Matthew 22
July Memory Verse: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Read: Matthew 22
With the Triumphal Entry in Matthew 21, messianic expectation is at a fever-pitch in Jerusalem. Thus, it’s only fitting that Matthew include Jesus’ teaching on God’s Kingdom.
In Matthew 22, Jesus shares another parable, this one on what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. Jesus said it “may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.” We had Sonny’s BBQ at my wedding, which was awesome. In similar fashion, but wayyy better, the king prepared oxen and fattened calves for his guests. Yet, those who were invited to such an extravagant party would not come.
The king even sent more messengers saying, “We’re serving veal!” However, the invited guests paid no attention and went about their business. Some of the invited guests seized, shamed, and killed the king’s messengers. Matthew makes it clear that these people weren’t rejecting the food, they were rejecting the king. The king punished those who killed his servants.
The king sent out his servants again saying essentially, “Whosoever will, may come.” At this point, some guy shows up without wedding garments and the king got quite upset. At first blush, it seems like the king was mad because this guy couldn’t afford the right kind of clothes. However, it wasn’t a matter of affluence, it was a matter of obedience and honor. As one commentator explained, “Apparently the king gave them all wedding clothes as they arrived, for they came off the streets [v. 10]. A person must respond not only outwardly, but also he must be rightly related to God the King by appropriating all the King provides.”
It was not the man’s physical appearance that upset the king. It was the casual attitude he brought to the party. The mental image that comes to mind is a guy showing up in a bath robe and sandals to a White House function.
In each of the following vignettes, the religious leaders showed themselves as the original invited guests. They were wanted and welcome, but unwilling to accept the king’s invitation. Finally, in verse 46, they gave up trying to trick him.
Through Christ, the Kingdom of God is available to all those who do not deserve it. Beggars bestowed with finery beyond imagination. Those unworthy to scrub toilets at the castle were invited to a celebratory feast fit for royalty. More than that, in Christ we are adopted into God’s family. When the day comes and we get to celebrate the Wedding Feast of the Lamb, we may come in as unworthy vagrants, but we will be clothed with righteousness, and adopted into the family. We come in as strangers, but leave as adopted sons and daughters.
By: Tyler Short
Read: Matthew 22
With the Triumphal Entry in Matthew 21, messianic expectation is at a fever-pitch in Jerusalem. Thus, it’s only fitting that Matthew include Jesus’ teaching on God’s Kingdom.
In Matthew 22, Jesus shares another parable, this one on what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. Jesus said it “may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.” We had Sonny’s BBQ at my wedding, which was awesome. In similar fashion, but wayyy better, the king prepared oxen and fattened calves for his guests. Yet, those who were invited to such an extravagant party would not come.
The king even sent more messengers saying, “We’re serving veal!” However, the invited guests paid no attention and went about their business. Some of the invited guests seized, shamed, and killed the king’s messengers. Matthew makes it clear that these people weren’t rejecting the food, they were rejecting the king. The king punished those who killed his servants.
The king sent out his servants again saying essentially, “Whosoever will, may come.” At this point, some guy shows up without wedding garments and the king got quite upset. At first blush, it seems like the king was mad because this guy couldn’t afford the right kind of clothes. However, it wasn’t a matter of affluence, it was a matter of obedience and honor. As one commentator explained, “Apparently the king gave them all wedding clothes as they arrived, for they came off the streets [v. 10]. A person must respond not only outwardly, but also he must be rightly related to God the King by appropriating all the King provides.”
It was not the man’s physical appearance that upset the king. It was the casual attitude he brought to the party. The mental image that comes to mind is a guy showing up in a bath robe and sandals to a White House function.
In each of the following vignettes, the religious leaders showed themselves as the original invited guests. They were wanted and welcome, but unwilling to accept the king’s invitation. Finally, in verse 46, they gave up trying to trick him.
Through Christ, the Kingdom of God is available to all those who do not deserve it. Beggars bestowed with finery beyond imagination. Those unworthy to scrub toilets at the castle were invited to a celebratory feast fit for royalty. More than that, in Christ we are adopted into God’s family. When the day comes and we get to celebrate the Wedding Feast of the Lamb, we may come in as unworthy vagrants, but we will be clothed with righteousness, and adopted into the family. We come in as strangers, but leave as adopted sons and daughters.
By: Tyler Short
3 Comments
Thanks Tyler! The clothes were given to that man. All he had to do was put them on, but he obviously refused for some reason (pride, arrogance, etc.).
Similarly, we can't just show up to church and expect to be saved. Instead, you also have a role to play. You must accept Jesus' gift. Simple, but critical.
Thanks Tyler. Every time I read the story I'm reminded that I am that man... I don't deserve to come to the wedding, but Jesus invited me anyway. It's overwhelming to me
Rejection is probably the most painful human experience. God being God, I can't imagine what He experiences when He is rejected over and over again. Personally it saddens my heart so much when I read scripture that talks about such rejection. But how glorious is God's acceptance of those who receive His love!
Thanks for your insights today, Tyler.