Luke 14:17 - He sent out his servant at supper time to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, for everything is ready now.’
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What does "Luke 14:17" mean?
This verse, Luke 14:17, is part of the Parable of the Great Banquet, and its meaning is primarily allegorical. Here's a breakdown:
"He sent out his servant at supper time..."
"He" represents God (or, in some interpretations, Jesus).
"His servant" represents those God sends to call people to salvation, like prophets, apostles, preachers, missionaries, or even ordinary Christians sharing their faith.
"At supper time" This signifies a time of fulfillment, abundance, and feasting. It also suggests a time of ripeness or readiness, representing the opportune moment for salvation. It could also represent the time in history when the gospel was actively being preached.
"...to tell those who were invited..."
"Those who were invited" represent the Jewish people who were initially chosen to receive God's message through the Old Testament and the prophets. They had a special covenant relationship with God. However, in the context of the New Testament and the parable, they represent anyone to whom the Gospel message is first presented.
"...‘Come, for everything is ready now.’"
"Come" is the invitation to accept God's grace, mercy, and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
"Everything is ready now" signifies that all that is necessary for salvation is provided. The sacrifice has been made (Jesus on the cross), the way is open, and the blessings of God are available. This is a declaration that the time of waiting is over; the opportunity is present.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
This verse highlights the following core themes:
1. God's Invitation: God lovingly and graciously invites people to partake in his blessings and a relationship with him. The "banquet" represents the abundance of spiritual life, fellowship with God, and eternal rewards.
2. The Readiness of Salvation: The "everything is ready now" underscores that God has done all the work necessary for salvation. People don't need to earn it or wait for some future event; they simply need to accept the invitation.
3. The Importance of the Messenger: The servant represents the role of believers in sharing the gospel with others, extending the invitation to all.
4. A Second Chance: This verse highlights that even though the invitation was sent out previously, there is another call to accept the invitation.
Context within the Parable:
The verse is only meaningful within the context of the full parable. The responses to this invitation (which follow in the subsequent verses) are crucial. The invited guests make excuses for not coming, revealing their misplaced priorities and unwillingness to accept the generous offer. This leads the host to extend the invitation to others (the poor, crippled, blind, and lame), symbolizing God's grace being extended to those who are often overlooked and marginalized.
In conclusion, Luke 14:17 is a powerful reminder of God's invitation to salvation, the readiness of that salvation, and the importance of responding positively to the call. It also highlights the tragic consequences of rejecting God's grace because of worldly distractions and priorities.
Luke 14:17 - He sent out his servant at supper time to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, for everything is ready now.’
What does "Luke 14:17" mean?
This verse, Luke 14:17, is part of the Parable of the Great Banquet, and its meaning is primarily allegorical. Here's a breakdown:
"He sent out his servant at supper time..."
"He" represents God (or, in some interpretations, Jesus).
"His servant" represents those God sends to call people to salvation, like prophets, apostles, preachers, missionaries, or even ordinary Christians sharing their faith.
"At supper time" This signifies a time of fulfillment, abundance, and feasting. It also suggests a time of ripeness or readiness, representing the opportune moment for salvation. It could also represent the time in history when the gospel was actively being preached.
"...to tell those who were invited..."
"Those who were invited" represent the Jewish people who were initially chosen to receive God's message through the Old Testament and the prophets. They had a special covenant relationship with God. However, in the context of the New Testament and the parable, they represent anyone to whom the Gospel message is first presented.
"...‘Come, for everything is ready now.’"
"Come" is the invitation to accept God's grace, mercy, and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
"Everything is ready now" signifies that all that is necessary for salvation is provided. The sacrifice has been made (Jesus on the cross), the way is open, and the blessings of God are available. This is a declaration that the time of waiting is over; the opportunity is present.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
This verse highlights the following core themes:
1. God's Invitation: God lovingly and graciously invites people to partake in his blessings and a relationship with him. The "banquet" represents the abundance of spiritual life, fellowship with God, and eternal rewards.
2. The Readiness of Salvation: The "everything is ready now" underscores that God has done all the work necessary for salvation. People don't need to earn it or wait for some future event; they simply need to accept the invitation.
3. The Importance of the Messenger: The servant represents the role of believers in sharing the gospel with others, extending the invitation to all.
4. A Second Chance: This verse highlights that even though the invitation was sent out previously, there is another call to accept the invitation.
Context within the Parable:
The verse is only meaningful within the context of the full parable. The responses to this invitation (which follow in the subsequent verses) are crucial. The invited guests make excuses for not coming, revealing their misplaced priorities and unwillingness to accept the generous offer. This leads the host to extend the invitation to others (the poor, crippled, blind, and lame), symbolizing God's grace being extended to those who are often overlooked and marginalized.
In conclusion, Luke 14:17 is a powerful reminder of God's invitation to salvation, the readiness of that salvation, and the importance of responding positively to the call. It also highlights the tragic consequences of rejecting God's grace because of worldly distractions and priorities.