GUESTS FOR THE WEDDING
Matthew 22:1-10
INTRO: God wants to make a marriage for his Son. Jesus has married the church, and there must be a feast at the wedding. A feast would be a failure if no-one came to it, so the present need is for GUESTS FOR THE WEDDING.
I. THE FIRST INVITATION WAS A FAILURE.
The king sent out his servants to bid them come. They refused.
The Jews were bidden by God to come — they refused. Those to whom
the gospel invitation is given, as a rule, are unwilling to
accept it.
THE INVITATION WAS REFUSED:
A. Not because it involved suffering (it was a wedding feast).
B. Not because there were no adequate preparations (the wedding
is ready).
C. Not because the invitations weren’t delivered (they were
bidden).
D. But because they were not fit for the high joy.
1. They weren’t loyal to the king.
2. They weren’t attached to his royal son.
3. They were wrapped up in self-interest.
E. Therefore they were punished with fire and sword. This
punishment was no joy to the king.
II. THE COMMISSION WAS ENLARGED.
A. Disappointment must arouse activity — "Go"
B. Disappointment suggests change of sphere — "to the street
corners."
C. A wide invitation is to be tried — "invite anyone you find."
D. A keen outlook is to be kept — "gathered all the people they
could find"
III. THE NEW MISSION WAS FULFILLED.
A. The former servants, who were alive, went out again.
B. Other servants, who hadn’t gone before went also.
C. They went in many directions.
D. They went at once.
E. They welcomed all sorts of characters.
F. They found them willing to come.
IV. THE GREAT PLAN WAS ACCOMPLISHED.
A. The Kings great wealth was displayed before the world.
B. His provision was used (Think of grace and pardon unused).
C. Men were made happy.
D. Their praise was given.
E. The marriage was graced.
CONC: We sometimes seem to minister to our own flock and forget about those outside our church who need ministering to so much. Those near us turn a deaf ear just like the King’s friends, while those outside are eager for our help. The newer the news to any man, the more likely he is to regard it as good news.
