The Marriage Feast

The Marriage FeastText: Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus often used parables in His teaching – using an everyday illustration to describe a spiritual truth. In this parable, Jesus described a king giving a wedding feast for his son; yet not everyone answered the invitation. As we study this parable, we are going to attempt to identify the MAIN point. Once we do that, we will then see how we can apply this in our lives.

Context

  • This parable was given immediately after the parable of the landowner – the main point of that parable was a reminder that we are to be working for the Lord
  • This was during Jesus’ final visit to Jerusalem before His arrest and crucifixion (Matthew 21:1-11) – the people praised Jesus when He entered the city (Matthew 21:9); but the leaders “became indignant” (Matthew 21:15) and challenged His authority (Matthew 21:23)
  • Jesus gave this parable to address (in part) the way that the rulers were rejecting Him

Basic Point

  • The first part of this parable has to do with an invitation – from the king to those he invited (Matthew 22:2-3); all of the preparations were made (Matthew 22:4), all that was left was for them to attend; yet those who were invited rejected the invitation (Matthew 22:5-6); so the king told his slaves to invite everyone they could find (Matthew 22:9-10) so that the hall was filled
  • The second part addresses the attendees – one was there without a wedding garment (Matthew 22:11); when questioned, the guest had no answer and was cast out (Matthew 22:12-13)
  • The main point of the parable is that we need to answer the Lord’s invitation, and do so appropriately – this is summed up in Jesus’ statement, “many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14)

Examination

  • The king hosted a wedding feast for his son – reference to God the Father and Jesus His Son; the bride of Christ is the church (Ephesians 5:25-27); those who were initially invited were the Jews (Matthew 15:24), but most rejected Him (Matthew 23:37); those who rejected Jesus/the invitation would be punished for it (Matthew 23:38; 24:4-35); afterward the invitation went to the Gentiles (Romans 1:16; Mark 16:15); all would be welcome to God (Acts 10:34-35)
  • Those who attended had certain expectations of them (Matthew 22:11) – traditionally, the wedding garments were provided to the guests (Barnes, Clark), so there was no excuse for not having one; God expects those who come to Him and receive forgiveness to maintain purity (Ephesians 5:27; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:7)
  • There would be punishment for those who rejected the invitation and who responded inappropriately

Application

  • We need to answer the Lord’s invitation (Matthew 11:28-30) – we are called by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14)
  • We need to recognize that God has made all the preparation (Matthew 22:4; Titus 2:11) – there is nothing to hinder us except our own attitude or lack of faith (Acts 8:36-37)
  • Nothing is more important than our response to the Lord’s call (Philippians 3:7-8)
  • We need to be clothed by the Lord – put on Christ in baptism (Galatians 3:27); put on the new self (Colossians 3:9-10, 12-14)
  • The Lord will judge all of us (2 Corinthians 5:10 – those who reject Him (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9) and those who are not faithful (Matthew 7:22-23)

Conclusion

  • The Lord has invited us to take part in the marriage feast for His Son and His bride
  • Let us not reject the invitation OR respond to it inappropriately – instead, take advantage of this privileged invitation