Imagine being invited to a Royal Banquet (e.g. Will & Kate)
Jesus likens the Kingdom of God to a Wedding Feast
Many people think of Christianity as a set of rules, as what you can't do, not what you can do
Jesus is asking the question: 'will you be participating in something that is marvellous?'
Will you be there?
The Jews were invited (Isa 25:6) but killed the prophets of God and made light of the invitation (cf Matt 22:5)
Jesus says "come"
The king was furious that the servants were killed and sent his armies to destroy them. Surely this speaks of the destruction in AD 70 and the gospel went out to the Gentiles
Someone does not have a wedding garment (v12) and could give no answer
He is bound and cast into darkness
Surely this speaks of a hypocrite, someone in church who is not really saved
He is not part of the family of God, he is not able to join in the wedding feast
The message goes out to all
Many are on the broad path to destruction but few are on the narrow path to life
Two things:
Many are called
Few are chosen
Many are called
All people are called, the gospel call, the Christian message goes out
There is an outward call
They hear the exclusive claims that Jesus is the only way to God
They hear that Jesus died and rose again
They hear that they must repent of their sin
The king sends out servants to invite people
Jesus is ready and willing to save sinners
The Holy Spirit is waiting
The angels are waiting to celebrate in heaven
The word is ready to show you the way
God is ready to pour out His grace
We need to come to the table of the marriage feast
There is peace on the table - peace with God
John 3:36 - the wrath
of God is upon those who do not believe
There is love on the table
There is hope on the table
There are all good things on the table, but you must call
The King extends the call
He invites the bad and good (v10)
Rom 3:23 - all have fallen short
We tend to think of people who have sinned as bad and good
The Gospel message is for all
Few are chosen
There is an inward call
A call of the Holy Spirit
"No man can come to the father unless He draw him"
John 6:37 - "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and ?the one who comes to Me I will ?by no means cast out."
John 6:44 - "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me ?draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day."
John 6:63 - "It is the Spirit who gives life"
John 6:65 - "Therefore ?I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father."
Is there any point in being saved or witness - yes, because the call goes out to all
Close
Isa 61:10 - the garments of salvation, the "robe of righteousness"
To receive this 'robe of righteousness' you must call out to Jesus and repent of your sins
We want to avoid the place of total darkness where there is continual weeping
