Faithful on Fridays Blog

As Jesus continued storytelling He focused again on a king and his kingdom. He’d already hammered the religious leaders with the previous indictment, but now He has more to say. His followers needed to reminded of some things before He exited so let’s hear the story paraphrased (Matt. 22:1-14).

This is what the kingdom of heaven (or eternal life) looks like, Jesus began. A king gave a wedding banquet for his son sending out invitations via his servants, however, amidst many excuses they were rejected, persecuted, and eventually killed. The king then extended the invitations to anyone who’d attend regardless of their social standing. However, when he looked over the guests there was someone present without the required wedding garment, therefore, he was thrown out: that’s the lower story. Ending this teaching parable Jesus closed with these words,

For many are called, but few are chosen.

Let’s look at the upper story or why this teaches us about eternal life or kingdom living and why Jesus included it during His last week. 

Throughout the Bible we find those God personally chose: Abraham, Moses, David, Paul, the Jews, even Jesus. He can do that … He’s God. In the parable the religious leaders are the ones who refused the calling or invitation, consequently, Jesus continued to invite anyone into that general calling. For God so loved the whole world … and yet, as the story teaches, a wedding garment was required to attend the banquet. We call that the effective calling; those clothed with a garment of righteousness, holiness, and purity. You only receive that invisible, spiritual garment when you’ve repented and believe in Christ. 

I know the ones I have chosen. John 13:18b

And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him. Rom. 8:28

God doesn’t delight in people who refuse the general call, He desires them to respond because He’s good, however, He’s also just. We’re not created to be His puppets, however, we must accept His invitation with humility knowing He’s the initiator. If you’ve done that … you’re His chosen.

You didn’t choose Me. I chose you. John 15:16a

This end time parable is a wake-up call for us to send out God’s invitation or calling to those within our sphere of influence (words), but also to represent Him by our works before His return. 

Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. Revelation 19:7-8 

Worldwide persecution of believers is a fact, will undoubtedly increase, therefore, we must be ready to stand strong. 

But for the sake of His chosen ones He has shortened those days. Mark 13:20b

… (angels) will gather His chosen ones from all over the world —from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. Matt. 24:31b