64. Banquet

[Pastor Ralph]

Please share your thoughts on one or more of the questions in this lesson. 

[hanks]

1. What did the pious guest in 14:15 believe about the feast in the Kingdom of God? 
Jesus had just spoken about God rewarding at the resurrection of the righteous (14:14), and this guest became excited assuming that he and the other people there would be present in God’s kingdom. He believed that he was one of the righteous, and that this also included the Pharisees and the scribes, who were considered to be the elite of the righteous. The Jewish people thought of their future kingdom as a great feast with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the prophets as the honoured guests (Isa 25:6). Jesus responded by warning them that many of them would not be present in the Kingdom of God. In their places would be many outcasts and Gentiles. 
 

[hanks]

2. How credible are the invited guests' excuses for not coming? (14:18-20) Who do the invited guests in the parable represent?
Considering that they had all initially accepted the invitation to attend, these excuses are not very credible or convincing – more likely intended to disgrace the host. 
This huge banquet was to be the highlight on the social calendar, normally anyone receiving such an invitation would be highly honoured, and would not want to miss this occasion at all. Think of the bragging rights! The three excuses given are examples of those used, and these show them as rude and deliberate attempts to insult the host. The guests in the parable represent the Jewish nation. Who believed that God had called them to be His people, and they accepted the first invitation that came from Moses and the prophets. The second invitation that came from God’s Son they rejected. The excuses offered are similar to the Jewish rejection of this second invitation in the parable. The reaction is one of insults and hatred coming from the Pharisees, the leaders, and the people. 
 

[hanks]

3. Why is the host angry? (14:21)
One can easily understand the host’s anger. Think of all the preparation that must have gone into planning such a great banquet. Since this was to be a huge banquet there must have been a huge amount of work involved in getting everything ready for the guests; especially preparing the food for such a gala event. And the expense involved. Never mind the embarrassment it must have caused the host by being snubbed in front of the whole community. This could even be a plan to disgrace the host. John MacArthur writes that it is so insulting to the host that it can even be seen as a declaration of war! To arrange such an event shows that the host must have been a wealthy and considerate man who cared for his community. It was a tremendous act of generosity and kindness which was initially accepted and then turned down, showing that they had not been sincere, and it is a horrible breach of social ethics. 
 

[hanks]

4. The host commands his servant to invite the poor and outcast both inside the town and outside in the rural areas. Who do these two groups probably represent?
The great banquet will be held! But now the guests would be those living in the streets and alleys of the town. The servant was sent into that part of the town where the underprivileged people were living: the poor, crippled, blind, and lame, the very people already mentioned (14:13). This first group represented the street people, the beggars, and the outcasts who live in the slums. To the Jews these would be the outcasts, the riffraff, the prostitutes, the tax collectors, and sinners. When this was done the servant reported that there was still room for more guests. So, he was instructed to invite guests from out of town, from the roads and country lanes. Probably foreigners and those who were called the untouchables, living along the highways in some kind of shelters. This second group represented the Gentiles. These people are the ones that are not even allowed to live in town. They are the worst of the worst. We now have guests from outside of the confines of Judaism. 
 

[hanks]

5. Why is the host urgent about his invitation in 14:21-23?
The host wanted his house completely full, so, he sent his servant to bring more guests until this occurred. In the same way Jesus not wanting any to perish, purposely extends the time of grace so that we might all have every opportunity of being saved. But, as in the parable many turn down the invitation to the banquet because it was inconvenient; we have work duties, family responsibilities, financial needs, or whatever. Not realising that God’s invitation is the most important event in our life, no matter how inconvenient the timing is. We should also remember that our Lord Jesus finished the work of redemption on Calvary, and the gospel invitation goes out on the basis of that completed work. A time will come when it will too late to get into the banquet. I think the central lesson to be learnt from this parable is that we are to accept God’s gracious invitation. And the time to do it is NOW! 
 

[hanks]

6. What is the fine line between "compelling" people to come to the Lord, and gently leading them, fully respecting their own free will? How can we have both urgency and respect at the same time?
Again, the host wants his house filled, so he asks his servant to find guests and “compel to come in, so that my house will be full (14:23). I don’t think he means that they are to be compelled by force, but rather by force of argument. By gentle and loving persuasion help them to accept the invitation to come to the feast which was waiting for them to enjoy. They would naturally feel inadequate, definitely not worthy of going to such a lavish banquet, knowing full well that they could never ever afford to reciprocate. The servant was to compel them. That is, not to listen to their excuses about their poverty and low social standing, but urge them to overcome their objections and lead them to the feast. Thereby achieving both urgency and respect simultaneously. 
 

