A parable of Jesus · Part 14 of 20 · 3 min
A Great Dinner for Everyone
Jesus told a story about a man who prepared a great dinner.
He had invited many people. When dinner was ready, he sent his servant to tell them to come.
But the guests began making excuses.
One wanted to inspect a field he had bought. Another wanted to try his work animals. Another said he had married and could not come.
The servant returned and told his master.
The master sent him to find other people. He wanted to welcome people who were poor, people who could not see, and people who needed help walking.
The servant did as he was asked. But there were still empty places.
The master sent him along the roads too, inviting people so the house would be full.
“Come! There is still room at the table.”
The table was ready to welcome them.
Jesus showed how generous God's invitation is. It is not only for people with money, importance, or easy lives.
He invites us to receive his love.
The first guests let other things take the invitation's place. We can forget what matters when we think only about things we want to have or do.
We can listen to God, thank him, and make room for others.
If someone has a disability, we can ask how to help and treat them respectfully. If a new child comes to play, we can invite them.
Having more things does not make us better. Everyone needs our Father's love.
We can come close to him and share the joy of his kindness.
Jesus tells us a story, and his love stays with us.
Retelling of Luke 14:15–24.
Supporting reading: Christ's Object Lessons, chapter 18. Open the English book
Talk about it together
- Generosity
- Respect
- Love
- What did the host do when places at the table were still empty?
- How might someone feel when invited after being alone?
- How can you include someone who has just arrived in your game?
Activity · 2–5 minutes
There Is Still Room
Without moving furniture, imagine a big table. Take turns inviting an imaginary person with a kind sentence. Ask what they would need to join comfortably, and suggest how to make room in the conversation or game.
Try it today: I can invite someone and ask how to help, without deciding for them.
More stories with these values
Complete the pattern
Open the interactive activity or prepare a printable sheet for home, classroom, or family.
Open activity →