Matthew 22:1-14
Friday, 1 October 2021
“For many are called, but few are chosen.”
‘The Parable of the Wedding Banquet’ in our reading today, is spoken by Christ Himself to His listeners, to emphasize the great call of the gospel to both His own people as well as to the rest of the world and the response it yielded. God’s invitation to enter His Kingdom and also participate in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb- His Son, is very much open today. The parable emphasizes not just “who” respond to the call but also “how” he responds- which leads to the lesson pointed out at the end: “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Looking into the two-fold aspects of the parable- first the invitation to the Jews and secondly to the Gentiles, let us see the responses:
There was a two-fold rejection from His own people by their indifference (V.5) and their persecution (V.6) of the servants who were sent— both prophets and apostles. A punishment is meted out which we know is God’s judgment on those who reject His Son. “… he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36).
At the invitation to the Gentiles, we see a universal call- to the good and the bad. But when the King came in to see the guests, he saw one who did not have a wedding garment (V.12)! The King’s question and the man’s response (He was speechless!) points to, the need of a wedding garment.
Both the excuses of indifference at the first call and the self-righteous profession of the one without the wedding garment are lessons for us today.
The Gospel message (John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”) being heard and so lightly taken and not heeded to, will incur God’s judgment and rejection.
One who thinks he can enter the Kingdom of God according his own standard- his self- righteous “garb of religiosity” will have him thrown into the “outer darkness”- hell!
Isaiah 64;6 says, “…And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags;” before God and cannot give us a right standing with Him or an entry into His Kingdom. God has already made the provision of a wedding garment – His righteous robe provided through His Son Jesus Christ which we need to accept and put on before we can be accepted by God Almighty. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Cor.5:21). One can have NO RIGHTEOUSNESS apart from JESUS CHRIST!
Dear friend: How many times have you heard God’s gospel call and rejected it? The days of grace on the earth are fast coming to an end—before you find yourself judged, accept the call! To those who believe a superficial Christianity or religiosity can get you to heaven- remember God accepts you only on the basis of His Son and the imputed righteousness from Him (Romans 4:22-23). Be sure you have His wedding clothes on and prepared to stand before Him when He comes!
God’s purpose for all of mankind is expressed clearly in His word – the Bible. God sent His Son to save the world (John 3:17). 2 Peter 3:9 says God is patiently waiting as He does not want anyone to perish, but expects all men everywhere to come to repentance. Moreover Luke 19:10, 1Thes.5:9; Acts10:43, 1Tim.1:15; – all pointedly state the plan of God for all mankind to attain salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. The CALL is extended to you too!
Indifference? Self- willed righteous attitude? OR surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? The choice is yours. He calls you today to His love! Will you heed?
*References made from Popular Commentary- e-sword
Think on: “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3-4