15 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. 16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18 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. 19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21 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. 22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23 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. 24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper. (Luke 14:15-24 KJV)
The Parable of the Great Banquet
Here is another discourse of our Savior, in which he spiritualizes the feast he was invited to—an example of keeping good conversation even during common activities. The occasion for the discourse came from one of the guests who, when Christ was giving guidance about feasting, said, “Blessed is he who will eat bread in the kingdom of God” (Luke 14:15), a saying some say was common among the rabbis. But what was this man’s intent?
Perhaps, noticing that Christ had just corrected both guests and host, he made this comment to change the subject. Or he admired Christ’s teachings on humility and charity but, seeing how rare such virtues were in the current generation, longed for the coming kingdom of God where such principles would prevail. Or, since Christ had just mentioned “the resurrection of the just,” the man may have affirmed, “Yes, Lord, those who are recompensed in the resurrection of the just will eat bread in the kingdom, which is better than being invited to dine with the richest man alive.”
Or maybe, seeing Christ pause after speaking, he wanted to encourage him to continue, being so pleased with what Christ had said and knowing the mention of the kingdom would spark further teaching. Even those who can’t carry a full conversation themselves should say something to support and sustain meaningful discussion.
What the man said was true and fitting for a mealtime conversation, since we should use ordinary experiences to lift our thoughts to spiritual things. When we receive God’s material gifts, we should consider his greater spiritual blessings. This is especially appropriate during meals: “Blessed are those who will eat bread in the kingdom of God.”
This applies first to the kingdom of grace—the Messianic kingdom—which was about to be revealed. Jesus promised his disciples they would eat and drink with him in his kingdom, and those who partake of the Lord’s Supper eat bread in God’s kingdom.
It also refers to the kingdom of glory at the resurrection. Heaven is described as an eternal feast. Blessed are those who sit at that table from which they will never rise.
In response, Jesus gave a parable (Luke 14:16ff). He agreed with the man’s statement but challenged who would actually enjoy this privilege. “You Jews, who assume you have exclusive access, will mostly reject it, and the Gentiles will take your place.” He conveyed this truth in a parable to avoid direct offense, as the Pharisees would not tolerate it otherwise.
We see in this parable God’s grace in the gospel:
First, in the rich provision he made for souls in need (Luke 14:16): “A certain man prepared a great supper.” Christ and the grace of the gospel offer soul-nourishment for those who recognize their spiritual needs. It’s called a supper because evening was the primary time for feasting—symbolic of gospel grace revealed in the later days of history and the fullness of that grace experienced in heaven, the evening of our lives.
Second, in the gracious invitation: He “invited many.” Christ invited the whole Jewish nation to benefit from his gospel. The gospel is generous and open to all (Isaiah 25:6).
Then, as the appointed time drew near, a servant reminded the guests: “Come, for all things are now ready.” When the Holy Spirit was poured out and the church established, the invitation became more urgent. Now that the gospel is fully revealed, its ordinances instituted, and the Holy Spirit given, we are told, “All things are now ready. Now is the accepted time.” The opportunity is brief, so we must not delay. “Eat, O friends. Drink abundantly, O beloved.”
But the grace of the gospel met a cold reception. The invited guests declined. They didn’t outright say no, but “they all alike began to make excuses” (Luke 14:18). One would expect them to come eagerly to such a generous supper—but they each found a reason not to attend. This reflects the Jewish nation’s general refusal to embrace Christ, and more broadly, how reluctant people often are to respond to the gospel. They didn’t hesitate to make excuses—they had them ready on the spot.
Two guests had just made purchases and were too occupied to attend. One had bought land and insisted on inspecting it immediately. “Please excuse me.” He was so focused on expanding his estate that he neglected both his friend and his soul. Those consumed by worldly gain have deaf ears to Christ’s invitation. But the excuse was weak—he could have waited until the next day.
Another had bought five yoke of oxen and had to try them out right away: “Please excuse me.” These two illustrate how both worldly pleasures and anxieties keep people from Christ—both reveal a preference for temporal over eternal things. The matters were small and could have waited. It would have been better to say, “I’ve been invited to God’s kingdom, so I’ll delay inspecting the land or oxen.”
These were lawful activities, but when the heart is too attached to them, even lawful things become spiritual hindrances. It’s difficult to manage worldly affairs in a way that doesn’t interfere with spiritual priorities—and this must be our goal.
One guest had just married and said, “I can’t come” (Luke 14:20). He claimed he couldn’t, when in truth he wouldn’t. People often excuse themselves from spiritual duties by pretending they’re unable when they’re simply unwilling. He might have brought his wife along; both would have been welcome. Our love for family can sometimes hinder our duty to God. Adam once blamed the woman God gave him for eating; this man blames his wife for not eating.
The servant reported the guests’ refusals to the master (Luke 14:21). He was surprised they would not come, despite the early notice. Ministers must report the results of their work—now, in prayer, and later at Christ’s judgment seat. If they succeed, they give thanks; if they labor in vain, they bring their grief to God. At judgment, they will testify both against those who rejected the gospel and in favor of those who embraced it (Hebrews 13:17).
The master became angry (Luke 14:21). Those who slight the gospel and despise God provoke his wrath. Mercy scorned becomes judgment. His verdict: “None of those invited shall taste my supper.” Like Israel, who refused the promised land, they forfeited their place. Those who reject Christ when they may accept him will not have him when they wish. Once the door is shut, it will be too late.
Still, the master ensured his table would be filled. He sent servants to the city streets to bring in the poor, crippled, blind, and lame—not the wealthy merchants or professionals. The servants did not object, and they quickly gathered many. Publicans and sinners, not the proud Pharisees, were among those who responded—these are the poor and maimed. And still, there was room.
So he sent them into the countryside—to the highways and hedges—to invite even more, urging them to come. “Compel them to come in,” not by force, but by persuasive and loving argument. Many would doubt such a generous offer, so the servants were to reassure and convince them.
This pictures the calling of the Gentiles, who filled the church after the Jews rejected Christ.
Even when some reject the gospel, others will accept it with gratitude. Christ takes comfort in this: even if Israel doesn’t gather, he will still be glorified (Isaiah 49:5–6). God will have a church, even if some are cast out. Man’s unbelief does not void God’s promise.
The poor and disadvantaged are just as welcome in Christ’s kingdom as the rich—and often more receptive. The gospel succeeds most among those with the least worldly advantage. Christ had just instructed us to invite the poor to our tables (Luke 14:13); his love for the poor should inspire our compassion.
Often, the most unexpected people embrace the gospel. Publicans and prostitutes entered the kingdom ahead of Pharisees. So the last become first, and the first last. Let’s not assume the enthusiastic will persevere or that the unlikely will fail. Christ’s servants must be urgent and compassionate. “Go quickly” (Luke 14:21)—don’t waste time. Call them today. “Compel them to come in”—draw them with kindness and love.
This cannot be used as an argument for religious coercion—forcing someone to partake in worship or sacraments against their conscience. The compulsion meant here is through reason and love, not physical force. Our weapons are not carnal. Though many have already come, “there is still room.” Christ’s riches are infinite—enough for all, enough for each. The gospel excludes no one but those who exclude themselves. Christ’s house is large and will one day be full—when all the elect have come to him, the wedding feast will begin.