Introduction
In Matthew 22:1-14, we find the parable of the wedding feast. In this parable, the Lord Jesus tells us about the kingdom of heaven, where He likens the kingdom of heaven to a king (the Father) who gave a wedding feast for his Son (the Lord Jesus). The purpose of the wedding feast parable is to show that the ultimate decision belongs to the Father and that the Father alone makes all the decisions.
The preparation for the kingdom of the beloved Son, the Lord Jesus, began at the moment the first nail pierced His skin. In this parable, the Father gives the wedding feast in honor of establishing the kingdom of heaven and pointing out to the real king, the Lord Jesus, who will rule over all the guests.
Upon reflection, we can see that this parable describes three distinct stages. The first stage involves the Father preparing for the feast—this includes preparing the hall, arranging the table, selecting the food, creating the guest list, sending out servants, and designating where guests will sit. The second stage is the calling of the guests, and the third stage is the feast itself.
This parable holds profound spiritual significance, and we encourage all readers to reflect on its meaning. We also invite you to explore our comments on the verses of this passage (Comments Matthew 22:1-14). In this blog, we will comment on the final portion of the parable, specifically, on Matthew 22:11-14.
Comments Matthew 22:11-14
Matthew 22:11 Then the king having entered in to look upon those reclining, he saw there a man not being dressed in wedding garment;
As this verse tells, all of the guests have accepted His Son’s mercy with a sincere heart, but there was one there who pretended to accept. This one hid himself among the others; he just wanted to have a portion of the good time. He thought that he could hide from the eyes of the Lord, but no one can.
“He saw there a man.” This man represents all those who try to make themselves righteous in their own eyes, as the Bible tells us, but the Lord can see the inner heart of those individuals. Everything is like an open book for the Lord.
“Wedding garment.” This portion of the parable refers to then and now as well. The wedding garment represents faith and belief in the Lord Jesus, that He is the only true Son of God, and only by His blood are we all cleansed. The old garments have been changed; they have been washed by the blood of the Lord Jesus, and when they have been washed in the blood, they will be fit for the wedding feast. That is what the Father is looking for; the first thing the Father sees is the wedding garment, and the sin of that person will be covered. Do not come to the wedding if you do not have the wedding garment on you.
12 and he says to him, Friend, how did you enter here not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
“Friend ... wedding garment?” This man (friend) represents all those who sneak in without proper wedding garments. This man was invited by the servants, and he hid among the true believers and the Jews. The servants’ duty was only to invite the guests, not to sort them. As the Bible tells us, the wolf covered with lambskin can blind the eye, not just for other believers but even for the servants. Just looking at the outer covering, you think it is right to invite them to the feast. But the Father’s eyes can see through the covering; He sees through the deep, hidden portion of the heart and soul. Nothing can be hidden in front of the Father.
13 Then the king said to the servants, Having bound his feet and hands, cast him out into the outer darkness; there will be the weeping and the gnashing of the teeth.
These servants here represent the angels of the Lord, who have the power and authority to carry out these actions. The outer darkness represents the outer rim of Hades (See Luke 16:22-23). Note that here and in Luke 16:22-23, the Lord refers to the outer level within the realm of Hades.
14 For many are called, but few chosen.
The meaning of the wedding feast itself is to show that everything is in the Father; this world itself is in the Father as well. The Father has all things in His hands. The ultimate decision belongs to the Father, who alone makes all the decisions. Remember that the Lord Jesus Himself always does the Father’s will.
Meditating on the above passage of Scripture, we must check seriously our hearts and our motives to come to the cross and be fearful to go to the wedding feast without the proper wedding garment washed in the blood of the Lamb of God, which was shed on the cross of Calvary. The evil one lurks everywhere, and they will try to attack and destroy the work of God through confusion, doubt, and compromise with the world, leading the church to become lukewarm, as described in Revelation 3:14-22 regarding the church of Laodicea.
It is essential for us to distance ourselves from worldly influences and fully dedicate our hearts to the Lord Jesus. We should not love the world or its desires (1 John 2:15), nor should we conform our lives and lifestyles to those of the world (Romans 12:2). We must remember that friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4).
Conclusions
In conclusion, to ensure our salvation, we must come to the Lord Jesus with whole hearts. We must believe that the Lord Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, that He is the Son of God and One with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. He was crucified for the sins of the world, and His blood shed on the cross cleanses us from every sin. He came to show the way to the Father and to bring salvation to the world. After being buried in the tomb, He rose on the third day from the dead, ascended to the Father, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. He sends the promise of the Father, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, to all those who truly seek Him. For our complete core faith fundamentals, check the link: “The Followers of Jesus Christ, the Beloved Son of God.”
As believers in the Lord Jesus, we must be baptized in water for the remission of our sins, as a vital step towards complete soul salvation. With a heart full of faith in the Beloved Son of God, we should then seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, as followers of the Lord Jesus, it is important to read and meditate on the Holy Word of God daily.
Meditation Tasks:
- Read and meditate on our blog post: “The God We Serve.”