The Demands of Religion
Text: Matt. 22:1-14
Dorn Ridge June 10, 2012
INTRODUCTION:
1.) Much is made of plurality in today’s society.
2.) The major concern about plurality for many seems to be its implied permission to participate in every kind of belief and practice.
A.) The parable of the Wedding Feast with the emphasis on the failure of the guest to dress properly points up that relationship with Christ is more than a casual experience in which any type of behaviour is permitted.
3.) The relationship of the believer with God can be demanding. The requirements of God must be met.
I. RESPONSE TO GRACE.
1.) The rejection of God’s action of forgiveness is not simply discourteous.
A.) It is a rebellious insult.
aa.) To understand what takes place when a person rejects the offer of Jesus Christ, we need to see and understand the greatness of what God has given and offered to us.
aaa.) In the parable, the picture is that of a
banquet.
aaa-1.) It is not like someone telling us that if we are ever in the area to drop by for a cup of tea, or a meal.
aaa-2.) What is pictured is a fancy banquet that would normally only be open to the best and greatest of society.
aaa-3.) It was something that was considered to be such a great privilege, that nobody in their right mind would even consider to refuse such an offer.
aab.) In this parable when it came time for the banquet those invited began saying they had other things to do that were more important.
aab-1.) In other words, that which should have been considered as the highest and greatest honour that could be given someone was shrugged off as a casual unimportance.
ab.) The people might be able to imagine the picture Jesus gave them, and how ridiculous it would be to reject the offer of a king.
aba.) Jesus used this picture of what they could imagine and understand to point their minds to the reality that God’s offer and sacrifice to man is far greater than anything that a king of this world could ever invite us to.
abb.) Whether or not the people heeded his words, you can be sure he got his point across.
abc.) The same lesson and point could be seen today as well.
abc-1.) A few weeks ago Prince Charles was here in the Fredericton area, and also Saint John.
abc-2.) As is always the case when royalty comes, there is a large crowd to come and see them.
abc-3.) If presented with the opportunity to dine with Prince Charles, many would do whatever it takes for that opportunity, and would consider one foolish who would not accept such an offer.
ac.) I challenge you that great numbers of people would not casually reject such an offer by the future king but at the same time, would reject the far greater offer given by a loving God who sent his son to die for us?
aca.) Jesus was dead on with his words. aca-1.) Many would never consider passing up an invitation to dine with an earthly king.
aca-2.) Sadly many of these same people would be willing to spend eternity in hell because of rejecting the far greater offer that God has given us through His Son, Jesus the Christ.
B.) To reject the offer of God is the supreme insult you can give to God.
ba.) It is not like we are skipping out on a dinner invite, or something of little importance.
bb.) Rather God considered His relationship with mankind of such significant importance that He was willing to not only send, but to allow His Son to die in our place.
bba.) Even then it was with a death reserved for only the worst of criminals and sinners.
C.) The action of the king in judgment stresses that His rejection is more than a casual offer that really does not matter.
ca.) It is a rejection of the King himself.
cb.) It is disregard, and disrespect for what He has done.
cc.) Verse 5
cca.) “They paid no attention.”
cd.) verses 6-7
cda.) It was in fact contempt and hatred for the King.
2.) How one responds to God’s requirement is the very basis for acceptability.
A.) That which attracts one's attention and receives one's loyalty clearly indicates whether one is worthy.
aa.) Verse 8
ab.) And the worthiness of rather one is worthy of heaven is based on our own choice or rejection of God and His son. is made by our own choice.
aba.) The extent of our unworthiness for this offer is further pointed out.
aba-1.) verses 8-10
aba-2.) Jesus is showing the absurdity. When Prince Charles came a few weeks ago, those who would have been invited for a meal with him would not have been the beggars on the street.
aba-3.) Yet for God to give us an invitation to have fellowship with him is a far bigger deal, than inviting a beggar on the street for dinner with Prince Charles.
abb.) Because of this, rejection of that offer is far more serious of an offence against God.
3.)The guilt of those who are punished resulted from giving too much attention to the ordinary affairs of life.
A.) The farm and business referred to (v. 5) were obviously illustrative of other distracting values.
aa.) These represent the affairs of the day that we can allow to become more important than the invitation of God.
B.) Over-attention to such other attractions causes one to lose the opportunity to experience God’s grace.
II. WRATH AND GRACE.
In no other place in Scripture is the relationship of wrath and grace more specifically pictured. The wrath of God and the loss of grace are intricately related.
1.) The invitation to the wedding feast was freely given.
A.) The invitation reflected that all the expected preparations had been completed.
B.) The extent of the number of those to whom the invitation was originally given is indicated by the number who are included as substitutes.
2.) The open-ended invitation to “anyone” reflects God’s willingness to receive all who respond.
A.) The invitation of God is not given to just those who are worthy to receive it.
B.) That is so wonderful, because there are none who are worthy to receive it.
3.) The punishment of those who rejected the invitation and the treatment of the man who came to the feast without a wedding garment clearly reflect God's reaction to those who abuse his grace.
A.) Judgment and wrath are to be expected if grace is refused or abused.
aa.) Verses 11-13
ab.) We might ask how fair is this reaction of the King?
aba.) To answer that question, look at the facts:
aba-1.) None were worthy of the invitation, but given it anyway.
aba-2.) Anyone who came would be expected to wear the proper attire.
aba-3.) many of those off the streets would not be properly clothed.
aba-3i.) The attire we are to have when we appear before God is Jesus Christ.
aba-3ii.) The same is a requirement for all, but graciously God has provided the attire we need.
abb.) On the day of Judgment, we all likewise will have been given the opportunity to appear before God clothed in Jesus Christ, and covered with His blood.
abb-1.) But even there in the presence of God some will try to do it their own way apart from Christ.
abb-2.) On that day those appearing before God without Christ in their lives, will be cast outside into the darkness of an eternity forever from the presence of God.
III. THE REQUIREMENT OF GRACE.
1.) Even those who were expected to accept God’s grace refused it.
A.) Even though God is abundant in His grace, he does not want us to become lax in preparing to come to Him.
aa.) Though the offer of salvation is free; it is not cheap. God expects us to recognize the price that has been paid.
B.) Seeking the will of God is both a requirement and an expectation even in receiving the grace of God.
2.) The many who are called.
A.) Verse 14
aa.) This may include all mankind.
aaa.) At the very least it includes all who have heard the message of Christ.
ab.) But the number of those who know the joy of fellowship is restricted to the few who properly respond.
aba.) These are the ones who have consciously made a choice to become more than invited, and to accept the offer of God for salvation.
abb.) These are the ones who will be called the chosen of God.
CONCLUSION:
1.) Today as you hear the message of Christ, God is issuing an invitation to you, as the king had issued one in this parable.
2.) God has done his part:
A.) Through Jesus Christ he has paid completely for every sin you have ever committed, or ever will commit.
B.) With the burden of sin paid for, He has also given you the invitation to accept it.
3.) But God as great of an offer as God has made to you, he will not force any to receive it.
A.) He has left that part in your hands.
B.) It is you, and you alone who must make that decision for or against the invitation of Christ.
C.) If God is speaking to your heart today, how will you respond to his invitation, and his offer?
