The Lord's Banquet

Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’
“But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’
“Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’
“Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’
“The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’
“‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’
“Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’” Luke 14:16-24


After yet another Sabbath day healing and a stern lecture from Jesus, the leaders of the Pharisees were watching Him closely, but not as prepared to challenge Him as they had been earlier (Luke 14:1-15). He lectured them about their pride, arrogance and self-promotion. He said "you're exalting yourselves now, but you will be humbled. You will find blessing only in being charitable to the poor, who cannot repay you."

Then there was the parable of the banquet. In this parable, certain ones (the Jews) were invited; consistently, urgently, "come now!" The dinner was prepared, the hour was late. But they "all alike," in a conspiracy of rejection, gave excuses why they just couldn't make it right now. We've seen similar excuses before, in Jesus' calling out disciples. Need to check out newly purchased land, need to test a yoke of oxen, just got married. They just didn't have time for socializing with the host. Sorry. It is always a matter of priority. Jesus wasn't on their a-list. They'd really rather not be identified with Him.

So the host sent out his servant to bring in anyone he could find, no matter their circumstances (gentiles). This he did, and yet there were still seats at the table. Oriental etiquette required that the feast couldn't begin until all the places were filled. So go out there and "beat the bushes" for bodies to fill my banquet table. Bring them in. Those who were invited and rejected my invitation will be excluded from the feast. Jesus brought His message of salvation to the House of Israel first, knowing they would reject. When they did, He directed His invitation to the gentiles. His propitiation would negate everyone's sins, but the Kingdom was offered first to His People. They were not ready for the Kingdom and were suspicious of the King. He would soon fulfill His destiny at Jerusalem and then establish His Church upon faith in His finished work. God's plan is perfect. His provision is eternal salvation. His policy is grace. All are invited. Some will receive.