Jesus offered many parables in scripture to teach us about the Kingdom of Heaven. In this story, he uses the image of a king who prepared a wedding feast for his son. As you read the story, notice who the invitations were extended to and what their responses were.
Matthew 22:1-14
Jesus told them several other stories to illustrate the Kingdom. He said, "The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. Many guests were invited, and when the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify everyone that it was time to come. But they all refused! So he sent other servants to tell them, 'The feast has been prepared, and choice meats have been cooked. Everything is ready. Hurry!' But the guests he had invited ignored them and went about their business, one to his farm, another to his store. Others seized his messengers and treated them shamefully, even killing some of them. "Then the king became furious. He sent out his army to destroy the murderers and burn their city. And he said to his servants, 'The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren't worthy of the honor. Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.' "So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn't wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. 'Friend,' he asked, 'how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?' And the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, 'Bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen."
- What did you notice about people's responses to the king's invitation?
- What has your response been to God's invitation to the great banquet and feast-the wedding celebration of His Son, Messiah, the bridegroom?
- What about this invitation is inviting? What brings resistance, fear or shame?
- Historically, the host in first-century Palestinian weddings would furnish appropriate attire for the guests as they came. Our wedding clothes are offered through the blood of Jesus Christ. Are you able and willing to receive them? What prayer comes out of your reflection?
- Those who remain are called "chosen." What does being chosen mean to you?
Posted on
Mon, March 22, 2010
by Debi Forsyth