Facing opposition from the religious authorities, Jesus tells a story that reorganizes the kingdom of God and its citizens around himself. The self-satisfied find themselves on the outside and the invitation is announced widely to any who will come. Do you have a seat at the king’s table?

Questions

1. What is a parable and why does Jesus use them in his teaching?

2. Who is Jesus’s main audience for this parable?

3. Why were the original banquet guests found to be unworthy?

4. What is the King’s response in v 9-10?

5. What is surprising about the end of the parable?

6. How does this parable challenge you? How does it bring you comfort?