8:11 recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. A reference to the messianic banquet theme of Is. 25:6–9. Gentiles now appear in place of the natural sons. This theme recurs in the parable of the wicked tenants (21:33–44, especially v. 43) and the banquet parable (22:1–14). Jesus’ prediction is an early example of the principle developed by Paul in Rom. 9:30–32: Israel tries to pursue righteousness by works and does not obtain it, but Gentiles who know they deserve only condemnation seek God’s mercy and obtain it.