Matthew 22:1-14
Q.1. To whom was the parable of the marriage feast directed? Why did the wedding guests refuse the invitation? What are we to make of the servants’ filling the wedding feast with both evil and good guests? – (Mt.22:1-10)
Matthew had already recorded the Parable of the Vineyard Owner, in which Jesus highlighted the rejection of the landowner’s son (Mt.21:33-39). Here once more, Jesus alluded to Himself as being the Son of the King of the Kingdom of Heaven, when He was talking to the chief priests and Pharisees (Mt.22:1-2 c.f. Mt.21:45). The king had invited the guests to the wedding feast of his son, but – … they were unwilling to come (Mt.22:3). The parable pictured His mistreatment at the hands of Israel. The king renewed the invitation, underscoring the care that he had taken to prepare for this noteworthy event, – 5 But they paid no attention and went their way, one to his own farm, another to his business, 6 and the rest seized his slaves and mistreated them and killed them (Mt.22:5-6). Clearly, they did not respect the King nor his Son. This summed up Israel’s treatment of the prophets who represented God over the centuries. So – the king was enraged, and he sent his armies and destroyed those murderers and set their city on fire (Mt.22:7). This came to pass in 70 A.D. when Jerusalem was destroyed, and the temple burned with fire. However, the King was not about to change his plans. He determined to honour His Son, so instructed his slaves to – 9 Go therefore to the main highways, and as many as you find there, invite to the wedding feast.’ 10 Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered together all they found, both evil and good; and the wedding hall was filled with dinner guests (Mt.22:9-10). All, whether good or evil, had to wear the wedding garment, which signified being covered with the blood of Christ, and the robe of righteousness.
Q.2. Why were the guests provided with wedding clothes? What explanation did the man give? How was the uninvited guest treated? What explanation does Jesus give? – (Mt.22:9-14)
The king’s invitation was extended far and wide (Mt.22:9-10 c.f. Lk.14:21-23). The implication was that no one would be prepared for the celebration, without the wedding garments provided by the king. To the king’s surprise, a man had gained entrance without these robes. Upon inquiry as to the reason, the man was speechless (Mt.22:11-12). This was an affront to the king. The man was duly removed from his presence (Mt.22:13 c.f. Mt.13:41-42; 49-50). Jesus explained – For many are called, but few are chosen (Mt.22:14). The king’s servants carry the Gospel invitation to many, but only a few respond as His chosen elect (Jn.6:44; Rom.8:29-30; Rev.22:17).