Luke 14:16
Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
In ancient culture, wealthy hosts sent initial invitations well in advance, then summoned guests when the feast was ready (as in Esther 6:14). This two-stage invitation process forms the parable's background. God's initial invitation came through the Old Testament prophets; Jesus represents the final summons—the kingdom is at hand, the feast is ready. Israel's rejection of Jesus despite centuries of prophetic preparation fulfills the parable's warning. The pattern continues—God invites all through gospel proclamation, but many refuse. The parable teaches that hearing the gospel without responding in faith brings greater condemnation than never hearing at all.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the great supper illustrate salvation as God's gracious initiative rather than human achievement?
- What does the two-stage invitation (advance notice, then final summons) teach about progressive revelation and gospel urgency?
- In what ways does this parable challenge both presumption (assuming participation) and despair (assuming exclusion)?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus responds with a parable: 'Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many.' The parable begins innocuously—'a certain man' (ἄνθρωπός τις, anthrōpos tis) 'made a great supper' (ἐποίησεν δεῖπνον μέγα, epoiēsen deipnon mega) 'and bade many' (καὶ ἐκάλεσεν πολλούς, kai ekalesen pollous, invited many). This pictures God's gracious invitation to enter His kingdom. The 'great supper' represents salvation's blessings—intimate fellowship with God, eternal life, joy. That he 'bade many' shows the invitation's wide scope—God desires all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9). The parable will reveal that invitation alone doesn't save; accepting the invitation is required.