For my money, one of the most resonant metaphors for the kingdom, or reign, of God in all of Scripture is that of the banquet table. Jesus makes reference to it more than once, and each time the implication is that we may be surprised, perhaps even dismayed, at who is seated around the table. He says that people will come from the north, south, east, and west and take their places at the banquet table in the reign of God, whereas the self-righteous will be shut out (Luke 13:28–29). On another...