The Parable of the great banquet

Luke 14:15-24

To help the children study the parable of the Great Banquet.

“Then he told them many things in parables” (Matthew 13:3a, NIV*).

Jesus shared this parable at a banquet to which a ruler had invited him. From what we read in Scripture, Jesus often participated in these types of social gatherings. However, his intentions were different from those of the other guests. He wanted to take every opportunity to preach the message of the kingdom of God to the Jewish people. One of the best places to do so was at celebrations attended by the most prominent religious and political leaders.

Jesus carefully observed the attitude of these important men and felt the need to refer to this parable as something for them to reflect upon.

In this story, a man organized a banquet and invited only an exclusive group of people (alluding to Orthodox Jews). At first, they all accepted the invitation, but ended up not going. As a result, the host felt humiliated.

In the same way, many Jews refused to accept Jesus’ invitation. God’s immense love extended this invitation to sinners and Gentiles. God, through his son, Jesus, invites all people to celebrate this great banquet. All the people who attended the banquet of the parable had to make a decision. In the same way, each person has the responsibility to accept or decline God’s invitation to have a personal relationship with him.

Children love festivities and parties. They get very excited when an event is about to happen. Ask your children how they would feel if they organized a birthday party and no one attended. Surely they would be very sad and frustrated.

Explain that God loves us and wants us to love him too. Show them that Jesus invites them to love Him and follow him.

Preschoolers are cheerful and playful, so they will surely be interested in hearing the story of a big party. They will be excited to know that Jesus also participated in special celebrations, and this parable gives you a great opportunity to teach them that Jesus was a happy man and enjoyed being with his friends.

Welcome to the party!

Decorate your room with festive designs (balloons, colorful banners, etc.) and receive your children as guests of honor. If possible, serve them a small snack such as candy or cookies. Tell them that in today’s story they will learn about a great celebration.

When you use balloons in activities, make sure that everyone uses them properly. If a balloon bursts, throw it away immediately to avoid having children putting it their mouths.

Use this activity to tell the Bible story to your children.

What did you draw?

Have the children sit in a circle. If you had them draw a picture of what they like at parties, let each one show the others what they drew. Afterwards, attach the finished artwork on the wall.

Tell them to listen very carefully to the story that Jesus told about a great celebration.

If possible, as you tell this parable, have the children sit at the table as if they were at a banquet.

A great banquet!

Jesus often told special stories called parables, which served to teach people about the kingdom of God. One day Jesus told a story about a great banquet.

“There was a man who had a very big house, and on one occasion, he organized a big party and invited many people. He enthusiastically prepared everything necessary to offer a special celebration.

When the time came, he sent his servant to call the guests and say: ‘Come, everything is ready for the party.’

However, the people who had been invited began to apologize and reject the invitation. One said: ‘I just bought a piece of land and I need to go see it. I cannot go now’.

Another said: ‘I just got married and I cannot go. Please, excuse me’.

So, one by one they all refused to go. Then the servant returned and told his lord what had happened.

The master was very angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go to the streets and alleys of the town and tell the lame, the blind, the disabled and the poor that I invite them to my big party.’

The servant went and invited many people to the party. They were all very excited! There was still room for more people in the house, so the man sent the servant to look for others to join the celebration. Many people went to this man’s house. They enjoyed a great celebration together.”

You’re invited!

Distribute Student Activity Sheet #63-A and have the children cut out the jar and the bread.

Distribute Student Activity Sheet #63-B. Allow the children to write their name and trace the word of faith. Then help them paste the jar and bread on the scene. Give them time to find and color the five balloons that appear there.

Have the children turn to Student Activity Sheet #63-C and connect the points to trace the figure of the Bible.

Encourage the group to take home their activity sheets to share the lesson with their families and friends.