Week 8: July 27
The Wedding Feast (Matthew 22: 1-14)
by Kim Keene
Read: Jesus is preaching powerfully, He is close to the end of His mission. He is targeting the religious establishment. Those who believe they have an in to heaven because of how good they are, how long they have been doing church, the lingo they know and how they compare to the “outsiders” around them. Jesus shakes things up going for the heart. Read Matthew chapter 21 to set the stage for Matthew 22:1-14. Now slowly read Matthew 22:1-14. Read for the actions and reactions in the parable. Now read for the emotions.
Reflect: Imagine Jesus speaking this parable to you. What stood out to you as He spoke? What feelings rose in you?
The big invitation from Jesus to his listeners is to come! He wants us there with Him celebrating in a very real heaven in a very real way.
Have you said yes? Have you offered excuses? Are you like the first invitees? Saying no, making excuses or just wanting to get on with the stuff of life? Are you acting against Him (as in the parable when they killed the servants.) It would be easy to say no to this, yet, I’m aware of when my behavior has Earth written all over it, instead of God’s now and not yet kingdom.
Sometimes I want to come to God on my own terms: “I’ll come after I finish this.” “I think I need to be true to myself here.” “ I just want to be . . . left alone, do my own thing, etc.” How can you come to Him with all that you are, be all in, leaving nothing behind?
Respond: When I first read about the poor man getting thrown out for his poor choice in clothing, I was a little shaken. After all, he came. BUT. . . he wore his own clothes (for me right now that would be sweats and a not very attractive t-shirt.) He was trying to get in in his own way. The Father had sent him wedding clothes, but he would not put them on. I had a few of those guests at my wedding. I felt much more respected and honored by those who dressed for the occasion. Are there ways you are trying to “get in” on your own efforts and power? Take time to talk to God about what He is offering you. How can you take a hold of His big gift, the amazing sacrifice, His power to change you in your most hidden and deep places?
Listen to/watch this video as a prayer. What is it that you can lay down/leave behind? What is God asking you to say yes to?