Matthew 22:1-22
Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to summon those who had been invited to the banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited, “Look! The feast I have prepared for you is ready. My oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.”’ But they were indifferent and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest seized his slaves, insolently mistreated them, and killed them. The king was furious! He sent his soldiers, and they put those murderers to death and set their city on fire. Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but the ones who had been invited were not worthy. So go into the main streets and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ And those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all they found, both bad and good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to see the wedding guests, he saw a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But he had nothing to say. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Tie him up hand and foot and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth!’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Then the Pharisees went out and planned together to entrap him with his own words. They sent to him their disciples along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are truthful, and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You do not court anyone’s favor because you show no partiality. Tell us then, what do you think? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
But Jesus realized their evil intentions and said, “Hypocrites! Why are you testing me? Show me the coin used for the tax.” So they brought him a denarius. Jesus said to them, “Whose image is this, and whose inscription?” They replied, “Caesar’s.” He said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Now when they heard this they were stunned, and they left him and went away.
The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
COMMENT & QUESTIONS
This is the final of 3 parables in quick succession. The first was about two sons – one who said he would work but then didn’t, and the other who said he wouldn’t work but then did. This was a clear attack on the Pharisees and Sadducees. The second parable was about the vineyard – another clear attack on the leaders. This third parable is about the wedding feast. Luke tells the story of the certain man who held a feast in a fine estate in town (Luke 14:16-24). But even though the stories sound similar, they have quite different messages. In Luke’s story, the message is about responding to the invitation in time. In Matthew’s story, it is predominantly about dressing properly for the wedding feast. Just like in the two previous parables, this is about people who should have been acting and behaving better. But since they were failing, they would be removed from their place.
This is another reminder that we can’t fool God. God sees us for who we really are. What are some ways that people try to fool God today?
It is easy for people live a different life on Sunday than throughout the week. We speak differently and act differently around our church family than around our workmates or family. We often forget that God sees our actions in all situations and not just when we're at church.
Also, many people ultimately trust in riches and pursue wealth, but speak as if their allegiance is with God. God knows exactly who we worship in our life and it can't be God AND money (Matthew 6:24).
PRAYERS
Give thanks for God’s invitation to the wedding banquet Pray for those who are yet to respond to the invitation
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