Matthew 22:1 – 14 / Will You Dine?
Intro: A mother and her young daughter were attending the wedding of one of their relatives. It was the first wedding the little girl had attended and she was really impressed. During the ceremony she leaned over and whispered: “Mommy, why is the bride dressed in white?” – Wanting to avoid a long discussion, the mother responded, “Because white is the color of happiness and today is the happiest day of her life.” --- The little girls whispered again, “So why’s the groom wearing black?”
I. Really 2 parables – vs. 1 – 10 and vs. 11 – 14 / In the 1st the king is giving a wedding for his son, the prince.
A. 2 invitations would be extended: 1 to announce the intention of giving the wedding and the 2nd to inform people it was time to come. (like Dr. appointment = make appointment and then receive a “courtesy call” to remind you to com.)
B. But they refused to come 2 times. Would you refuse an invitation to the White House?
C. RSVP – “Repondez s’il vous plait” requires a response of some kind. King (God) invited His people (Jews).
II. VS, 8 – 10 When the king’s people rejected invitation, everyone was invited. Like those invited to the prince’s wedding, we are invited by God to come to a banquet.
A. There are 168 hours in a week. 1/10 to God is 16.8 hours a week. You and I are invited; but will you dine?
B. If we accept the invitation (Christ) will we let the daily routine crowd out God’s invitation?
C. ATTITUDE TOWARD CHURCH used to be “If you build it they will come.” / not the case anymore / COMPETITION!
III. 2ND PARABLE – VS. 11 – 14 “Tie him hand an foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
A. Unreasonable thing to do? – Research shows the king not only prepared the feast, but He supplied a special garment for the guests. All they had to do was put it on.
B. This is the kingdom of Heaven that Jesus is describing. – Grace is freely given; all you have to do it put it on. Will you? Will you dine? Or do you have other more important things / other priorities?
C. Would you show up at the White House in a bath towel? --- Would you go to a formal wedding dressed in cut offs and a tank top? --- Would you just not show up at all?
Conclu: “Many are invited, but few are chosen.” Who chooses? --- We do! We choose to respond to Christ invitation or not. We choose to accept or reject the invitation to be a part of the kingdom of God. You want to. Now will you?
