First, he healed a man who was there. The man was obviously a plant – a set up – for Jesus because they knew that He would not miss the opportunity to heal a man even if it was the Sabbath. Still, they were speechless when He did just that and they remained speechless as He questioned them about what the proper etiquette was for Sabbath healings. He went on to talk about Banquet etiquette.
He addressed the entire group gathered concerning humility as he cautioned them about grabbing the best seat for themselves at a banquet. Then he addressed the host by asking him if maybe he couldn’t have invited some less-than-desirable guests instead of just his friends. And then he told the Parable of the Great Banquet to share what was coming in the Great Banquet of the Lord.
He made clear this point – that there are some in this world who consider themselves to be a part of the chosen few, the elite. The Jews at that time quite often saw themselves as such and many Christians do so today. They figure that they’re in God’s camp and that they are God’s kind of people – always doing the right thing unlike the reprobates around them. He also made it clear the Kingdom of God was open to everyone who believes – to everyone who answers the call of God in faith.
He concludes the parable with a commandment for us as His servants. We must go out and find those who need Him most and “compel” them to come to the Kingdom of God – the Banquet of God – and sit down at the table that He has prepared for them in the presence of their enemies.
This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, February 25, 2024. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons is Jesus Storyteller: Timeless Truths from His Parables. You can find printed and digital versions of this series online at: https://gc2press.org/jesus-storyteller-luke-study-guide/ .Handouts with slide content can be requested at:
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