Matthew 22:1-14 #2

Matthew 22:1-14 #2
The parable of the wedding feast revealed to the Jews their ultimate destruction and fall of their nation because of their disrespect and disregard of God’s wonderful invitation to the marriage of His Son. In the last half of the parable, Jesus showed the Jews how He would now give the invitation to the Gentiles.
Going out into the highways and main roads indicated a bringing in of whoever desired to be a part of the wedding regardless of their physical descent. The Jews would have been aghast at the prospect of bringing into the kingdom the “dregs” of society. But notice that the wedding hall was filled with guests. In contrast to the Jews, the Gentiles would be more accepting of the gospel call.
It is also interesting that the wedding hall was filled with “both bad and good.” This statement further emphasizes that the gospel is for all. Not only do the “bad” need to come in and receive the benefits of salvation, but the good also need salvation. Good people are often less likely to respond to the gospel because they do not see their need like those who are more sinful. But all have sinned (Rom. 3:23) and therefore all need the salvation of the Lord regardless of the seriousness of their sin. No one will be saved based on his or her goodness because no one can be so good as to deserve to be saved.
Something else is peculiar in the text. There is a man who has come into the wedding without a wedding garment. In ancient times, when a king gave invitations to the wedding of his son, it was typical for him to also provide the wedding garment. This man desired to be at the wedding, but he did not prepare himself appropriately for the occasion and therefore was rejected. We need to understand that there are many who want to go to heaven, but simply wanting will not make it so. “Many are called, but few are chosen” (vs. 14). The reason few are chosen is because few will truly prepare themselves, being completely obedient to the Lord.
Finally, consider the Lord’s picture of hell: “bound hand and foot and cast into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Hell is pictured as a restricted place where it will be dark and lonely. Weeping and gnashing of teeth may suggest the mental anguish that will be endured by those who knew what they could have had in the wedding feast, but rejected. Do not be in that number!
Berry Kercheville