Q1. Compel Them to Come In

[tgandy]

In The Parable of the Great Banquet the original guests represent the rich and socially elite.  These would be the Pharisees and the Jewish religious leaders of the time.  The later guest represent the poor and the common people and the outlying areas would be the Gentiles.  These are the people others would not invite.  To compel them to come in is to impress upon them the importance of attending.  This sense of urgency applies today as this meal is the chance to repent before it is too late.  John's message of "Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand" is as important today as it was then.  We do not know the day or hour of his coming.  We must be prepared.

[Ernie's Son]

In the Parable of the Great Banquet, who do the original quests represent?  "His (Christ) people Israel."

 

Who do the later invited quests represent?  "The common people," "the poor and oppressed among the Jewish people," and "the Gentiles."

 

What does it mean to "compel them to come in" (KJV)?  "The servants are not to take 'No' for and answer.  They have been told to encourage (sought out, urged, and compelled) and strongly urge everyone they meet to accept this invitation."

 

How might this sense of urgency apply today?  "We are the servants, and bring a marvelous message of invitation and acceptance and forgiveness.  We must take our role seriously and urge the invitation wherever we are.  This is not a take-it-or-leave-it task.  It is a mission, the mission of the Host, and we must fulfill it."