A common misinterpretation of this passage twists 'compel them to come in' to endorse coercive evangelism or forced conversions, as historically misused to justify violence like the Inquisition; in context, it metaphorically urges persistent and compelling invitation with the gospel's urgency, not physical force, as the parable focuses on willing response amid rejection, not compulsion overriding free will.
Luke 14:23
King James Version (1769)
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.
In the parable of the great banquet, Jesus illustrates the expansive invitation to God's kingdom, where initial invitees representing Israel's religious leaders reject the call through excuses, prompting the master to send his servant to urgently gather people from the highways and hedges—symbolizing Gentiles and societal outcasts—ensuring the banquet hall is filled; this underscores God's inclusive grace, rejecting self-justified complacency while emphasizing the universal call to salvation and the joy of responding to Christ's invitation.