“Jesus has extended an invitation to you to be loved.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 8, 2025
Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, “What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!” Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations.” Luke 14:15-16
Jesus has extended an invitation to you to be loved. It’s not an exclusive, high-society event, but rather a chance to join Him in humbly serving together. The invitation might read something like this: An Invitation from Jesus. You are invited, not because of your résumé, reputation, or deeds, but because I love you. The table is ready, the seats are open, and there’s room for everyone: the weary, the overlooked, the burdened, and the broken. Come as you are. Leave your excuses behind: your busyness, your pride, your fears of not being enough. Everything you’ve been searching for is already prepared. Join Me in My Father’s house, not as a guest who observes, but as a servant who shares in the joy of generosity. Here, greatness is measured by grace, and fulfillment is found in faithfulness. There is work to do and love to give. Come quickly, before the moment passes, for the feast is not for those who are too busy, but for those who are ready to say “yes.” Signed, Jesus: The Lord of the Banquet, the Friend of Sinners, the Servant of All.
In this compelling story, Jesus shares His invitation to His banquet, and there is a somewhat surprising response from the first group of invitees. Because of their busy schedules, they are unable to say “yes” to Jesus’ invitation to be with Him to be loved. Being busy with everyday life kept them from forming an intimate relationship with their Lord and Savior. Has busyness become your excuse for neglecting a sweet and intimate time with Jesus? Where is He inviting you to enjoy His great faith adventure? The Lord’s invitation is extended to you every Sunday to worship and praise Him with His local body of believers at a Spirit-filled church. There is a divine invitation for you to discuss spiritual matters with your family in an interesting way. You can pray together for the needs of others and then celebrate the gift of answered prayer.
Since you focus on what you believe is important, how vital is it for you to RSVP “yes” to your Savior, Jesus, to His daily invitation to join Him where He is working? Here is a genuine concern. As Jesus describes in His story of the Great Banquet, your “no” may move the Holy Spirit to invite others who will gladly say “yes” to His divine invitation to experience God. Jesus is a gentleman. He will not continue to invite those who ignore or say no to Him. And here is another beautiful truth: Jesus not only invites you, but He also invites you to invite others to be known and loved by Him. Yes! You have the best gift to invite others to know and love God.
What does it look like for you to invite others into the presence of the Lord’s intimate love for them? It can be as sacred and simple as slowing down to truly notice someone. Ask about their story, get to know them. Invite a coworker to lunch and ask how you can pray for them. Text a verse to a friend going through a tough season. Host a dinner and give thanks to God for His goodness. Share a testimony of how Jesus met you in your weakness, not your strength. Offer to read Scripture with someone who is spiritually curious but unsure where to start. Sometimes the most powerful invitation isn’t a sermon or a strategy, it’s your presence, your listening, your willingness to walk with someone toward Jesus. Love extends the invitation; the Spirit does the rest. Listen today for the Lord’s invitation to join Him and look for those you can invite to Jesus!
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (Revelation 3:20, NLT).
Prayer
Jesus, today I say yes to Your invitation of love. Open my heart to receive You fully. Lead me where You are working, and let my life reflect Your grace. In your name I pray. Amen.
Application
What busy activity do you need to cease for a season to be with Jesus?
Related Reading
Psalm 34:8; Isaiah 55:1; John 7:37; James 4:8
Worship Resource
Ellie and Drew Holcomb: Take Courage My Heart
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