Everyone Is Invited - Few Will Follow

How do you really know if you’ve accepted God’s invitation to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?

I mean, truly accepted it—not just heard it or thought about it, but responded with your whole life? Jesus actually answered this question in a powerful parable.

He said, “A man gave a big banquet and invited many people.” (Luke 14:16 NCV). But then comes the twist: “But all the guests made excuses …” (Luke 14:18 NCV). The servant went back and told the master, who became angry and said, “Go at once into the streets and alleys of the town, and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.” (Luke 14:21 NCV).

This story isn’t just about a dinner party—it’s about God’s invitation to salvation through Jesus.

The truth is, everyone is invited. But sadly, not everyone responds. People have reasons, excuses, distractions. Many just want to do life their way, not God’s.

And that’s exactly why Jesus said:

“Enter through the narrow gate. The gate is wide and the road is wide that leads to hell, and many people enter through that gate. But the gate is small and the road is narrow that leads to true life. Only a few people find that road.” (Matthew 7:13-14 NCV)

That’s not a scare tactic. That’s just Jesus being honest.

Most people prefer comfort over calling, and preference over purpose. And that’s where Jesus takes the conversation even deeper.

He makes it clear: accepting the invitation is just the beginning.

“If anyone comes to me but loves his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—or even life—more than me, he cannot be my follower. Whoever is not willing to carry his cross and follow me cannot be my follower.” (Luke 14:26-27 NCV)

That’s strong language. He’s not saying don’t love your family—He’s saying that nothing, and no one, should come before Him.

And then He gives examples: before going to war, you count the cost. Before building something, you understand what it takes. He ends with this sobering truth:

“You must give up everything you have to be my follower.” (Luke 14:33 NCV)

That’s not religion. That’s surrender. That’s transformation. That’s knowing the cost. That’s the cross.

Jesus carried His cross to pay for our sins—not His.

And now He calls us to carry ours—not just to believe in Him, but to live like Him. To love, sacrifice, forgive, give, and serve.

So yes, the invitation is open to all. But responding means more than RSVPing—it means following.

It means walking the narrow road, shouldering the cross, and trusting Christ with everything.

God, help us not just accept Your invitation, but carry our cross and follow You—fully and faithfully. IJNIP amen. ♥️