Matthew 22:9 KJVS
[9] Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
If you have been, as we say, “in the truth” or even an avid reader of the New Testament, I am sure you have read this scripture at some point in your walk. To go into the “highways” and “byways” stands as a staple to ensure we go out and hit the streets and cry aloud. For good reason too. However, this scripture speaks of more than just hitting the streets and the importance thereof. To better understand this, let us gather some precepts to get the other perspectives contained in this message.
Matthew 22:1-2 KJVS
[1] And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, [2] The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
The first thing is to understand that this is a parable. A parable is synonymous to an analogy. In this case, referencing the kingdom of heaven which is being built as we repent and come back to the Most High. But let us see what significance the highways and byways hold.
Judges 5:6 KJVS
[6] In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways.
A highway is similar to a main street or road, not a freeway per say, as what may come to mind for many of us when we initially think of a highway. The byways are what we would consider the back streets and alleys. Usually not your first choice in terms of travel, although well known they are usually the secondary option.
Highway
Strong's Definition
From H732; a well trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan: - {manner} {path} {race} {rank} {traveller} {troop} {[by-} high-] way.
Byway
Strong's Definition
From H6127; winding: - by {[-way]} crooked way.
Usually a highway was a road that was well established for travel and also had frequent traffic. A byway on the other hand, was a side road that may be used but usually not as frequently. As the path may or may not be as safe due to the terrain or the character of people that may choose to use them, which is why it is also described as a “crooked way”.
Isaiah 33:8 KJVS
[8] The highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceaseth: he hath broken the covenant, he hath despised the cities, he regardeth no man.
The highways were the main ways people came to and from the cities. So you would get a lot of foot traffic or “wayfarers” to be able to talk to and trade with. Christ was letting us know go to the places where you can get a lot of traffic; hence a lot of people! As you are more likely to “catch more fish.”
Luke 14:23 KJVS
[23] 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.
This is Lukes version of the parable that is given in Matthew. There are a few distinct differences, however, I want to bring your attention to one. Notice this verse included “hedges” in addition to “highways.”
Hedge
Strong's Number
G5418
Original Word
φραγμός
Transliterated Word
phragmos
Phonetic Spelling
frag-mos'
Parts of Speech
Noun Masculine
Strong's Definition
From G5420; a fence or inclosing barrier (literally or figuratively): - hedge (+ round about) partition.
Thayer's Definition
a hedge, a fence
that which separates, prevents two from coming together
The hedges make up the gates, fences or walls that can separate us, one from another. Often times the hedges are more secluded areas, sectioned off from the naked eye.
Psalm 89:40 KJVS
[40] Thou hast broken down all his hedges; thou hast brought his strong holds to ruin.
Hedges are also representative of the various buildings and homes in which people come together and dwell and/or fellowship. A hedge was more often than not, the outline of some sort of building or property. The buildings are one of the best places to go to find people. If they are not out on the streets they are probably fellowshipping together in a common gathering place.
Luke 14:23 KJVS
[23] 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.
Christ was telling the disciples and apostles to “go out into” these places because these were the areas where you will see people. If you aren’t going out and finding them, how else will they hear this word? One must physically make contact with one another to tell them about the gospel and teach them repentance. You may go out to the mall and pass out flyers or host a presentation at a local library. Or even arrange to host presentations at a college or university.
Luke 14:23 KJVS
[23] 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.
Notice, the key purpose in Christ telling the disciples to “compel” them to come in, is because you have to drive them and use the force or power of the scriptures along with charisma and flavor to convince your people to come into the truth and change their ways. It’s not enough to just be present you must speak to them, and speak to them in such a way as to get them to be more willing to subscribe to what it is you are teaching them. As the Most High and Christ want to gain as many people who are willing to learn about him in truth in hopes that they may be saved through repentance.
Mark 14:9 KJVS
[9] Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
The word can be taught in many places through many different avenues. They were using the best avenues they had at that time. Remember there was no tv, internet or radio then. Now so many more doors have opened up to spread the word. The idea is to target the most fruitful areas and ways to reach the people and those areas are evolving with time and interest. Think about how things have changed in one generation. I remember when I was growing up it was more popular to be outside and ride your bike, play sports in the streets, tag, you name it. Now kids are inside more. As times change we must continue to find growing and relevant ways to reach the people. And this is still inclusive of the highways and byways. The highways being the most fruitful or popular avenues, the byways being the areas, that although not as popular as the main roads, also have a good occasional flow or certain crowd of people. Don’t forget about them!
Luke 4:43-44 KJVS
[43] And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. [44] And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.
We must preach this word but there are many ways to execute doing it. Christ was often times in the congregations and churches teaching the word to his people in addition to being on the “streets”.
Acts 5:42 KJVS
[42] And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Go into all the places where your people like to associate. Where can you find them? Then those are the places you want and need to be and compel your people through your words and actions to repent. They hit the streets but they were often in peoples homes and in the temples teaching this word. You can and should do the same.
Ezekiel 13:5 KJVS
[5] Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord.
As teachers of this word we always have to try to look at where are the gaps so we can fill in those areas that may be needed to be wholistic in teaching this word. This may mean another department, or maybe another platform that isn’t being met. It can even mean a different approach through a platform that is already being done. Don’t be afraid to think as a “team” I personally do not need to utilize all of these platforms. However, my organization or congregation as a whole may utilize them. But I specialize in these two areas and make those a staple of my ministry. Are you more of a “highway”, “byway” or “hedge” type gatherer.
Mark 16:14-20 KJVS
[14] Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. [15] And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. [16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. [17] And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; [18] They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. [19] So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. [20] And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
The key thing Christ wanted the apostles to remember was to go throughout this earth and teach the word. This would entail of traveling to where these people may be. However, in todays society you can use platforms to push the word into “all the world” and reach hundreds, thousands, and even millions to ensure you “preach the gospel to every creature” and the word is “preached everywhere”. This can be done through a website, a blog, a social media page, a YouTube channel, a radio show, a podcast and more! The limit is only the one you put on it. And even within these platforms there are still a variety of ways to execute. Get creative and get fishing!
Matthew 24:14 KJVS
[14] And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
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