Abstract

Scholars frequently claim that there existed an expectation for an eschatological/ messianic banquet in Second Temple Judaism, that the banquet was used as an image for the blessed age to come, and that Jesus’ praxis of banqueting with reputed sinners related to the messianic banquet tradition. These three claims are often assumed, resulting in three problematic trends: evidence for the messianic banquet tradition is often lacking, the tradition is typically treated in isolation from other eschatological expectations, and the tradition’s connection to Jesus’ fellowship is inadequately demonstrated. This thesis begins by surveying the gamut of Second Temple literature for the motif of eschatological eating/banqueting to firmly establish the existence of this hope and to provide it with more precise definition. This study also contextualizes this tradition within the broader eschatological hopes of the period. Specifically, the messianic banquet was associated with the hope for the end of exile. The messianic banquet would be the sign of restoration accomplished, and yet it is clear from the literature that Second Temple Judaism considered exile to be ongoing, being linked to the ongoing diaspora. I read the Lukan meal-scenes in light of these contexts, demonstrating that the Lukan Jesus’ praxis of banqueting invoked the messianic banquet tradition in order to signal that the beginning of the end of exile was at last dawning through his ministry.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Dinners and dining in the Bible; Bible. Luke—Criticism, interpretation, etc.

Date of Award

2025

School Affiliation

Seaver College

Department/Program

Religion

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Masters

Faculty Advisor

Nicholas Zola

Download

Share

COinS