The Parable of the Great Banquet

Luke 14:15-24

Key Verse 14:23

1. Read verse 15. What might have inspired this man to say what he did regarding the privilege to eat at the feast in the kingdom of God? (Luke 14:12-14)

2. Verse 16 starts by saying, “Jesus replied…” What does the word “replied” indicate about the meaning(s) of the following words: 1) a certain man (the owner of the house); 2) a great banquet; 3) a ‘taste’ of my banquet; and 4) his servant? 

3. Read verses 16-17. What does “Come, for everything is now ready” (especially the word “ready”) suggest about the work(s) put forth by the host in order to get the banquet ready? (John 14:2; Hebrews 11:10)

4. Think about the three excuses people made in verses 18-20. What is an “excuse”? Are these excuses acceptable? (Remember that they had already been ‘invited’ and must have agreed to come.) How can we overcome the same types of problems in our daily walk in the Lord? (1Co 7:31)

5. Verses 21-24 describe the owner’s response to the peoples’ excuses. What do the following expressions tell us about the owner’s burning desire? 1) “bring [them] in”; 2) “there is still room; 3) “make them come in”; and 4) “so that my house will be full”. 

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