A Total Disregard For God

A TOTAL DISREGARD FOR GOD

MATTHEW 22:1-14

Introduction: Christ used the kingdom parables to illustrate and teach spiritual truths. Each of these parables can be applied at times to several aspects of life and faith in the kingdom. As we consider the parable in our text, I want you to notice the total disregard for God.

(Give a brief summary or overview of the Parable)

I. There was a total disregard for the King’s Invitation

A. Matthew 22:2-5 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them, which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise.

B. Verse 3 – they would not come - There was a conscious decision on their part not to come to the wedding.

C. Verse 5 – they made light of it - They treated it with contempt, as a thing of no consequence. They paid no attention and gave it no heed.

D. Verse 5 – one to his farm, another to his merchandise (emporia) – his farm, landed property the possessions he had; his merchandise, enterprise, the pursuit of gain. The things he has and the things he wants.

E. It was reprehensible for them not to participate in the wedding celebration.

1. The celebration was important – it was the wedding of the King’s Son.

2. They had previously committed to come – implied by the King’s actions in verse 2 - call them that were bidden

3. There was no good excuse for their refusal – They were motivated by self interest and materialism

F. God has graciously invited us to join in the celebration of the wedding of His Son – in the fellowship of worship and service to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Initially many accept His invitation and vow to put His things first but then self interest and materialism enters.

G. 2 Timothy 4:10 For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world…

H. Ecclesiastes 5:4 (MKJV) When you vow a vow to God, do not wait to pay it. For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you have vowed.

I. That great missionary to India, William Carey, became deeply concerned about the attitude of his son Felix. The young man, a professing Christian, had promised to become a missionary. But he broke his vow when he was appointed ambassador to Burma. Carey requested prayer for him: “Pray for Felix. He has degenerated into an ambassador of the British government when he should be serving the King of kings.” Our Daily Bread, February 2

J. It is a privilege to come to Christ. It is a privilege to read the Bible. It is a privilege to pray. It is a privilege to come to God’s House. It is a privilege to worship. It is the highest privilege in the world to serve Christ. It is a privilege that we should not take lightly.

II. There was a total disregard for the King’s Messengers

A. In verse 4, the King sends a second group of His servants to remind them of their prior commitment and that they need to come. – Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them, which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.

B. They response is one of annoyance and contempt. Matthew 22:6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. (insulted and killed them).

C. There is an irritation that arises from being made aware that one is in the wrong that results in angry with those who would seek to lead them back in the right paths.

D. John 15:18-20 If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they have kept My saying, they will also keep yours. John 15:22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin.