There are times that I seriously doubt the evangelistic strategy that Jesus used. He never really seemed all that interested in gathering huge crowds to follow him. Yes he did some amazing stuff and clearly those that did follow were of a high standard otherwise we wouldn't have followers today, but it seems that while he was on earth he didn't want or expect large groups to actually follow. His strategy seems to have been, go into a town, do some miracles and then teach. And by teach I mean, mostly to the large crowds, he would tell stories and then leave. No explanations and to be fair some of these stories were a little awkward and weird, especially for those that thought he should be pulling in the crowds. One story that he told has had me very confused and to be honest when I first read it and took in, a little upset. I guess we all have a little pharisee living inside us? Or maybe it's just me....
In Matt 22, Jesus tells the a story of a king who is throwing a party for his son's wedding. A royal wedding party. We all want invites to one of those. He invites all his friends and dignities but on the day they all either ignore the invite or beat up his servant for coming to get them. Nice friends he has. Anyway after the king has sent his army to punish these stupid, unworthy friends, he sends out his servant to go and invite anyone who will come. They come in droves. As the king is having good time, he scans the banquet room and spots a dude who is wearing some really grotty clothes. He goes up to the man and says, "How did you get in wearing clothes like that?! How dare you insult me like this." The man who up until this point has been having a good time and is probably a little drunk, is left speechless as the king instructs his "bouncers" to tie the man up hand and foot and throw him out into the darkness . . .
Thats not the kind of story you tell someone if you want them to follow you. You see Jesus never made it easy for people to follow because he wanted them to be aware of the reality of it all. Following is not for the faint hearted.
Either way this story disturbs me. I did find this out after a few clicks in good old google. The custom of the day was that when you went to a wedding party, the host would provide you with the acceptable (right) clothing for the occasion. You didn't need you own party dress or suit, so you never had to worry about being dressed right because the host made sure you were. So if the man in the story is in his own cruddy clothes, then its his own fault because he has chosen them over the host's expensive garments. Mmmmm . . . he has been invited to a royal wedding, given every opportunity to enjoy the occasion but decides that his clothes are better. I wonder how long he sat at the wedding enjoying all the food and drink? What did he think he was doing? Perhaps he wanted to enjoy the party but in his own way. He wanted the invite but he also wanted to come on his own terms. It doesn't work like that unfortunately. Not for important royal events and definitely not with God.
I think what Jesus was getting at is this. All are invited, anyone can come but you cannot do it on your terms. You can't receive all that Jesus has to offer but hold anything back or receive it your way. It has to be his way because he is the only one able to make the offer. Like it or not that's the way it is. You cannot follow Jesus on your terms. It is the reality, though not the best tool to attract and keep the crowds . . .
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