[hanks]

7. How does this parable illustrate the Father's judgment and His mercy? 
This parable illustrates the rejection of those who were formerly the covenant people and who now have rejected His message and have become His opponents. However, through this parable He extends the invitation anew, so there is still hope and an opportunity to accept. Their choice will determine their eternal destiny. The Father’s judgment will come. He purposely extends the time of grace so that we might have every opportunity to be saved. He does not want any of us to perish, rather He desires that we shall all repent, and put our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation. This parable also illustrates the grace and mercy of a loving God who opens up His kingdom to those who don’t deserve it. We are taught that the offers and invitations of the gospel are so broad and generous, and that God has given us a great opportunity for the salvation of our souls. Our heavenly Father is ready to receive all who come to Him by Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ is ready to cleanse all from their sins who appeal to Him by faith. The Holy Spirit is ready to come to all who ask for Him. 
 

[Irmela]

1.  What did the pious guest in 14:15 believe about the feast in the Kingdom of God?

They believed that it was reserved for the Pharisees and those according to society who were pious, who kept the "tradition of the elders" and were looked up to because of this lifestyle. The Jewish social elite. 

[Irmela]

2.  How credible are the invited guests' excuses for not coming? (14:18-20) Who do the invited guests in the parable represent?

The excuses are very lame. 

Buying a field and only doing an inspection after the purchase. 

Trying out oxen (not just 2prs but 5 yoke) after having bought them. 

Knowledge of a prior happening (getting married) and still accepting an invitation to such an important event. 

They represent the Jewish Nation, who were the first to be invited. 

[Irmela]

3.  Why is the host angry? (14:21)

Lots of planning, expense, time etc was put into  getting everything together so that the event could take place. (see answer given by Hanks) Now at the last minute the invitation is turned down. 

Things that came between accepting and rejecting the invitation :  possession/wealth;   commerce/labour;   emotions/human affection.

The underlying reason for the rejection seems to be much more though, just as the rejection of God is much more. It is hostility towards the host. 

A front is put on at first and then, when push comes to shove, it is all just a sham acceptance. 

[Irmela]

4.  The host commands his servant to invite the poor and outcast both inside the town and outside in the rural areas. Who do these two groups probably represent?

These represent a class definately not able to reciprocate the invitation in any way whatsoever. 

They very likely represent the low classes in Jewish Society. (the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame in the confines of the town) 

Then the invite went further afield, in the roads and country lanes. These were urged to come. (These could possibly be the Gentiles).

[Irmela]

5.  Why is the host urgent about his invitation in 14:21-23?

He is urgent about the invitation as he wants every last place filled, so the feast can begin.

(None of those originally asked, will be able to come in and join in the banquet.) 

[Irmela]

6.  What is the fine line between "compelling" people to come to the Lord, and gently leading them, fully respecting their own free will? How can we have both urgency and respect at the same time?

(compelling) I guess there is already a leaning over to the desiring to come to the Lord. The hesitancy can almost be felt and will very likely be overcome by ones own urgency in getting them to make a decision. Yet at the same time it must be their decision not yours. {At the request of the owner of the banquet, they were compelled to come. Any excuse they made or hesitancy they came up with, many answers were ready for them, as to why they should come} 

(gently leading) Here too you find them ready to come to the Lord but are doubtful if they are ok to. A gentle nudge of encouragement and taking by the hand is often all that is needed. Them being recognized as being ok/acceptable. {At the request of the owner of the banquet, these are the lame, the blind, the poor, the crippled. The ones needing a helping hand. The ones that feel they are not good enough and are spurned by society} 

 

[Irmela]

7.  How does this parable illustrate the Father's judgment and his mercy?

The judgement is illustrated in that the ones who had originally been invited to the feast are now being left out. Their spurning of the "accepted" invitation cost them entrance to the banquet later (should they change their minds). 

His mercy is reflected in that the invitation, to come, is now gone to those who would in no ways by their own means be able to reciprocate the invitation. Our Father, by His great mercy, has invited also the Gentiles to come. Not only those from the "Chosen People". 

[Old Jerry]

What did the pious guest in 14:15 believe about the feast in the Kingdom of God?

 

A. He believed that they will be blessed if they are able to eat bread in the Kingdom of God.

 

How credible are the invited guests' excuses for not coming? (14:18-20) Who do the invited guests in the parable represent?

 

A. The excuses that the guests had was just that just excuses. They didn’t want to come to the banquet and didn’t want to tell the guest the reason.

 

Why is the host angry? (14:21)

 

A. The host was angry because the guests had already accepted the invitation and he had prepared the food and now there was going to be a big waste of food.

 

The host commands his servant to invite the poor and outcast both inside the town and outside in the rural areas. Who do these two groups probably represent?

 

A. Those two groups probably represent us. We Christians are the poor and outcast in this fallen world.

 

Why is the host urgent about his invitation in 14:21-23?

 

A. Jesus has been patiently waiting for us and he wants all to come to repentance. He knows that the day is coming when he will return and wants all to come be with him.

