Read Luke 14:1-24.
The parable of the great banquet is a reminder of how good food and feasts are woven throughout the Bible. What is an especially memorable meal you have shared with others? Why do you think sharing meals with others is so good for us?
The banquet guests initially have accepted the invitation, but when the banquet is ready they make excuses. What do you find yourself making excuses for in life? What about in your relationship with God? Why?
Three excuses are given: Land to see, oxen to test, and a wife to be with. These excuses comprise the essential commitments of life: property, occupation, and family. While all good, how do these commitments threaten to come between you and God’s invitation to follow him?
When he is rejected, the host sends out the invitation to anyone in the streets and ultimately the countryside. What does this reveal to us about the heart of our God? What is the motivation for the host sending the invitations out?
What comes to mind when you read that the servants are told to “compel people to come in” (Luke 14:23)? Culturally it was an expression of compulsory benevolence (Gen 33:10–11), not something harsh. How does God desire for you to “compel” others to come to his banquet? Is your life a compelling reason for others to want to join you at God’s banquet?
Jesus concludes this parable with a strong warning in verse 24: “For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.” What is your reaction to these words of Jesus?
Jesus came preaching an upside-down kingdom from what people were expecting, and this parable could be summarized by saying: “The expected are absent and the unexpected are present.” What is encouraging and/or challenging to you about this summary of the parable?
Jesus spoke strongly and clearly about the judgement for those who do not accept his invitation, but his invitation was extended to all people. How does the reminder of God’s judgement result in a deeper appreciation for God’s salvation?
In this parable, we see grace extended through a free invitation and judgement avoided through simple acceptance. How does this encourage and challenge you today?
Pray that God would give you a growing hunger for him and eager anticipation of the banquet that is to come. May our excuses fade away in light of the incredible joy of following Jesus!
