Rejected 1

Matthew 22:1-7

The image of God’s goodness as a banquet, a great table of abundance, continues in Matthew with the parable of the wedding banquet. Just as with the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, a wedding celebration, so familiar to so many people, represents the goodness of God’s grace.

Who prepares the wedding banquet? What did the invited guests do? What enticement does the king offer in verse 4? What was the result of the second invitation? How did the king react?

A similar parable to this one is presented in Luke 14:16-24, but this story in Matthew has a distinct edge to it. How does the king react? He kills those who rejected his invitation and destroyed their city. His wrath was great.

If the king represents God, then Jesus is warning us of a vengeful side to God. Rejecting His invitation not only makes us bypass blessings, it might spark God’s anger.

Another element missing from Luke’s version are the details we see in Matthew 22:4. In this version we see the abundance that is offered – fattened cattle and oxen have been butchered. The meal is ready. The king is reminding everyone of what they might expect. He is hoping to entice them to come.

Yet, this invitation is neglected. Those invited turn their backs.

And like so many passages in the Bible we can cluck our tongues at these foolish people. But, how different from them are we?

Don’t we bypass the blessings of God by refusing His invitation to us? Don’t we miss out on the great and wonderful grace and goodness God will pour out on us because we turn away from God?

There are so many who will not come to God’s table. Through fear or doubt, they avoid that deeper relationship with the Lord, a togetherness that will fill their lives with richness. A fabulous gift is offered, but many do not accept it.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you avoid missing God’s banquet?