The verses before us contain one of our Lord’s most instructive parables. It was spoken in consequence of a remark made by one who was sitting at table with Him in a Pharisee’s house. “Blessed,” said this man, “is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.”–The object of this remark we are left to conjecture. It is likely that he who made it was one of that class of people who wish to go to heaven, and like to hear good things talked of, but never get any further. Our Lord takes occasion to remind him and all the company, by means of the parable of the great supper, that men may have the kingdom of God offered to them, and yet may wilfully neglect it, and be lost forever.

We are taught, firstly, in this parable, that God has made a great provision for the salvation of men’s souls. This is the meaning of the words, “a certain man made a great banquet, and invited many.” This is the Gospel.