Matthew 22:1-14 NIV 84
Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.
"Then he sent some more servants and said, 'Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.'
"But they paid no attention and went off --- one to his field, another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.
"Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and 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 wedding clothes. 'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless.
"Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
"For many are invited, but few are chosen."
According to Jesus, what is the kingdom of heaven like?
Consider those invited. What attitude must they have toward the king and his son? To help you imagine, think about the most recent royal wedding, Prince William's. Under what circumstances would you not go if you were invited?
Where do you fit into this parable. Are you one who has been invited but can't find the time to come? Are you one that is stunned by the unexpected invitation, feeling unworthy to be included? Are you afraid you will be the one singled out because you aren't dressed right?
To help find meaning in this parable, read it again. Identify one word or phrase that catches your attention. Ask God to give you understanding and how He wants you to respond. Be open today and in the days to come for His answer.
Heavenly Father, You say that all Scripture is useful for teaching, yet sometimes it just seems confusing. Show me what you want me to know from Your Word.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8 NIV84
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