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Matthew 22:1-14
As we look at the life and ministry of Jesus, we see he loves to tell stories. He consistently goes to parables to communicate different aspects of his kingdom. This story focuses in on a big party, a wedding feast for a kings son. But it doesn’t end as happy as you’d expect a coming party to be. Remember: God is the king, Jesus is the son, the church is his bride. Many are invited, few are chosen.
1 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.” ’ 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Jesus finishes the parable with a haunting lesson. Many people will receive an invitation to come to celebrate the son of the king and his bride. But many ignore the invitation, and others who come will try to come their own way.
Discussion Questions
D&A (Discipleship & Accountability)
Break up into smaller groups for prayer.
As we look at the life and ministry of Jesus, we see he loves to tell stories. He consistently goes to parables to communicate different aspects of his kingdom. This story focuses in on a big party, a wedding feast for a kings son. But it doesn’t end as happy as you’d expect a coming party to be. Remember: God is the king, Jesus is the son, the church is his bride. Many are invited, few are chosen.
1 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.” ’ 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Jesus finishes the parable with a haunting lesson. Many people will receive an invitation to come to celebrate the son of the king and his bride. But many ignore the invitation, and others who come will try to come their own way.
Discussion Questions
- What is something that sticks out to you in this passage? Why?
- Read Revelation 19:6-9. How does this passage tie into this story?
- Did you have a season in your life where you ignored God’s invitation in your life? What did that look like?
- Have you tried to follow Jesus in your own way? What did that look like?
- How does this passage give us hope?
D&A (Discipleship & Accountability)
Break up into smaller groups for prayer.
- How is your time with God?
- What are you praying for?
- What are you struggling with?
- Who are you praying for to know Jesus?
- What gospel conversations have you had this week with someone who doesn’t follow Jesus?