Matthew 22:1-14

About the Text

(2) What does the wedding banquet represent? It is the great celebration at Christs return. See Rev. 19:6-9.

(3) Who are the "servants"? People who share the message about Jesus Christ and his salvation. This includes Biblical prophets, as well as modem preachers and Christians who challenge their neighbors to receive Christ.

(4) Who are the guests who "refused to come"? Those who reject Jesus Christ, who were the Pharisees and religious leaders during Jesus time.

(10) Who are the guests from "the streets"? Non-Jews. Gentiles were considered by Jews to be unholy, common, and worldly.

(11) What do the "wedding clothes" represent, and why was the man without them punished so severely? Being consistent with His message in the previous two parables, Jesus is speaking of the faith and good works of a true Christian. These "wedding clothes" are the "fruit" of Matt. 21:43, the "repentance" and "belief" of 21:32, and the "fruit" of 21:19.

Jesus is not stating that our works merit our salvation and eternal life in heaven. For only by God grace through faith are we saved (Ephesians 2:8). Salvation is a gift, not a prize to be earned. Then why does Jesus teach that those who lack "wedding clothes," e.g. love, joy, kindness, will be thrown into hell? Because true believers, though still imperfect, nevertheless exhibit a genuine (perhaps slow, but still genuine) change in their character.

(13) What does the "outer darkness" represent? Hell. Though the Bible really doesnt give us details about what hell is like, Jesus at least tells us that it is a place of punishment where even the toughest of men will cry.

Insights

• There really will be a great supernatural celebration at Christs return.
• God invites all to receive salvation from Jesus Christ.
• God chooses only a few to actually accept the invitation.

The Bottom Line

Are one of Gods chosen? If so, rejoice. Here's how you can tell if youre one of the chosen few. You believe in Jesus Christ who purchased the gift of salvation and eternal life for you through His death on the cross. You are beginning to hate sin, or are hating it more and more. You are starting to become more loving, more joyful, more peaceful, more patient, more kind, more controlled, etc. If this describes you, then you are chosen! That is, God chose you before you were born, to later become a believer in Jesus Christ, and follow His ways.

Key Memory Verse

"For many are invited, but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:14)