Weekly Sermon Blog: Banquet for the Canceled - May 18, 2025

Canceled by the World, Invited by God: A Banquet for Everyone

Have you ever felt like you were on the outside looking in? Maybe you've experienced that awkward moment when you approach a group of colleagues, only to have their conversation suddenly die out. Or perhaps you've discovered that your friends had a night out without inviting you. In today's world of social media, the feeling of exclusion has been amplified, giving rise to what we now call "cancel culture."

But what if I told you there's an invitation to a group that will never cancel you? An invitation to a kingdom where everyone is welcome? Let's explore this incredible offer and why some people accept it while others still reject it.

The Kingdom of Heaven: An Open Invitation

From the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus extended an invitation to enter the kingdom of heaven. In Matthew 4:17, we read His simple yet profound message: "From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'"

But what exactly is this kingdom of heaven? It's not a physical realm with castles and knights like in the tales of King Arthur. Instead, it's a spiritual realm where God rules as king, and true righteousness is the standard.

The Pharisees' Cancel Culture

Unfortunately, in Jesus' time, there were religious leaders who promoted their own version of cancel culture. The Pharisees took pride in their self-righteousness and ostracized anyone who didn't follow their rules. They created an environment that featured themselves as the "in crowd" and everyone else as outsiders.

Jesus condemned their hypocrisy, saying in Matthew 23:4-7, "They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. Everything they do is done for people to see..."

A Countercultural Kingdom

In stark contrast to the Pharisees' exclusionary practices, Jesus taught that entrance to the kingdom of heaven requires humility. He said in Matthew 18:3-4, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

This is good news for those who feel canceled by others! The kingdom of heaven is not about power, position, or prestige. It's open to all who approach with humility and a willingness to repent.

The Spiritual Reset: Being Born Again

Jesus explained this concept of spiritual reset to Nicodemus, a curious Pharisee who came to Him at night. In John 3:3, Jesus told him, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." This spiritual rebirth is required for everyone who wants to enter God's kingdom.

The Wedding Banquet: An Invitation for All

Jesus illustrated the openness of heaven's kingdom through the parable of the wedding banquet. In Matthew 22:8-9, we read, "Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.'"

This parable shows that God's invitation is universal. As Paul writes in Romans 10:12-13, "For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'"

The Final Wedding Banquet

The book of Revelation describes a heavenly wedding celebration to which we are all invited. Revelation 19:7-8 says, "Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God's holy people.)"

Putting It Into Practice

1. Live a Life of Righteousness: After entering God's kingdom, engage in righteous acts that beautify your life like a wedding garment. Remember, Jesus taught that our righteousness must "exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees."

2. Pursue Holiness: As 1 Peter 1:15-16 instructs, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" Holiness is not an unrealistic call for super-Christians. It's an invitation to a deeper, more satisfying relationship with God.

3. Say Yes to Jesus: Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, today is the day to say yes! Yes to entering His kingdom, yes to serving others in Jesus's name, and yes to a holy life filled with His Spirit.

Remember, even if the world has canceled you, Jesus has invited you to enter His kingdom of heaven. Will you accept the invitation?