Matthew 22:1-14 gives us a beautiful portrait of the marriage feast. A celebration given by our Savior. Jesus is having the biggest celebration and you are invited. He has extended the invitation to ALL. Even though ALL receive the invite, only a few will accept. Can you imagine missing out on the celebration that is not only a party of a lifetime, but a party that lasts forever? I know I am going to attend.
I love this parable. No one has the right garments (dress or tux) for this party. I think of these garments as grace and mercy. All decked out in the finest prepared and designed by our Savior.
Grace is the chosen garment. Jeweled with humility and adorned in belief. This gown is made only of the finest material. Made by Designer of the stars. An original that is priceless beyond anything we could ever afford or offer. He is not only inviting us to the celebration, but He will deliver our gown for this special day.
He sends out messengers who are to arrange invitations for everyone to attend. Instead of people just offering a thank you and accepting the invite, they kill the messengers! Can you imagine? As they are out giving out invites, Jesus is planning the party down to the very last detail. He is awaiting in hope that we will accept. Think of Him as the Great Wedding Planner.
In verse 11 it begins as the King is going over the guest list and sees someone without the garment on He has designed for him to wear. It was made especially for him. It was tailored to fit perfect. But he doesn't have it on. Can you imagine the hurt and insult to the King? He has invited His friend and His friend insists on showing up and doing it his own way. He is turning down all that goes with the invitation. The King has not only given him the tux of a lifetime, but He has extended the invitation. Picture something even more grandeur than the red carpet. These are children of the King of kings showing up!
This man declines the Tux, (grace, mercy and forgiveness all wrapped with love), and wants to show up in his own duds? The King isn't accepting this. He wanted His guest to be humble and to be joyful in the celebration. See, the celebration isn't about us, it's all about Him.
Friends, this gives us a glimpse of the upcoming party. Jesus is sending the invite to ALL. He is doing the designing and planning to surprise us with the greatest gesture of love. Himself. He wants us to be ready. To be prepared in every way. We aren't just so suppose to show up at the last minute or show up late and expect to get in. We have no excuses to give to Jesus after all He has done for us. See, we can only have this celebration because of His birth, His life, His death and His resurrection. The King lives!!
He wants us to graciously prepare. Remember your prom? That first date? Your wedding day? You spent hours on your hair and make up. You searched for the perfect dress. You anticipated the day your date would arrive and now here he is at the door and you are giddy as can be. This is the day you have been waiting for. The one you have been waiting for places that flower on your wrist or the ring on your finger and your heart is overjoyed with excitement.
We should be in great anticipation for this grand event. Jesus wants everything to be perfect and the gift is Himself to us. He has put in every effort to call us and reach us and He is waiting for you to accept. He wants to see you in all the grandeur He has especially for you.
To get ready for this big day all we must do is answer the RSVP with a humble yes and show up wearing the garments He has prepared just for us.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."
Ephesians 2:8-10
"Know that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments."
Deuteronomy 7:9
Dear Heavenly Father, as I wait in anticipation for You, fill me with Your Spirit and walk with me. May I keep my eyes upon You and while in wait of You may I walk each day giving glory and honor to You through my life in every way.
