Scripture
1Jesus also told them other parables. He said, 2“The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. 3When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come! Matthew 22:1-3
Observation
Jesus tells a parable to illustrate three reasons people miss out on the blessings of the King and His Kingdom. Three invitations to the royal wedding feast went out and three responses are seen. Duzik names the three choices of this parable: Indifference, Antagonistic, Unchanged.
First Invitations: There’s no logical reason to say no, but I’ve learned that the opposite of love isn’t hate, it’s indifference. While some straight up ignored the messengers the excuses about having to attend to the farm or the business were weak at best. They were satisfied to go home and eat their toast when a hot gourmet meal was waiting for them just up the road. They chose business as usual over the Kings celebration as do many today.
Second Invitations: Now when the second invite goes out some of the neighbors got antagonistic and violent. Insults, attacks and even murder of the messengers doesn’t make any logical sense. Why would such a generous invitation be met with such vitriol and rebellion? We don’t like to be ruled over. We want to be our own kings over our own kingdoms and often don’t want to be reminded by a message or a testimony that there is someone who reigns supreme… and it’s not us.
Third Invitations: These go out to everyone “good and bad”. This is such a powerful illustration of the grace of God that invites everyone. The wedding garment represents the changed heart and submission to the King. So when a guest is found without a garment honoring the King’s wishes it’s clear that he was there for the food but refused to submit. Spurgeon put it this way, “He came because he was invited, but he came only in appearance. The banquet was intended to honor the King’s Son, but this man meant nothing of the kind; he was willing to eat the good things set before him, but in his heart there was no love either for the King or his well-beloved Son.”
Application
Growing up the son of a chef I knew exactly how crucial it was to have the food ready precisely when the guests arrived. The worst thing that could happen for my Pop was to have cooked all day preparing delicious and delectable dishes and have them grow cold. He would ensure that everything not only tasted good, but also was presented well to ensure his all five senses were consumed with its goodness. Over and over again I’d see the anguish on his face when the guests who were invited would call last minute to say they were running late or worse, “had something come up.” Every single day my King is inviting me to His table for a meal specially prepared to honor the Savior and invite me into communion with Him. Will I show up and enjoy what He’s prepared or will I response with indifference, antagonizing, or a lack of repentance? I’m coming hungry, I’m coming on time, I’m making God a priority. The next question is whether I’m willing to be a messenger that is rejected not just once, twice, but three times? I’m called to invite people to the best possible scenario- a feast of forgiveness and freedom funded by our King. I live in a world that more times than not will reject rather than accept, but I’m still called to keep inviting. The feast is ready, the food is getting cold even as I write this. There’s an urgency in the invitation.
Prayer
Jesus, forgive me for the times when I have been indifferent, antagonistic, and unchanged at Your invitation to draw near and feast with You. You have unending delights that go wasted every day. You invite me in because it transformation not transaction that You are after. Give me your heart for those who don't know You in a world that feels increasingly hostile towards Your invitation.
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