The Coldest Ticket in Town | Matthew 22:1-14
Sermon Summary:
We have arrived at Holy Week in our Bible reading plan. In the early part of the week, Jesus has a “head to head” with his major opponents. They try to trip him up in His words, but as usual, they fail. Jesus tells several parables directed at them to pronounce judgment upon them for their sinful rejection of Him, and by extension their rejection of the Father. These are difficult parables for faithful Christians to read. The exact condemnations do not apply to us, but we would do well to receive these stories as sober warnings, lest we also become proud, entitled, and think lightly of God’s grace. The Parable of the Wedding Feast shows God’s generous invitation for all people to take part in the Son’s wedding feast…but it also shows God’s just judgment upon those who are dead set on dishonoring His Son.
The Father generously invites guests to come to His Son’s wedding feast…but they respond with rejection and dishonor.
So the Father invites more people to come. He demonstrates persistent generosity. It is His will that people will come…and it will happen!
What should the unworthy man have said in response to the Father’s question about his clothing? Here are some options:
“You invited me!”
“What’s your problem? These clothes are just fine!”
“Forgive me for dishonoring you. Can you provide for me so that I can stay?”
Jesus tells this parable to condemn the religious leaders who have openly rejected and dishonored Him.
But there is also a message for us, even though by God’s gracious invitation we are guests at the Son’s wedding feast:
Do not spurn the Father’s generosity.
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