We are continuing our sermon series, Hearing God through the Parables, with the parable of the Great Banquet.  Jesus told this parable to those gathered in the home of a prominent Pharisee.  He accepted the invitation to their feast.  Through this parable Jesus is warning them to not refuse the invitation to His.  Despite their confident anticipation of eating at “the feast in the Kingdom of God” (see v. 15) they were excusing themselves from coming to God’s table.  Though they were carefully watching Jesus (v. 1) they were not seeing, hearing or responding in faith.  Today, may we not give excuses but rather accept this best invitation of all.