Matthew 22:1-14

Be Still: Jesus, my great Redeemer, I enter your gates with thanksgiving and your courts with praise. Thank you for inviting me to your table. I feast today on your holy Word. Amen

Read: Matthew 22:1-14

But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?' The man was speechless. (V11)

Encounter: Did you know weddings are public events? Anyone can come. At our wedding in St. Paul’s Church in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, a random guy with a Brazilian football jersey showed up and perched at the back. He wasn’t invited but it didn’t matter. Fortunately, he was well behaved. He even applauded as we processed out. ‘Viva o Brasil!’ The reception, on the other hand was a whole other story. No invite, no entrance. Sorry, Brazilian football jersey guy. We didn't know you. Even more importantly, you didn't know us. 

In this third of three parables aimed at the religious leaders, a fictional King rallies the invited guests for his wedding feast, but they don’t show up. The King then invites the whole town and the good the bad and the ugly all turn up. Something’s not right though. ‘Who’s that?’ I imagine the king saying. 'Everyone’s got their glad rags on – but this guy? Gym shorts and hoody. Excuse me. Didn't you notice the dress code? What do you think this feast is for? ' The guy doesn't have a clue – he’s just there for the free food. ‘Sorry’ says the King, 'this is not for you' and throws him out, into the darkness. 

The meaning of the parable is clear. Every individual needs to accept Jesus' invitation and be 'clothed' in his righteousness. The tragic alternative is darkness.

Apply: When I think about this story, I realise how much I need to say 'Thank you for having me' to Jesus, for inviting me into his kingdom and making me fit for the 'great wedding feast' described in the Book of Revelation. Whatever life offers me today I want to accept it with thanksgiving: ‘Thank you, Jesus for inviting me here! Thank you for the gift of your presence! Thank you for saving me so I can live, here and now, this eternal life.’ 

Devote: Thank you Jesus, for your great eternal invitation to me. Holy Spirit, lead me into thanks and praise today.