Save The Date Series

Background to passage, Matthew 22:1-14: the third parable in a trilogy of direct assaults in his two-day confrontation with the religious leaders of Jerusalem at the beginning of the last week of his life.

Opening illustration: I get official invitations to events at UT with the College of Agriculture, or from the Alumni Association, or from the Dean’s Office, etc. I am well aware that they are not calling me there to give me any award. I know that they are not giving away tickets to the UT/GA football game to me. I know they want me to donate something to them. So, that’s an easy “no.” They are not going to revoke my degree. They are not coming to find me. I am probably not on the list of potential big givers. I don’t think I have given a dime since my last tuition payment. But they still invite. I still never go or give, but nothing comes of it...

1) Invitations Received (v. 1-7)

Matthew 22:1–7 ESV

1 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying,

2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son,

3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come.

4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.” ’

5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business,

6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them.

7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.

1) Invitations Received (v. 1-7)

Explanation: the first response was representative of the nation of Israel and the religious leaders. Similar to the last parable where those that were entrusted with the vineyard rebelled against the owner, the guests (probably aristocracy, businessmen, nobility, wealthy, dignitaries) blew off the king. You just don’t do that. However, God’s patience was deep. He sent a second invitation. He gave them an opportunity to come to their senses, reconsider, repent. They took advantage of this patience, and furthered their treacherous behavior by killing some servants. King Patient was angry now. So off to kill them all and burn their cities to the ground.

John 1:12–13 ESV

12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Illustration: “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” Sometimes modern weddings cost as much as this king’s. One reason is they have full meals and lots of people. Catering ain’t cheap. RSVPs are often sent, but regularly ignored, unless you’re family. So, the big problem is caters charge by the plate. Families need to know how much money to spend. Can you imagine a bride or groom left standing at the altar, then the guests leaving without eating?

Application: When the king issues an invitation, you go! You don’t blow off King Jesus. Anything less than receiving the invitation is rejection. Not to decide is to decide. We may not kill the prophets, but our hearts are by default set against the king. He has prepared a lavish dinner. The well that will quench your thirst. The steak cooked well done for you and rare for you. Christ offers us complete satisfaction and utter joy, and we are satisfied to play with our toys and ignore true treasure.

God is so patient with us. Loving us even through our rebellion, dying for us while we were sinners, not willing that any should perish, taking no pleasure in the death of the wicked, and we still turn our heads. There is a time when the patience of God is exhausted. When He decides that judgment is required, justice will be meted out. His wrath, although controlled, is complete and full. There will be judgment without mercy. Do not wait too long. You don’t know when God will say thus far and no further.

2) Unlikely Guests (v. 8-10)

Matthew 22:8–10 ESV

8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy.

9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’