JESUS’ Parable of the Wedding Feast Week A-28

MATTHEW 22:1-14

Jesus again in reply spoke to them in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’ Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

1. Explore It! Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a king preparing a wedding feast for his son. It’s not so much the grandeur of the feast that is the focus but more importantly the invitation process. The king tells his servants to summon the invited guests, and many refuse to come because they are too busy. He then tells them to go out

into the streets and invite anyone they can find. However, even though it is an open invitation, not all are allowed to remain at the celebration. Only those who were considerate enough to think about the wedding and the occasion and dress accordingly were welcomed in.

3. Reflect It! 2. Connect It! By now, you may have been invited to at least a few events in your life, whether it’s a friend’s birthday party or a relative’s Confirmation. When you compare these events to the parable of the wedding, can you say that you were considerate of the situation? Were you at the party for the right reasons? How well did you treat the guests around you?

This fellow of the Gospel was called and admitted into the banquet, but what he was not wearing were the deeds and attitudes appropriate to the chosen. Believing is the beginning, the entrance to the dance, but living on the outside what is inside is the ticket to stay. He might not have been behaving like he was invited, but entitled.

5. Remember It! 4. Live It! [ CONSIDERATION ]

“MANY ARE INVITED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN.” (MATTHEW 22:14)

Consideration: thoughtful or sympathetic regard or respect; thoughtfulness for others. At your next event, whether big or small, be a good guest. For example, at your next meal with your friends or family, be engaging and considerate to those dining with you.

6. Pray It! Dear Heavenly Father, We thank You for your Son Jesus Christ and Your invitation the heavenly banquet. May the Holy Spirit inspire us to be kind in our words, considerate of feelings, and concerned for each other’s needs and wishes. Bless us O God and make our love shine for Your glory and our joy both here and in eternity. Amen.