invitations. He wants your presence, not your perfection. At His table, there’s space for every story.
Once we’re seated, we can look around and ask, “Who’s missing?” Because there’s always room for more. Some people may not hear the call that dinner’s ready. That’s where we come in. We can be the ones who help them know they’re welcome, especially those who’ve been told otherwise. Those who’ve wrestled with doubt, been hurt by the church, or carry grief and quiet questions can sit beside you.
So when God calls, “Let’s eat!” offer a chair to someone else too. Whether it’s a quiet meal, a game-night dessert fest, or just tea and conversation that comes with gentleness, patience, and hope, you’re helping others see that the feast is still unfolding. There’s still room.
“This is what God’s kingdom is like: a bunch of outcasts and oddballs gathered at a table, not because they are rich or worthy or good, but because they are hungry, because they said yes. And there's always room for more.”
— Rachel Held Evans, Searching for Sunday
Reflection Questions:
• How has God made room for you in places where you felt unworthy or overlooked?
• How can you slow down and savor the “feast” God provides in your relationships, your community, and your faith?
• What small acts of hospitality, whether a meal, conversation, or a simple gesture, can you offer this week to reflect God’s welcome?
