The parable of the great banquet

“A parable is a short story, proverb, or riddle that is meant to challenge one’s notions and provoke change in one’s life—if the hearer’s heart is ready to both understand and apply the message.”

Luke 14:16-24. The parable of the great banquet.

Key verses to understand this parable:

One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. Luke 14:1 (NIV)

When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: Luke 14:7 (NIV)

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 (NIV)

Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke 14:12-14 (NIV)

When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” Luke 14:15 (NIV)

Luke 14:16-24. The parable of the great banquet.

Are you open to God’s messages or are your closed?