Luke 14:17

Luke 14:17 is a pivotal verse within Jesus's Parable of the Great Supper, where a host sends his servant to announce that the much-anticipated meal is ready for those previously invited. It encapsulates the urgency and completeness of a divine invitation.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse by Jesus in Luke 14, following His teachings on humility and choosing the lowest seat at a feast (Luke 14:8-11) and the importance of inviting the poor and needy to banquets (Luke 14:12-14). The parable itself (Luke 14:15-24) is a response to someone remarking, "Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God." Culturally, it was common practice in ancient Near Eastern society for a host to send out two invitations: an initial one to gauge interest, and a second one when the feast was actually prepared. This second call, as described in Luke 14:17, signifies that the preparations are complete, and the time for enjoyment has arrived, making the message "Come; for all things are now ready" particularly urgent and inviting.

Key Themes

• Divine Readiness and Provision: The phrase "all things are now ready" highlights God's complete and abundant provision for salvation and fellowship. The feast represents the spiritual blessings and eternal life offered through His kingdom, emphasizing that the work of redemption is finished and available.
• Urgency of the Invitation: The servant's message underscores that the moment for acceptance is immediate. There is no further delay; the time for the spiritual feast is now, requiring an immediate response from those who have been invited.
• The Gospel Call: The servant acts as a herald, delivering the urgent invitation to those who have been "bidden" (invited). This foreshadows the role of believers in proclaiming the Gospel message to the world, announcing that God's kingdom is at hand and salvation is available.

Linguistic Insights

• The term "supper time" (Greek: deipnon) refers to the main meal of the day, often a significant social event, underscoring the importance and richness of the banquet being offered.
• The word "bidden" (Greek: kaleō) implies a prior, personal invitation, suggesting a specific group targeted or a relationship with the host.
• The declaration "all things are now ready" (Greek: hetoimos) conveys a powerful sense of completion and preparedness. It signifies that the work of redemption has been accomplished, and the way to God's presence and blessings is open and accessible.

Practical Application

Luke 14:17 offers profound insights for believers today:

• Respond to God's Call: Just as the servant called the guests, God continually extends His invitation to humanity through His Word and His people. This verse urges us to recognize that salvation is not a future possibility but a present reality, fully prepared and offered now. There is no need for us to "prepare" ourselves; rather, we are called to simply "Come" and receive His grace.
• Share the Good News: We are called to be like the servant, announcing that the spiritual feast is ready. This involves sharing the message of God's grace and the readiness of salvation with others, just as Jesus commanded in the Great Commission. We are to proclaim that God's kingdom is accessible now.
• Embrace God's Abundance: The parable highlights God's lavish provision. The "great supper" signifies the richness and fullness of life found in God's kingdom, culminating in the ultimate Marriage Supper of the Lamb. This verse reminds us that God's blessings are not meager but overflowing, waiting for us to partake.