Get Ready
Please read Matthew 22:1-14. The wedding banquet is not like today’s wedding; the celebration could last a week. Everything was prepared and people refused the invitation. This does not seem logical, and I suppose it is precisely why Jesus made this comparison, as it is even more illogical to refuse God’s gifts. Sadly, these folks cut themselves off from the fellowship of the host and the guests. During the second invitation, another chance, the joy and emphasizing the desire to have everyone present was emphasized, but when the second invite was shared those sent to deliver it were mistreated and some killed. And determined not to have an empty banquet, a third invitation to everyone was announced.
What we may find challenging in this text is that after the third invitation, the king calls out a man dress inappropriately. Why? Friends, this is not literal, this is a parable told to encourage us to unpack scripture and to recall God’s promises. Throughout the Old and New Testament, we are informed about the garment we are expected to wear…righteousness. It is a moment holding each of us accountable. We do not know when Jesus is coming, but we do need to be ready.
We cannot save ourselves, that’s why God sent His Son and after receiving the invitation, we put on Christ…meaning imitating Jesus’ character, avoiding sinful habits, and walking honorably in the light of salvation. And…if we choose not to comply, even after the many invitations, opting not to accept Jesus as our Savior, and choose to hold onto the misconception that we deserve a seat at the table because of our works, hell awaits--where there will be a separation from God and from all that is good. Friends, God is not arbitrary, He is doing everything to call us, this is a message to those who have not bothered to respond. We have work to do. We need to “get dressed” wearing the righteousness or Christ. We need to follow his commands…repent, follow Him, love God, love enemies, forgive others, & make disciples.
Jesus told this parable comparing heaven to this banquet to heighten our awareness. The king represents God the Father and the Son, Jesus. The declining guests represent Israel – the ones who refused to believe Jesus was the Messiah. The invitees, the ones told to invite, who were ignored, and even killed…represent those chosen to share the Good News, such as John the Baptist, the disciples, and apostles. And then, we have the poorly clothe, the speechless man called out and removed. He represents people who accept God's call outwardly but internally reject true transformation. The people unwilling to change their ways and find themselves relying instead on their own self-righteousness. God’s grace is free, yet it carries an awesome responsibility.
This literal banquet is for those who need a Savior, those who feel unworthy, those who know they are not enough on their own. Friends, there is an urgency in this parable that cannot be overlooked, there is an invitation to everyone that cannot be misunderstood. This is a parallel to our eternity. This is a story about our merciful, and loving God and what has been done through grace. More than anything else...we need Jesus!
Church, these are the choices, accept it, or decline. This is not about when we are ready or when it is more convenient. Now is part of this message. We need to respond with a clear and resounding yes and back that yes up with actions that affirm it. We need to respond with permanent marker and among witnesses. What a comfort it is to know that all who transform because of a relationship with Christ will be there.
So, who will be in the kingdom? Those who accept the invitation. At the table, there will be sinners, like you and me. Our attendance is welcomed, but the feast will go on regardless of our presence. Jesus is commanding us, the servants, to extend the invitation to all. To go out, go after and seek those who may feel unworthy, lost, unloved, and less than, and invite them to know God’s love and learn of their worthiness in Christ. We are not a club of believers--we are on a mission, to fulfill the mission of the church by proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, glorifying God and serving the world with a joyful heart because we are filled with gratitude, not out of obligation or guilt. Jesus paid the price, covered our sins. We need to do our part, not sit on the sidelines expecting a handout.
Church, this gracious generosity of God’s invitation is for all and through eternity. We need to RSVP, in words and in actions and we need to compel others to do likewise. And all God’s people Amen!
Blessings,
Pastor Kerry
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