The word “calling” is used several times throughout the Bible, in different contexts. In this instance Jesus is using the word “called” as an invitation. This parable is an analogy of what we have been invited to. An invitation to something more than a life lived serving only ourselves. An invitation to live a life together with Christ, serving God and experiencing the fulfillment that brings to life. An invitation to be Jesus’ disciples, to follow in His footsteps. And ultimately, an invitation to spend eternity with Him!
This is a calling that God puts in the heart, and there are many different ways people sense this. Anyone who gets the chance to hear the gospel and make a decision about whether or not to become a disciple is considered to be among the many who are called. Many people receive this invitation. Jesus gave the disciples the job of going out and making disciples of all the nations. (Matthew 28:19) But who among those many become the few chosen?