Many are invited, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14 NABRE
Jesus shares a parable of a king and a wedding feast for his son, comparing it to the kingdom of heaven. The king sends servants to summon the invited guests but they all refuse, even after a second invitation they refuse and mistreat his servants. The king destroys these people and their city and sends his servants to invite whomever they find. The hall is filled with guests but when the king enters his attention is directed to one guest who isn’t dress appropriately, likely he is wearing his every day dirty work clothes and has not changed into his “Sunday best.” The man is asked why and without defense is cast into a dark place that is the opposite of heaven. The garment is symbolic in the story because it represents change needed to partake in the festivities of the kingdom. We read in scripture that the wedding garment represents “righteous deeds” of saints (Revelation 19:8). A new garment represents change, when baptized the submersion into water represents death, death of the old person, rising as a new person, water seen as a new garment washing over the baptized, the risen is dressed as a new person. Changing garments is significant, because it represents how we change becoming disciples.
Many are invited and those who answer start on a journey of change. Some decline the invitation, it is not for them and they cannot do it, others try for a while but the demands are to much and they fall away. Those found acceptable commit their life to living the gospels, they wear the new garment every day. Being righteous is difficult requiring discipline and daily attention. Jesus’ parable tells us not everyone is able to accomplish what is needed to remain at the feast.
How do you dress for a wedding? Do you see baptism as washing away the old and dressing new?
Being righteous is difficult requiring discipline and daily attention. Jesus' parable tells us not everyone is able to accomplish what is needed to remain at the feast. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #wedding #change #Matthew #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways