Scripture

“When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!”

Observation

Jesus tells a parable about a king who prepares a great wedding banquet for his son. When the banquet is ready, the invited guests refuse to come.

The king sends out more messengers to summon the guests. Still they refuse, and some even insult and kill the king’s messengers.

Finally the king sends out servants to bring in people from the streets, both good and bad, to fill the banqueting hall.

The king notices that one of the guests is not properly dressed. He orders this person to be bound and cast out into the darkness.

Application

The people of Israel were all invited to God’s marriage feast, but many refused to come. They had insulted and killed God’s messengers, the prophets. Now Jesus is saying that the king is inviting a different group of people, those who had previously not been invited, that is the Gentiles.

It is a wonderful privilege to be a part of God’s kingdom. Even those who previously rebelled against God can now come in and be a part of His party.

The parable contains one jarring note. One man is seen to be not wearing the appropriate clothes. He is kicked out of the feast.

Repeatedly, in the New Testament we are told to take off the old nature and put on Christ. Many are called or invited to be in the Kingdom of God, but it is only through a change of heart that we become acceptable to God.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for inviting everybody into your kingdom. I turn away from my sins and choose to follow you today. Amen.