Parable of the Great Banquet: Verse, Meaning & Lesson

The Parable of the Great Banquet is in Luke 14:16–24. Jesus told this parable to convey that those who accept the invitation to follow Christ are rewarded with the spiritual feast of salvation.

This guide gives you a complete summary of the Parable of the Great Banquet, including the verses in Scripture, the meaning, and lessons that can be applied to the Christian life.

Parable of the Great Banquet In Scripture

Luke 14:16–24 – Parable of the Great Banquet

¹⁶But he said to him, “A certain man made a great supper, and he invited many people. ¹⁷ He sent out his servant at supper time to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, for everything is ready now.’ ¹⁸ They all as one began to make excuses.

“The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please have me excused.’

¹⁹ “Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go try them out. Please have me excused.’

²⁰ “Another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I can’t come.’

²¹ “That servant came, and told 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 the poor, maimed, blind, and lame.’

²² “The servant said, ‘Lord, it is done as you commanded, and there is still room.’

²³ “The lord said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. ²⁴ For I tell you that none of those men who were invited will taste of my supper.’ ”

Read Luke 14

Parable of the Great Banquet Meaning

Historically, the parable was meant for Jesus’ contemporaries, particularly the Jewish leaders. The invited guests who refused to attend the banquet symbolize the Jewish people who were offered salvation but rejected Jesus. Consequently, the servants were instructed to invite everyone else, representing the opening of God’s Kingdom to the Gentiles.

The Parable of the Great Banquet also carries a rich meaning for present-day readers. For today’s audience, the parable emphasizes that the invitation to God’s Kingdom, symbolized by the banquet, is extended to all, and underscores the importance of prioritizing this invitation over worldly concerns. Those who accept the invitation to follow Christ are rewarded with the spiritual feast of salvation, which is God’s mercy and grace through the Gospel.

Parable of the Great Banquet Lessons

God’s Invitation is Universal

The main lesson is that God’s Kingdom is open to all who accept His call with sincerity and humility, regardless of social status or background. It challenges societal norms and biases, highlighting the importance of genuine faith.

The Danger of Rejecting God’s Call

Those who make excuses and reject the invitation are missing out on the blessings God has prepared for those who accept His call. Earthly excuses should not prevent one from partaking in the spiritual riches offered through Christ

Humility is Key

The parable also emphasizes the importance of humility, as those who felt too proud or too busy to accept the invitation were replaced by those who were humble and grateful to be included.

Active Participation in God’s Work

Another lesson is that Christians are encouraged to actively share the Gospel (i.e., Good News) of Christ and extend God’s invitation to others, just as the servant in the parable was instructed to bring in the poor, crippled, blind, and lame.

Eternal Rewards

The parable also suggests that there are eternal rewards for those who respond to God’s invitation with a willing heart, as they will partake in the heavenly banquet.

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Summary of the Parable of the Great Banquet

We hope you enjoyed this summary of the Parable of the Great Banquet.

As you discovered, the Parable of the Great Banquet appears in Luke 14:16–24. And the primary meaning of the parable is that those who accept the invitation to follow Christ are rewarded with the spiritual feast of salvation. The life lessons include God’s invitation is universal, there is danger in rejecting God’s call, humility over pride is crucial, Christians are encouraged to actively share the Gospel, and eternal rewards are given to those who respond to God’s invitation with a willing heart.

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