Luke 14:21-22

The host legitimately felt angry in view of his gracious invitation and sacrificial preparations. Rejection constituted a personal insult. He decided to open the banquet to anyone who would come, not just the people who considered themselves the privileged few who were the most obvious choices (cf. Romans 9:4-5). These people correspond to the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. The other people the host included correspond to those in Jesus’ day whom the self-righteous Jews regarded as deficient, including the publicans, the sinners, and the Gentiles (cf. Luke 14:2-4; Luke 14:13). Even though many of the needy responded there was still plenty of room at the banquet table.

The streets (Gr. plateia) carried all manner of people, and the lanes or alleys (Gr. rhyme) were where the lower elements of society felt more comfortable. [Note: Liefeld, "Luke," p. 978.] The servant’s commission was urgent because the feast waited for guests. [Note: Marshall, The Gospel . . ., p. 590.] Note that Jesus now described the host as "master" or "lord" (Gr. kyrie) hinting that God is in view.