Topical Encyclopedia The Parable of The Great Supper, also known as the Parable of the Great Banquet, is a teaching of Jesus Christ found in the Gospel of Luke. This parable is a profound illustration of the Kingdom of God and the invitation extended to all humanity to partake in the divine feast. It is recorded in Luke 14:15-24.Context and Setting The parable is set during a meal at the house of a prominent Pharisee, where Jesus was invited to dine on the Sabbath. As Jesus observed the behavior of the guests and their desire for places of honor, He began to teach about humility and the nature of God's Kingdom. The parable is prompted by a remark from one of the guests: "Blessed is everyone who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God" (Luke 14:15). Narrative of the Parable In the parable, a man prepares a great banquet and extends invitations to many guests. When the banquet is ready, he sends his servant to tell those who were invited, "Come, for everything is now ready" (Luke 14:17). However, those invited begin to make excuses. One has bought a field and must go see it, another has purchased five yoke of oxen and is on his way to try them out, and yet another has just married and cannot come. Angered by the refusals, the master of the house instructs his servant to go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. The servant reports that there is still room, so the master sends him out again to the roads and country lanes to compel people to come in, so that his house will be full. The parable concludes with the master declaring, "For I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will taste my banquet" (Luke 14:24). Theological Significance The Parable of The Great Supper is rich in theological meaning, illustrating the inclusivity of God's invitation to salvation and the Kingdom. The initial guests represent those who were first invited—often interpreted as the Jewish people or religious leaders who, despite their privileged position, reject the invitation through indifference or preoccupation with worldly matters. The subsequent invitation to the marginalized and outcasts signifies the extension of God's grace to the Gentiles and those considered unworthy by societal standards. This reflects the heart of the Gospel message: that salvation is available to all, regardless of social status, ethnicity, or past life. The urgency and insistence of the master in filling his house underscore the generosity and determination of God to see His Kingdom filled with those who accept His invitation. The parable serves as a warning against complacency and the danger of missing out on the blessings of God's Kingdom due to misplaced priorities. Moral and Ethical Implications The parable challenges believers to examine their own responses to God's call. It encourages humility, a willingness to accept God's invitation, and a readiness to prioritize the Kingdom over earthly concerns. It also calls the Church to be active in reaching out to those who are often overlooked or marginalized, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's love. In summary, the Parable of The Great Supper is a vivid portrayal of God's open invitation to all people to join in the eternal celebration of His Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of responding to His call with faith and readiness. Nave's Topical Index Luke 14:15-24And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said to him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. Nave's Topical Index Library Christ's Advice to Invite the Poor in Accordance with Isaiah the ... The Strife for Precedence at Feasts. --The Poor, not the Rich, to ... The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion Chronological Table of the Life of Christ [From Andrews. ] The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Christ, the Great Teacher Christ among the Common Things of Life The Gospel Supper Identity of Christ's Character. A Sermon on the Parable of a King that Married his Son, Made by ... Resources What is the Jesus Family Tomb? Has the lost tomb of Jesus Christ been discovered? | GotQuestions.orgIs Jesus the Messiah? | GotQuestions.org Why did God send Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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