Lesson XVI.—The Marriage Supper.
1. WHAT is the wedding feast called that is described in Matt. 22? See verse 4. 3. Since supper comes at the close of the day, what would it naturally represent in the parable?—Something that is to take place at the close of the world's history. "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him; for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." 5. What is said about those that are called to this supper? "And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God." Verse 9. 6. On what occasion did Jesus give the parable about the marriage supper? "And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath day, that they watched him." Luke 14: 1. 7. What caution did he give in reference to those who might be invited to a wedding feast? "When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honorable man than thou be bidden of him." Verse 8. 8. How might one be humbled who should neglect this caution? "And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room." Verse 9. 9. What did he recommend as a proper course? "But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher; then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee." Verse 10. 10. What principle did he then lay down? "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." Verse 11. 11. What caution did he give to those who make feasts? "Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee." Verse 12. 12. Why is it more blessed to feast the poor and afflicted rather than the wealthy? "But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind; and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just." Verses 13, 14. 13. When will those who thus show mercy to the poor, receive their reward? 14. What remark was then made by one who sat at meat with him? "And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God." Verse 15. 15. How did Jesus then introduce another parable? "Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many." Verse 16. 16. With what message did the lord of the feast send out his servant at supper time? "And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready." Verse 17. 17. How was this call received? "And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me excused." Verse 18. 18. Why could not the first obey the call? Same verse.12 19. What excuse did the second make? "And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused." Verse 19. 20. Why was it impossible for the third to heed the summons? 21. What are these excuses meant to represent?—The worldly-mindedness of those who slight the gospel call. 22. How was the master affected when his servants told him how his call had been received? "So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind." Verse 21. 23. What order did he give? Same verse. 24. After fulfilling this order, what did the servants report? "And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room." Verse 22. 25. How was the house finally filled? "And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." Verse 23. 26. What resolution was expressed by the master of the feast? "For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper." Verse 24. 27. Where are these three calls represented in prophecy? Rev. 14: 6-9. 28. To whom was the first of these messages chiefly addressed?—To the churches. 29. Since the churches mainly refused the first message, to whom was the second addressed?—To those outside the churches, and to those who were tired of the corruptions found within them. 30. What is the third message sometimes called?—The compelling message, or call. 31. Why is the term appropriate?—Because its appeals are so clear and forcible as to compel the honest in heart to obey. 32. How may this parable be regarded?—As a continuation of the one in Matt. 22: 1-14, or at least as supplementary to it. 33. How does it supplement that parable?—By setting forth the three special calls to be given at the close of the dispensation.