Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  9000 Last things  »  9100 Aspects of the last things  »  9150 Messianic banquet

A symbolic portrayal of the blessings of the age to come in which those chosen by God share in a rich feast with the Messiah. In the NT this is often pictured as a marriage supper with Jesus Christ as the groom and the church as both bride and invited guests. The feast, which will take place after the consummation of God's kingdom, is prefigured in the Lord's Supper.

The Messianic banquet promised

Isaiah 25:6; Luke 14:15

The significance of banqueting

As a sign of spiritual blessing

Psalm 23:5 See also Job 36:16; Isaiah 1:19; Isaiah 55:1-2; Joel 2:24-26

As a sign of spiritual satisfaction

Psalm 63:5 See also Psalm 107:9; Isaiah 58:11; Ezekiel 34:14; John 7:37-38; Revelation 7:16-17

As a sign of fellowship with God

Revelation 3:20 See also Exodus 24:11 This may have been a covenant meal to seal the covenant between God and Israel; Songs 2:4

The Messianic banquet as a wedding feast

The invitation to participate

Matthew 22:2; Revelation 19:7-9 See also Matthew 25:1-10; Luke 14:16; Revelation 21:2,9-10

The invitation rejected

Matthew 22:3-6; Luke 14:16-20

The invitation given to others

Matthew 8:11-12 See also Matthew 22:7-14; Luke 13:28-29; Luke 14:21-24

The anticipation of the Messianic banquet

Celebrating God's goodness

Deuteronomy 16:15 See also Nehemiah 8:10-12; Zechariah 14:16

It is prefigured in the Lord's Supper

Luke 22:15-16 The Messianic banquet is here associated with the Passover meal which Jesus Christ shared with his disciples ; Matthew 26:27-29 pp Mark 14:23-25 pp Luke 22:17-18 John 6:48-51 See also Luke 22:29-30; John 6:55-56; 1 Corinthians 11:26

See also

2230  Messiah, coming of
4035  abundance
4404  food
4410  banquets
5710  marriage, customs
6638  election
7020  church, the
7933  Lord's Supper
9145  Messianic age