The Invitation

The Invitation

Matthew 22:11-14

11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless.

13 “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.’

14 “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

Why was the man thrown out? Was it because he had the wrong clothes on?  Or because he hadn’t been invited?

Why did the King call him “friend” yet tie him up and toss him out?

I think it was because he was speechless.  He didn’t have a ready reply.  Why didn’t he lie?  Maybe he didn’t know the right words.  Maybe he was unprepared because he didn’t anticipate the question.

Was he shocked?  Did he know he’d been caught?

Was this a person so self deluded that he was shocked at being rejected?  I know many, many people who would fall into that category.  When they stand before the throne of the Father will they feel as if they have been found out, or will they be shocked at being rejected?

So, the parable isn’t about the wedding feast or wearing the right clothes.  It’s about the ready and simplest of responses.  If the man had said, “Because I was invited.” would he still have been thrown out?

We are, each of us, individually invited.  And the only acceptable response is, “Thank you!  I will come!”  The King provides the wedding clothes.  We don’t bring them with us.

I know the answer.  it will be because I am invited.  My invitation came in an Easter card.  And all that is required of me it to know that.

(310 words)