Jesus’ Questionable Table Manners
It
has been said, “The key of a parable hangs on the front door.”[1]
This is the case with Luke 15:1-32, where in verses 1-3 Luke stated the purpose
for the parable. Jesus was willing to eat at the table of the Pharisees and
Scribes, but He would also communicate the truths of the kingdom. The religious leaders
murmured amongst themselves, questioning Jesus’ table manners, v2. They were
disgusted with His table manners, as He ate and shared the truths of the
kingdom of God with the marginalised or social outcasts. He treated all people
equal, and was willing to eat with them and communicate these truths.
This
double-edged parable explained the gospel of the kingdom of God to all present,
including its’ critics. This is one parable with three illustrations; a lost sheep,
a lost coin and two lost sons. The father had a heart of grace (v20), while the
elder brother a hardened heart, vv28,29. The elder brother’s anger stood in contrast
to the father’s compassion and grace. The elder brother refused to go to the
feast, but his father came to him pleading with him to join the feast, v28. This
was an invitation to the Pharisees and Scribes to join the celebration of the
kingdom of God.
The
heavenly Father loves and is graceful and ready to forgive the worst sinner and
outcast. He rejoices when the lost are found, yet; He also seeks those who
have hardened
their heart like the elder brother. The invitation to His table is given to the
lost sheep, lost coin and both brothers; the lost younger brother, and the hardhearted
older brother. Therefore, His table manners are perfectly acceptable; they are
the table manners of the Kingdom of God. This parable in a sense ends with a comma.
It remains an open invitation to come, feast and rejoice with the Father.
[1] Heitzig, Lenya & Rose, Penny.
Live Deeply: A Study in the Parables of
Jesus. (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook; 2009), 215.
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