The Parable of the Great Banquet

A great banquet is prepared, but those first invited refuse the invitation. The master then invites others from the streets and highways.

The Parable of the Great Banquet

Luke 14:15-24/ KJV

15. And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
16. Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
17. And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
18. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
19. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
20. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
21. So that servant came, and shewed 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 hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
22. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
23. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
24. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

General themes for this chapter of the Bible: Healing on the Sabbath; Great Banquet; Cost of Discipleship

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Night. A lone figure walks away from the brightly lit banquet hall, dejected and alone, having refused the invitation. The darkness and the solitary figure emphasize regret and missed opportunity. This image underscores the regret and missed opportunity associated with rejecting the invitation, highlighting solitude and darkness.

A detailed image of a partially filled goblet of wine, sitting on a lavishly decorated table. The remaining wine suggests the plenty, but also the opportunity for more. The table, partially in shadow, provides a contrast between the abundance of the banquet and the potential for those who were initially excluded. This focuses on the abundance of the banquet, yet also subtly hints at the capacity for more, symbolizing the inclusion of those initially overlooked.

A close-up of hands reaching out to receive a loaf of bread from a servant. The focus is on the acceptance of the offering, emphasizing the generosity and welcoming nature of the master. This focuses on the act of receiving and acceptance, emphasizing the grace and generosity of the master in welcoming all.

Macro closeup of a richly laden banquet table in a dimly lit room, overflowing with roasted meats, fruits, and overflowing goblets. Dust motes dance in the single beam of light illuminating the scene, hinting at the neglect of the original invitees. A single empty chair sits prominently at the head of the table. This macro shot focuses on the physical abundance of the banquet, contrasting it with the emptiness of the unfilled chair—representing the rejection of the initial invitation.

Macro closeup of a worn, mud-caked sandal next to a discarded invitation scroll, lying on a dusty road outside a grand estate. The scroll is partially torn, showing elegant script, symbolic of the rejection of the invitation. This macro shot symbolizes the rejection of the invitation by those who were first called, focusing on the contrast between the elegant invitation and the harsh reality of the road.

A bright morning scene. Orange sunlight illuminates a dusty road leading to a grand estate. Olive trees line the road, casting long shadows. In the distance, the estate is partially visible, with a bustling marketplace. A figure walks towards the estate, representing the those invited from the streets and highways. This depicts those called from the highways and byways approaching the banquet, highlighting the journey and the hope symbolized by the morning sun.

Bright morning light bathes a field of wildflowers and wheat. A lone bird soars overhead, representing the call to the banquet. The scene is peaceful and beautiful, symbolizing the abundance available to all. This idyllic scene represents the abundance and peace available to all those who accept the master's invitation, using natural imagery.

An evening scene, with the sun setting behind a distant mountain range. Shadows lengthen across a vineyard, with workers gathering grapes. The scene is tranquil and peaceful, contrasting with the urgency of the invitation. The setting sun symbolizes the fleeting nature of opportunity. This peaceful evening scene emphasizes the limited time to accept the invitation, highlighting the setting sun as a metaphor for fleeting opportunity.

Evening. A lone figure sits at the edge of a well, drawing water. The sky is a deep orange and purple, reflecting the urgency and the approaching nightfall. This represents the late hour, and the last call for those who missed out on the banquet. This focuses on the late hour and the last chance to accept the invitation, contrasting the tranquil scene with the urgency of the situation.

A group of people eagerly approach a large house at dawn. Their clothing is simple, but their expressions are hopeful. The house is grand, representing the banquet hall. This illustrates the joyful acceptance of the invitation by the humble, focusing on their hopeful expressions and the grandeur of the banquet hall.

Morning. A wealthy family sits at breakfast, ignoring the servant approaching with news of the banquet. Their expressions are haughty and dismissive. The contrast highlights the rejection of the invitation by those already privileged. This contrasts the indifference of the wealthy with the earnestness of those extending the invitation, highlighting the rejection of the privileged.

Night scene. A bustling street, filled with diverse people enjoying the festivities after accepting the invitation. The scene is joyful and celebratory. Lantern light illuminates their faces. This depicts the festive atmosphere of the banquet, focusing on the diversity and joy of the unexpected guests.

overlayed with the bible verse 15. And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.

NOTE: The images reflect the following descriptions related to the theme : The Parable of the Great Banquet

Macro closeup of a richly laden banquet table in a dimly lit room, overflowing with roasted meats, fruits, and overflowing goblets. Dust motes dance in the single beam of light illuminating the scene, hinting at the neglect of the original invitees. A single empty chair sits prominently at the head of the table.
Macro closeup of a worn, mud-caked sandal next to a discarded invitation scroll, lying on a dusty road outside a grand estate. The scroll is partially torn, showing elegant script, symbolic of the rejection of the invitation.
A bright morning scene. Orange sunlight illuminates a dusty road leading to a grand estate. Olive trees line the road, casting long shadows. In the distance, the estate is partially visible, with a bustling marketplace. A figure walks towards the estate, representing the those invited from the streets and highways.
Bright morning light bathes a field of wildflowers and wheat. A lone bird soars overhead, representing the call to the banquet. The scene is peaceful and beautiful, symbolizing the abundance available to all.
An evening scene, with the sun setting behind a distant mountain range. Shadows lengthen across a vineyard, with workers gathering grapes. The scene is tranquil and peaceful, contrasting with the urgency of the invitation. The setting sun symbolizes the fleeting nature of opportunity.
Evening. A lone figure sits at the edge of a well, drawing water. The sky is a deep orange and purple, reflecting the urgency and the approaching nightfall. This represents the late hour, and the last call for those who missed out on the banquet.
A group of people eagerly approach a large house at dawn. Their clothing is simple, but their expressions are hopeful. The house is grand, representing the banquet hall.
Morning. A wealthy family sits at breakfast, ignoring the servant approaching with news of the banquet. Their expressions are haughty and dismissive. The contrast highlights the rejection of the invitation by those already privileged.
Night scene. A bustling street, filled with diverse people enjoying the festivities after accepting the invitation. The scene is joyful and celebratory. Lantern light illuminates their faces.
Night. A lone figure walks away from the brightly lit banquet hall, dejected and alone, having refused the invitation. The darkness and the solitary figure emphasize regret and missed opportunity.
A detailed image of a partially filled goblet of wine, sitting on a lavishly decorated table. The remaining wine suggests the plenty, but also the opportunity for more. The table, partially in shadow, provides a contrast between the abundance of the banquet and the potential for those who were initially excluded.
A close-up of hands reaching out to receive a loaf of bread from a servant. The focus is on the acceptance of the offering, emphasizing the generosity and welcoming nature of the master.

A link to this resource is much appreciated to let others know about this free christian resource. The AB Church in LAusanne-Renens is happy to make the image collection available for free.

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