Wednesday 05 September 2007

Background

The story of the Great Feast is set in the context of tabletalk, where Jesus is shown debating with the Pharisees. Phariseeswere scholars who were devoted to helping ordinary peopleunderstand and keep the Jewish law. Jesus is often shown arguingwith them as he often had a radical 'take' on how the Law should infact be honoured. 

Judging by the number of times he mentions them in his gospel, Lukeis fond of banquets! They are to be understood as referring to the'heavenly banquet prepared for all people', which Christians lookforward to as we gather around the Lord's Table at HolyCommunion. 

When the invitation to the banquet is made in the parable, peoplemake excuses which parallel the reasons why men were excusedmilitary service in Deuteronomy 20:5-7.They are reasonable excuses, but by making them, the people havemissed their opportunity. The Pharisees at the table with Jesusmight have seen themselves in those people. 

The invitation then goes out to those in the city who would beconsidered unfit for such things by the Pharisees, and finally tothose who live further afield. It is possible to see those peopleas the Gentiles (non-Jews). Luke emphasises that they are welcomein God's Kingdom. No one is excluded, but it is possible to refusethe invitation, the parable says.

To Ponder

Is the Church today the sort of inclusivecommunity which welcomes everyone? Who might feel excluded? How canthey be made to feel welcome?

What excuses are you inclined to make, to avoidGod's invitation?