The Wedding Feast — Hidden Meanings in The Parables of Jesus (PaRDeS)

PaRDeS Exegesis of the Parable of the Wedding Feast

The PaRDeS method of exegesis, rooted in Kabbalistic traditions and developed by Rabbi Moses de Leon, provides a structured approach to interpreting sacred texts through four interpretative levels: Peshat (literal meaning), Remez (allegorical meaning), Derash (symbolic meaning), and Sod (secret or mystical meaning). Applying this method to the Parable of the Wedding Feast (Luke 14:7–11) reveals its layered meanings.

Peshat (Literal Meaning)

The Peshat level focuses on the straightforward, literal interpretation of the text.

Literal Interpretation: Jesus tells a parable to the guests at a feast, observing how they chose places of honor. He advises them not to take the place of honor at a wedding feast, lest someone more distinguished comes, and they are asked to move to a lower place in disgrace. Instead, he suggests choosing the lowest place, so that the host may invite them to move up higher, thus receiving honor in front of all guests. He concludes with the principle that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Remez (Allegorical Meaning)

The Remez level seeks to uncover the allegorical or metaphorical significance behind the literal words.

Allegorical Interpretation:

1. Wedding Feast: Represents the kingdom of God or a spiritual gathering.
2. Places of Honor: Symbolize positions of status and recognition within the community or spiritual realm.
3. Guests: Represent believers or members of the community.
4. Host: Symbolizes God or Jesus, the one who invites and assigns honor.
5. Moving to a Lower Place: Represents humility and the recognition of one’s true position.
6. Invitation to Move Up: Symbolizes divine recognition and the bestowal of honor upon the humble.

The allegory emphasizes the importance of humility and the assurance that God will elevate those who humble themselves.

Derash (Symbolic Meaning)

The Derash level explores deeper, often symbolic meanings, typically involving moral or homiletic interpretations.

Symbolic Interpretation:

1. Choosing the Lowest Place: Symbolizes the practice of humility and the avoidance of self-promotion.
2. Disgrace of Being Moved Down: Represents the consequences of pride and the embarrassment of overestimating oneself.
3. Honor of Being Moved Up: Reflects the reward of humility and the honor bestowed by God and others.
4. Exalting Oneself: Symbolizes arrogance and the pursuit of status for self-serving reasons.
5. Humbling Oneself: Represents the cultivation of humility and a genuine recognition of one’s position in relation to others.

Symbolically, the parable encourages believers to practice humility and trust that true honor comes from God and not from self-promotion.

Sod (Secret or Mystical Meaning)

The Sod level delves into the mystical, esoteric meanings that might be hidden within the text.

Mystical Interpretation:

1. Wedding Feast: Represents the divine union or the gathering of souls in the spiritual realm.
2. Places of Honor: Symbolize the levels of spiritual attainment and the soul’s progress in the divine order.
3. Guests: Represent the souls invited to partake in the divine mysteries and union.
4. Host’s Invitation: Symbolizes divine grace and the elevation of the soul through spiritual humility.
5. Moving Down: Reflects the soul’s journey of self-realization and the shedding of ego.
6. Elevation by the Host: Represents the soul’s ascension and the recognition of divine favor and grace.

Mystically, the parable highlights the soul’s journey towards divine union, emphasizing the importance of humility and the transformative power of divine grace.

Conclusion

The PaRDeS method reveals the richness and depth of the Parable of the Wedding Feast. From its literal advice on social etiquette to its allegorical message about humility and divine honor, its symbolic encouragement to practice humility and avoid self-promotion, and its mystical insights into the soul’s journey towards divine union and grace, this parable offers a comprehensive understanding of the importance of humility and the assurance of divine elevation. Engaging with the text on multiple levels allows one to appreciate the profound and multifaceted teachings of Jesus regarding the value of humility and the true source of honor.