August 21, 2022

Many are called but few are chosen

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Matthew 22:1-14
Service Type:

Introduction

  • Many are called but few are chosen
    • Many were invited but really only few were chosen
      • There were few who were really worthy of the invitation
      • The few is not an insignificant number
  • In this parable - Jesus is dealing with the religious leaders of the Jews
    • The last of 3 parables
    • 21:23 - the religious leaders were saying they were in charge -
      • Who gave you authority to go against what we have authorised?
      • Who do you think you are?
      • They rejected Jesus' authority
    • Jesus tells them it is they that have been rejected by God
      • They have no place reserved for them in God's kingdom

The unreasonable behaviour of those who rejected the invitation

  • This is a major point of the parable - driven home in two ways
    1. To see those who reject - an act of treason: an act of rebellion, refusing to pay homage to the Sovereign, a persistent and calculated rebuffing
      • The people likely had a pre-invitation
        • This invitation was sent twice
        • No excuse about 'lost mail'
      • A deliberate snub
      • They are contemptible
        • They are not interested in the wedding of the Kings' son
        • They feel they have better things to do
      • They seize the servants and kill them
    1. In the man who turns up without a wedding garment
      • We might think he should get some credit
        • This man shows even greater contempt
      • The King would have provided splendid wedding garments
        • The man is making a statement - deliberating subbing the King, rebelling right before the King's face
        • The man was speechless about his actions - he has no defence
  • There is nothing more contemptible for people to refuse the offer of the gospel
    • To receive salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
    • This is a illustration of the rebellion they have in their heart to God
    • They are committing treason against the King
    • The reject Christ because they have long since rejected God
    • They willing and actively reject the offer of the gospel because they are enslaved to sin
    • They by nature of fundamently opposed to God and all His ways
    • They would rather die than come to Christ
  • There are those who appear to accept the invitation but they do not accept the conditions
    • People do not want to live like Christians
    • They do not want to live by God's laws and standards
    • This is the reality of our fallen nature
    • It takes a work of Sovereign grace to overcome this
    • We need to see God working in our communities - transforming lives

The reasonable judgment of the King

  • His reaction was just
    • He was enraged by their actions and His soldiers destroyed His enemies
      • This happened in AD70 when judgment came on Jerusalem
    • God will bring judgment on those who reject and despise His mercy
  • His reaction was mellow
    • He did not fly of the handle, addressing the man as 'friend'
    • His action was decisive
    • The man was cast out - a picture of hell
      • There was to be no relief from the punishment
  • God's judgment on unrepentant sinners is just
    • Everyday many spit in the face of God
    • Many will not accept that God is wrathful
    • They do not appreciate the seriousness of sin
    • They refuse to repent and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ - this is the greatest sin
  • Such high treason must be dealt with
    • It is not surprising that His wrath consumes people but that His grace saves people
    • In His love and mercy - He condescends to save
    • There are those whom He chooses and calls to respond in grace
      • He gives these wedding clothes
      • Just as we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ
    • To be saved - we must be clothed in the righteousness of Christ
      • To have their sins washed away
      • To be clothed in Christ's sinless perfection

The banquet was full

  • The wedding was not cancelled
    • The countryside was scoured until the number of guests was complete
    • A motley crew - both good and bad (v10)
      • Nobody could tell the difference between them because they were all clothed in the wedding garments
    • The king's plans were not thwarted
  • The rejoicing was not diminished
    • Those who rejected the invitation did not diminish the King's purpose - it just condemned themselves
    • It made no difference to the King - but it did bring condemnation
  • There will yet be the chosen ones who will fill heaven
    • They are drawn from all backgrounds
    • There are those who will be regarded as 'good'
    • There are those who will be regarded as 'bad'
    • All are wearing the robes of righteousness
  • They will eternally enjoy the marriage feast of the Lamb
    • Heaven will be full
    • There will not be one person missing
    • All invited places will be filled
    • There will be an innumerable number - only God will be able to count
    • All will be presented spotless before God

Closing Remarks

  • Come to the wedding
    • To those who have repented and believed on the Lord - you will be cleansed by the blood of the Lamb and clothed in the righteousness of Christ
    • You will be a child of God forever and never be turned away
    • You are inseparably joined by the Holy Spirit to the Perfect Son
    • God does not see us, but Christ in us
    • Nothing can ever change this
  • Be among the 'few' who are chosen
    • Do not refuse an invitation
    • Joyfully come
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