Matthew 22, Parable of the Great Feast. In reading this parable we see that Jesus is explaining what God has set into play for the New Covenant. Verse 2 says, “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son.” Verse 3 continues on with, “When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!”
As we see the shift from the Jewish people of Israel to anyone with ears to hear we see that the standard that is set still is important. Jumping to verse 14 we see that it says, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” I truly feel that it is because we will struggle with giving up control of our own lives. God accepts everyone and as we see from this parable that we all have the chance to accept Jesus and the free gift of salvation. In that acceptance we are called to new life and we are given the word and the Spirit to guide us to right living. The standard is not gone just because we know Jesus. Matthew chapter 22 verses 11-13 are great illustrations of how our changed hearts should be accompanied by our actions not just our words. “But when the king came into 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? But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, “Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
We have to put on the wedding clothes and surrender our lives as Jesus did. Galatians chapter 3 verse 27 says, “And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.” We all must be ready and continue to learn and focus our lives on glorifying God in all we do. As we see again in Matthew chapter 22 verse 14, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” God will extend our lives to either eternity with Him or eternity separated from Him. Jesus shows us in Matthew chapter 7 verse 14, “But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Let’s put on the wedding clothes and live our lives surrendered to His will by letting the Spirit lead us with joy and peace. Amen
As we see the shift from the Jewish people of Israel to anyone with ears to hear we see that the standard that is set still is important. Jumping to verse 14 we see that it says, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” I truly feel that it is because we will struggle with giving up control of our own lives. God accepts everyone and as we see from this parable that we all have the chance to accept Jesus and the free gift of salvation. In that acceptance we are called to new life and we are given the word and the Spirit to guide us to right living. The standard is not gone just because we know Jesus. Matthew chapter 22 verses 11-13 are great illustrations of how our changed hearts should be accompanied by our actions not just our words. “But when the king came into 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? But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, “Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
We have to put on the wedding clothes and surrender our lives as Jesus did. Galatians chapter 3 verse 27 says, “And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.” We all must be ready and continue to learn and focus our lives on glorifying God in all we do. As we see again in Matthew chapter 22 verse 14, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” God will extend our lives to either eternity with Him or eternity separated from Him. Jesus shows us in Matthew chapter 7 verse 14, “But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Let’s put on the wedding clothes and live our lives surrendered to His will by letting the Spirit lead us with joy and peace. Amen
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