The parable of the wedding feast was spoken by Jesus to the Jews to show how the call of God for salvation was extended to them, but their rejection gave way to the Gentiles’ acceptance. Jesus summed the parable in these words: “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matt 22:14). The later part of our reading today gives a glimpse of how the heirs of salvation should conduct themselves towards both, God the Heavenly King and the kings/authorities on the earth. 

Here the king’s invitation to his son’s wedding is an invitation to salvation through Jesus Christ to all: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). They made light of the invitation given by God through His servants giving many excuses pointing to the pull of the world and its desires. God’s judgment on those who reject His offer of salvation is sure—the cost of salvation that Jesus had to pay is not to be taken lightly! The wedding garment in Matt 22:11 is the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ- it was an expression of highest contempt if the guest refused to wear the wedding garment the king provided. The filthy rags of man’s own righteousness – choosing his own way of being made right with God will be inexcusable; such persons can only find their place in the “outer darkness.” (Matt 22:13)

The angered Jews who understood what Jesus spoke then decided to trap Him with a question (Matt 22:17) and out of this question comes a profound answer: “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”(Matt 22:21) The conduct of the citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven can be viewed in the light of this statement:

Things we have to render to Earthly Authority:

 

• Obey the Laws and Rules: Romans 13:1-5 is all about submitting to this kind of authority.  1 Peter 2:13: “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority..”

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• Pay the Taxes: Rom 13:6-7 “For because of this you also pay taxes, ……. Render therefore to all their due…….” 

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• Fear and Honour:  We are to respect and honor those in positions of authority. Romans 13:7b “Render therefore to all,….. customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.”  We are to fear the king – Proverbs 24:21.  We are not to speak evil of our rulers  - Exodus 22:28; 1Peter 2:17 “Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king”.

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• Do good:  We are to be ready for every good work - Titus 3:1-2 “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one,……showing every consideration for all men. 

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Things we have to render unto Heavenly Authority:
 

• Love God with all our being:  Jesus considered this the greatest commandment of the Law. Matthew 22:34-38 And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

 

• Obey God from the heart:  It is easy to keep His commandments when we love God - 1John 5:3. The evidence that we love Him truly can be seen only when we keep His commandments - John 14:15.

 

• God should be foremost in our lives: His will, His rule, His righteousness, should be our first priority (Matthew 6:33).  When the choice is between listening to God or man’s instructions, God should be first (Acts 5:29). If we go by this rule then we will not err when conflicts arise in areas where we are asked to obey different kinds of instructions regarding social, political or religious matters.

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 ​Think On: “Every person is subject to God.

He will hold us accountable if we disown His

authority and don’t desire to follow His ways.”