9150 Messianic banquet

A symbolic portrayal of the blessings of the age to come in which those chosen by God share in a rich feast with the Messiah. In the NT this is often pictured as a marriage supper with Jesus Christ as the groom and the church as both bride and invited guests. The feast, which will take place after the consummation of God’s kingdom, is prefigured in the Lord’s Supper.

The Messianic banquet promised

Isa 25:6; Lk 14:15

The significance of banqueting

As a sign of spiritual blessing Ps 23:5 See also Job 36:16; Isa 1:19; Isa 55:1-2; Joel 2:24-26

As a sign of spiritual satisfaction Ps 63:5 See also Ps 107:9; Isa 58:11; Eze 34:14; Jn 7:37-38; Rev 7:16-17

As a sign of fellowship with God Rev 3:20 See also Ex 24:11 This may have been a covenant meal to seal the covenant between God and Israel; SS 2:4

The Messianic banquet as a wedding feast

The invitation to participate Mt 22:2; Rev 19:7-9 See also Mt 25:1-10; Lk 14:16; Rev 21:2,9-10

The invitation rejected Mt 22:3-6; Lk 14:16-20

The invitation given to others Mt 8:11-12 See also Mt 22:7-14; Lk 13:28-29; Lk 14:21-24

The anticipation of the Messianic banquet

Celebrating God’s goodness Dt 16:15 See also Ne 8:10-12; Zec 14:16

It is prefigured in the Lord’s Supper Lk 22:15-16 The Messianic banquet is here associated with the Passover meal which Jesus Christ shared with his disciples; Mt 26:27-29 pp Mk 14:23-25 pp Lk 22:17-18 Jn 6:48-51 See also Lk 22:29-30; Jn 6:55-56; 1Co 11:26

See also