It has been said that in chapters 14 and 15 of Luke’s Gospel we discover the “unqualified offer of grace to sinners” as it is “set forth in all of its majesty” (Bailey, Through Peasant Eyes, 88). In these two chapters there are no less than five parables presented by Jesus, each displaying the wonder of redeeming grace:

The Parable of the Wedding Feast (14:7-1)

The Parable of the Great Banquet (14:12-24)

The Parable of the Lost Sheep (15:1-1-7)

The Parable of the Lost Coin (15:8-10)

The Parable of the Prodigal Son (15:11-32)

And even chapter 16 begins with yet another parable, that of the Dishonest Manager (16:1-13).

So here in Luke 14-15 we have a significant concentration of our Lord’s stories, each designed to tell us something about the Kingdom of Heaven, or the gracious rule of our King and Savior.

This coming Sunday, we are going to take a close look at ‘The Parable of the Great Banquet’ recorded in Luke 14:12-24. As you read it, you’ll immediately connect with it, as this parable illustrates the wonder of God’s grace by means of images we are all familiar with. I won’t spoil it now by revealing this connection, but when you read this story for yourself you’ll see exactly what I mean!

In verses 12-15 Luke sets the stage for the parable. Then in verses 16-24 he relates to us the story as told by Jesus. Be sure to carefully observe the fuller context of the parable (verses 1-14), and the comment by one of the Pharisees that actually sparked this parable (verse 15).