[Katy]

Q1. The man believed that a time was coming when the Messiah would end the rule and oppression of the Romans and deliver the Jews    from their tormentors. He also believed that the Great feast was for God’s chosen people the Jews and that no one else would be there. But Jesus goes on to teach a parable which makes it clear that there will be others at the great banquet, people they won’t expect to be there. Also that if they are not careful many Jews who except to go to Heaven will not get there.

Q2.The excuses of the guests are shallow and made up. They did not want to go to the banquet or they deliberately were being insulting to their host. They should not have accepted the invitation in the first place if they did not want to go, by now refusing to go their insult has maximum impact. The guests are the Jewish people. The Jewish people initially accepted God as their God but many have chosen to neglect him despite God forgiving them over and over again for their sin.

Q3.The host is angry and hurt. because this appears to be a deliberate action by his guests to hurt him and ruin his standing in society.

Q4.These groups represent the gentiles, all the outcasts in society, those who are considered of low class in society, the weak and the needy.

Q5. It is an urgent call because time is short the meal is ready and He wants every place to be filled.

Q6.We cannot compel people to come to Jesus, if we are too compelling it puts people off. It can be a long process of building relationships and then when we have their trust sharing with them about Jesus. There are other times when someone may ask a direct question or make a comment which gives us opportunities to share the gospel but again I don’t think you can compel someone to believe. We can only say a word in season and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work. 
Q7. We see Gods mercy when we see those who were not considered worthy to be invited to the feast now invited. That is like us gentiles we are unworthy to be with God but because of what God has done for us we are now invited. We see God’s judgement when those who were invited but have rejected the invitation will not be allowed to enter. When we share the gospel we must realise that it also contains seeds of judgment. This must give us a sense of urgency. 

 

[haar]

1.    What did the pious guest in 14:15 believe about the feast in the Kingdom of God?

It is a blessing to everyone that eats in the feast in the Kingdom of God in heaven.

2.    How credible are the invited guests' excuses for not coming? (14:18-20) Who do the invited guests in the parable represent?

Not credible at all but flimsy excuses.

The invited guests are the privileged Israelites/ Jews

3.    Why is the host angry? (14:21)

He is angry at the audacious rejection of the privilege and favour extended to the invitees to come to the feast prepared especially for them.

4.    The host commands his servant to invite the poor and outcast both inside the town and outside in the rural areas. Who do these two groups probably represent?

They represent basically the gentiles ie those outside the privileged chosen Jewish race.

5.    Why is the host urgent about his invitation in 14:21-23?

The master wanted his house to be filled urgently for the feast to commence.

6.    What is the fine line between "compelling" people to come to the Lord, and gently leading them, fully respecting their own free will? How can we have both urgency and respect at the same time?

Coming to the Lord for salvation is subject to one’s free will. Never the less, a gentle persuasion might be required so as to rescue souls from heading to hell.

7.    How does this parable illustrate the Father's judgment and his mercy?

The Father is merciful and thus extends grace to us to come and receive salvation. However, He will judge anyone who refuses to reach out to receive the offer of salvation made.

[Godswriter]

1.   What did the pious guest in 14:15 believe about the feast in the Kingdom of God?

That it was important for people to come to the feast so they could know the Lord.

2.    How credible are the invited guests' excuses for not coming? (14:18-20) Who do the invited guests in the parable represent?

They all are excuses to get out of the feast. The very people who Jesus died to save before the Gentiles His own people the Jews.

3.    Why is the host angry? (14:21)

Because he knew that the excuses were just ways to avoid going to the feast.

4.    The host commands his servant to invite the poor and outcast both inside the town and outside in the rural areas. Who do these two groups probably represent?

They represent the ones who are outcasts and also the Gentiles.

5.    Why is the host urgent about his invitation in 14:21-23?

So that people can enjoy the presence of the Lord. 

6.    What is the fine line between "compelling" people to come to the Lord, and gently leading them, fully respecting their own free will? How can we have both urgency and respect at the same time?

The fine line is learning to obey the voice of the Holy Spirit and know when they don't want to hear it at all and choose to go their own way. By learning to listen for the Holy Spirit's prompting about it.

7.    How does this parable illustrate the Father's judgment and his mercy?

He is merciful when someone chooses to listen to the Holy Spirit's prompting and obey it however when you reject it He will reject you.

[kreilly]

 

How credible are the invited guests' excuses for not coming? (14:18-20) Who do the invited guests in the parable represent?

I was convicted by these excuses because they sound like the exact ones I use when the Lord invites me to spend time with Him and I don't take Him up on it.  Instead I say I have to clean my house, go to work, or have a family commitment.  Lord, forgive me for making these types of excuses.  I thank You for dying on the cross so that my sins are covered because I am no better than these Pharisees.