Definition: And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel [them] to come in, that my house may be filled.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 14:23. It's a really important message about hospitality and how we should treat others. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling his servants to encourage people to come into His house (which represents God’s home or kingdom). He wants to fill it with people! Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the Lord said unto the servant…” : This establishes a conversation between Jesus and his followers. It’s a bit mysterious, but it suggests a higher purpose. “…Go out into the highways and hedges…” : This is where it gets interesting. "Highways" represent busy places – people traveling on roads. “Hedges” represent barriers or places people might avoid. Jesus is asking his servants to go where people are likely to be . "...and compel [them] to come in…” : This is the key part. “Compel” means to persuade, to strongly encourage. He's asking them to actively invite people into His house. “…that my house may be filled.” : This is the ultimate goal – to make Jesus’ home full of people. It’s about creating a welcoming and abundant environment for God’s presence. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to several important ideas: Hospitality: It emphasizes treating others with kindness and generosity, especially when they are away or facing hardship. Importance of Community: Jesus is highlighting that our homes (and communities) are valuable places for God's presence. God’s Kingdom: Filling the house with people symbolizes welcoming people into God’s kingdom – a place where people can connect with God and find purpose. In short, Jesus is telling his servants to be generous and inviting others into His home, creating a joyful and abundant environment for God's presence. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage (when it was written)? Give examples of how hospitality is important in our lives?