THE GREAT SUPPER

Introduction

The narrative commonly known as the Parable of the Great Supper, found in Luke 14:15-24, is a compelling account that may in fact be a recounting of an actual event rather than a fictional parable. Despite this possibility, it is generally referred to as a parable due to its profound teaching value and widespread interpretation as such. This vivid story, shared by Jesus in response to a dinner guest's remark about the blessedness of eating in God's kingdom, illustrates deep truths about the nature of God's invitation and human responses to it, regardless of whether it is historical or allegorical. Told during a meal at a Pharisee's house, this account challenges societal norms, religious assumptions, and personal priorities of Jesus' time. It invites listeners - both then and now - to reconsider their understanding of God's grace and their place in His divine plan. As we explore the rich details and pointed message of this narrative, we uncover layers of meaning that speak to the heart of the gospel message and the radical inclusivity of God's love, demonstrating why it has been treasured as a parable even if it may have its roots in an actual event.

Setting the Scene

And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
This parable is set during a meal at a Pharisee's house. Jesus had been teaching about humility and the importance of inviting those who cannot repay you to your feasts. In response, one of the dinner guests makes a statement about the blessedness of partaking in the kingdom of God. This prompts Jesus to share the parable, likely to challenge the assumptions of those present about who will be part of God's kingdom.

The Initial Invitation

Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
Jesus begins the parable by describing a man (representing God) who prepares a lavish feast (symbolizing the kingdom of God) and invites many guests. In the cultural context of the time, it was customary to send out two invitations: an initial one to announce the event, and a second to notify that everything was ready. This double invitation system highlights the deliberate and gracious nature of God's call to His kingdom.

The Rejections and Excuses

And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
The invited guests (likely representing the religious leaders and those who considered themselves righteous) make various excuses for not attending. These excuses represent worldly concerns and priorities that people place above responding to God's invitation. The first excuse relates to property, the second to business, and the third to family obligations. While these are not inherently sinful activities, they become problematic when they take precedence over God's call. The unanimity of their excuses ("with one consent") suggests a widespread rejection of the invitation.

The Host's Reaction and New Invitations

So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
The host (God) becomes angry at the rejection, which emphasizes the seriousness of refusing God's invitation. He then instructs his servant to invite those who were typically excluded from such feasts: the poor, maimed, halt (lame), and blind. This represents God's invitation extending to those considered outcasts by society, challenging the social and religious norms of the time. The urgency ("Go out quickly") underscores the imminence of God's kingdom.

Expanding the Invitation Further

And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 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.
The servant reports that there's still room after inviting the outcasts from the town. The host then instructs him to go even further out to invite people, possibly representing the Gentiles or those far from religious circles. The term "compel" doesn't imply force, but rather a sense of urgent persuasion, reflecting God's desire for His house to be filled. This expansion of the invitation illustrates God's abundant grace and the inclusivity of His kingdom.

The Final Judgment

For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
Jesus concludes the parable with a stern warning that those who rejected the initial invitation would not participate in the banquet. This represents the serious consequences of rejecting God's call and the finality of that decision.

Deeper Implications and Lessons

This parable would have been particularly provocative to Jesus' original audience, as it subverted expectations about who would be included in God's kingdom. It continues to challenge readers today to examine their own response to God's invitation and to consider the inclusive nature of God's love and grace.

Conclusion

The Parable of the Great Supper serves as a powerful reminder of the expansive nature of God's invitation and the urgency of our response. It challenges us to examine our own lives and priorities, asking whether we, like the initial invitees, are allowing worldly concerns to supersede our commitment to God's kingdom. Moreover, it presents a vision of God's kingdom that defies human expectations, embracing those often marginalized by society. This parable continues to resonate across centuries, calling us to a deeper understanding of God's grace and a more inclusive approach to community. As we reflect on this teaching, we are invited to consider our own response to God's call and our role in extending that invitation to others, ensuring that God's house is filled with a diverse tapestry of humanity united in His love.
Text by Zach Anderson (zmanderson@gmail.com). Placed in public domain at ultrafree.org. KJV text is used. Feel free to copy and share, free of charge.