Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’ But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 22:2-14

To understand the message from this parable, we need to take it in context:

This is one of three parables in a group that Jesus told to/against those who challenged His authority.

This was probably written after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD, and as the church was growing with Jewish and Gentile believers.

During this period, believers were especially conscious of the promised return of Christ and the anticipation of future judgment.

Now, a message:

When we feel the invitation to taste the riches of the kingdom of God (salvation, grace, love, peace) we should seriously consider accepting. And when we take our place at the table in the earthly portion of the kingdom, we might want to clothe (or robe) ourselves with righteousness (obedience, humility). And, lastly, let’s avoid being seen as those who challenge the authority of Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, let me hear Your call in my life today. And give me the humble spirit to accept the blessings You offer. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.