by Kathleen Simley, Communications Director at First Lutheran Church
I have to admit, I’m not a fan of assigned seating at wedding receptions. Maybe it’s the independent side of me – something about being told where to sit just doesn’t “sit right”. There’s that moment of hesitation as you scan the seating chart, wondering who you’ll be spending the next few hours with. Will I know anyone? Will it be awkward? And, of course, the classic question – will my table get to hit the buffet early or be the last ones?
Even as an extrovert, those thoughts creep in. It’s funny how something as simple as seating arrangements can feel so loaded. But I’ve also been on the other side. When my daughter got married, she wanted assigned seating. She wanted everyone to have a spot with people they would have something in common with and enjoy. Some guests didn’t know anyone else, and she had to decide – mix them into groups who already knew each other or seat them together and hope they connected? And then there was the the fear that someone unexpectedly was going to show up and not have an assigned seat.
At a few weddings in the past, I only knew the bride and groom, so I would be sitting with strangers no matter what. At one wedding, I was placed with a group who all knew each other. It was obvious – they were deep in their own conversations, cracking inside jokes, even planning a future trip. I felt like an outsider – by at least 30 years. Then, one kind soul introduced themselves and I followed suit. That small gesture sparked something. Soon, others were introducing themselves, asking questions and trying to connect with me. Before I knew it, we were laughing, sharing stories and finding common ground. What started as a table of strangers to me became the liveliest group in the room – dancing, celebrating and having fun with one another.
That table felt like the kind of table Jesus invites us to. His ministry wasn’t about sticking with the familiar or waiting for people to come to him – it was about stepping into the unknown, breaking barriers and welcoming everyone, especially the outsiders. Jesus invited the overlooked, the outcasts and the strangers to sit at the table and share in God’s celebration.
In his teaching, Jesus often used the image of a wedding feast – a joyful celebration full of unexpected guests – to describe the kingdom of heaven. In last Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 14:1, 14-17), he shares a story about a banquet to highlight his core message: invitation.
This is what he calls us to do. It’s not enough to say we’re welcoming or hope others feel included. We’re meant to actively invite – to step out of our comfort zones and make space for others, especially those we might overlook. It’s not always easy. Sitting with people we don’t know, or who challenge us, can be uncomfortable. But those moments are where transformation happens.
This kind of invitation reflects God’s heart – a heart that meets us where we are, not with judgment, but with love. He doesn’t wait for us to come to him. He seeks us out, flaws and all, and offers us a seat at his table with open arms. And it’s at that table – surrounded by strangers and unexpected guests – that we experience the true joy of God’s kingdom.
So, maybe assigned seating isn’t so bad after all. Sure, it can feel awkward, scanning the chart and wondering who you’ll sit with. But sometimes, those moments of uncertainty lead to the most meaningful connections. Just like at that wedding, where strangers became a celebration of joy, Jesus invites us to step into the unknown, sit with those we don’t yet know and create something special together.
Because in the end, it’s not about where we’re seated or who we know – it’s about the invitation. It’s about making space, reaching out and welcoming others to the table. When we do, we catch a glimpse of the kingdom of heaven – a feast where everyone belongs and an open invitation to God’s eternal party, where there’s always room for more.
