I love telling children about the meaningful stories Jesus shared with His followers. The Parable of the Great Feast found in Luke 14:15-24 is one of my favorites because it shows us how God invites everyone to be part of His kingdom.

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This amazing story begins with a man who prepared an amazing banquet, but when the time came, those who were invited had some very interesting responses.

The Parable of the Great Feast

The Setting

Jesus was dining at the home of a prominent Pharisee on the Sabbath. The room was filled with religious leaders watching Him closely. During the meal, Jesus noticed how the guests chose the places of honor at the table.

After giving some advice about humility, Jesus turned to His host and said, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed." (Luke 14:12-14)

One of the dinner guests was so moved by Jesus' words that he exclaimed, "Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God." (Luke 14:15) This prompted Jesus to share a parable that would reveal deeper truths about God's invitation.

The Grand Invitation

Jesus began His story: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests." (Luke 14:16)

This wasn't just any dinner, it was a great banquet. In those days, when someone planned a feast like this, they would send out two invitations. The first invitation was sent well in advance so people could mark their calendars. The second invitation came when everything was ready, announcing "Come, for everything is now ready!" (Luke 14:17)

The host had spared no expense. Delicious foods were prepared, the house was decorated, and everything was set for a wonderful celebration. The servants were sent out to bring in those who had already accepted the first invitation.

The Surprising Excuses

What happened next was shocking! "But they all alike began to make excuses." (Luke 14:18)

The first man said, "I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me." (Luke 14:18)

Another said, "I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me." (Luke 14:19)

Still another said, "I just got married, so I can't come." (Luke 14:20)

These weren't emergencies or unexpected events. Each person had accepted the initial invitation but when the time came to actually attend the feast, they chose their own priorities instead. Their excuses showed where their hearts truly were—focused on possessions, work, and relationships rather than honoring their commitment.

The Host's Response

When the servant returned and reported these excuses, "the owner of the house became angry." (Luke 14:21) The host had every right to be upset! He had prepared a lavish banquet, and those he invited had rejected his generosity with flimsy excuses.

But instead of canceling the feast, the host made a surprising decision: "Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame." (Luke 14:21)

The servant followed these instructions and then reported, "Sir, what you ordered has been done, but there is still room." (Luke 14:22)

The Extended Invitation

The host wasn't finished yet! He wanted his house full of guests to enjoy the celebration he had prepared. So he told the servant, "Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full." (Luke 14:23)

This was extraordinary hospitality! The host was inviting strangers—people who would never expect such an invitation—to come and enjoy his banquet. He was determined that the food would not go to waste and the celebration would still take place.

Then came the sobering conclusion to the story: "I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet." (Luke 14:24)

Those who made excuses missed out completely. Their places were taken by others who recognized the value of the invitation and responded with gratitude.

What Can We Learn From The Parable of the Great Feast?

1. God's invitation is for everyone - Just like the host extended his invitation beyond the original guest list, God invites all people to be part of His kingdom.
2. Excuses can keep us from God's blessings - The invited guests missed out because they were too preoccupied with their own lives and priorities.
3. God's heart is for the outsiders - The host specifically invited those who were typically excluded from society—the poor, crippled, blind, and lame.
4. There's still room at God's table - The host insisted that more people be brought in until the house was full, showing God's desire that His kingdom be filled.
5. Our response to God's invitation matters - Those who accepted the invitation received the blessing of the banquet, while those who refused missed out completely.

Trivia Quiz About The Parable of the Great Feast

Where was Jesus when He told this parable?

Ans: At the house of a prominent Pharisee during a Sabbath meal.

What were the three excuses given by the invited guests?

Ans: Buying a field, purchasing oxen, and getting married.

Who did the host invite after the original guests refused to come?

Ans: The poor, crippled, blind, and lame from the streets and alleys of the town.

What was the host's reaction to the excuses?

Ans: He became angry but then extended his invitation to others.

What did Jesus say would happen to those who originally declined the invitation?

Ans: "Not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet."

If you enjoyed learning about The Parable of the Great Feast, you might also like to hear about The Parable of the Wedding Banquet! It's another wonderful story Jesus told that teaches us about loving our neighbors in surprising ways.