Matthew 22:1-14
What to Wear – What to Wear
This is a very interesting parable. “The kingdom of heaven” is like a certain king who planned a large festive wedding for his son. Invitations were sent out to invite the king’s friends and select subjects. One would think an honor at best just to be invited. However, none accepted the invitation. So, the king sent out his servants again to explain to these invitees that this was going to be a large very lavish affair, offering the finest in dining and entertainment. Again, all declined the invitation.
Certainly, we see this parable as God’s invitation to the wedding of His Son to the Bride of Christ. It isn’t intended in its initial invite to be exclusive but rather to emphasize the point that the heretofore dedicated followers are having some second thoughts now that Christ has died and been resurrected. There is a period of time here where the ministry of the Holy Spirit comes into play. The Jewish people of the day were simply not ready or willing to accept a ministry of The Holy Spirit which they have not embraced. The first invitation went out to the chosen people of Israel – the Jewish people.
God then made certain that going forward, the invitation would be extended to ALL! When we comprehend that word “ALL”, it conjures up some visions doesn’t it? Upstanding citizens, poor people, sick and ailing, young and old, good and bad. Great masses of people descending on the palace to partake of the feast and festivities and they are ALL welcome.
The king offered a wedding garment to each guest, so as to view everyone, without distinction.
That wedding garment is the righteousness of God.
“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10
None shall be welcome, rejecting God’s righteousness nor touting their own righteousness.
V 11-14 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So, he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called but few are chosen.”
We simply cannot make it on our own and if we try, it is self-destructive. God’s invitation is for all and His provisions are readily available.
Our churches should offer a like invitation: ALL are welcome without regard to status, dress, background, ethnicity, etc. From there, it is the duty of the church to prepare and lead one to God’s righteousness.
For anyone to think he or she is above fellowshipping and worshipping with anyone or any group of people, he or she should be viewed as the first group of persons that the king in the parable invited, but they declined.
Let us pray.
