Invitations, RSVPs, and Participation

The parable of the wedding feast, those who come, and those who party like it's meant to be.

So here we hear that the kingdom of heaven is like a king throwing a party. A wedding feast, no less. A celebration of joy, community, and abundance. That’s the image Jesus gives us.

But there are weird twists and turns here.

To begin, those who were first invited refuse. Some are indifferent, too busy with their fields or businesses. Others respond violently, mistreating and even killing the messengers. This is a clear depiction of Israel’s history. The prophets had been rejected and abused. And now, Jesus himself is being rejected.

So the king opens the doors wide. The invitation goes out to anyone, good and bad alike, and the place fills up. The kingdom isn’t about pedigree, title, or worthiness. It’s about showing up when the invitation comes. Seems simple!

But then comes the hard part: one guest is found without wedding clothes. He’s thrown out. It seems severe until we realize what it means. Saying yes to God’s invitation isn’t just about attendance. It’s about readiness. The garment, a picture of righteousness, is a transformed life. We don’t just slip into the kingdom unchanged. God’s grace is free, but it is not cheap. It calls for more than showing up. Like we’ve seen in recent passages, it calls for more than just words. It calls for an exterior that matches the invitation.

Perhaps that’s the point of the parable. God’s kingdom is wide open, far wider than we’d ever draw it. But it’s also deeply serious. It calls for fruit and for action. Appearances matter.

So maybe the question isn’t “Who’s in and who’s out?” Maybe the question is: Am I showing up? And then, …how?

Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus responded by speaking again in parables: “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding party for his son. He sent his servants to call those invited to the wedding party. But they didn’t want to come. Again he sent other servants and said to them, ‘Tell those who have been invited, “Look, the meal is all prepared. I’ve butchered the oxen and the fattened cattle. Now everything’s ready. Come to the wedding party!”’ But they paid no attention and went away—some to their fields, others to their businesses. The rest of them grabbed his servants, abused them, and killed them.

“The king was angry. He sent his soldiers to destroy those murderers and set their city on fire. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding party is prepared, but those who were invited weren’t worthy. Therefore, go to the roads on the edge of town and invite everyone you find to the wedding party.’

“Then those servants went to the roads and gathered everyone they found, both evil and good. The wedding party was full of guests. Now when the king came in and saw the guests, he spotted a man who wasn’t wearing wedding clothes. He said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But he was speechless. Then the king said to his servants, ‘Tie his hands and feet and throw him out into the farthest darkness. People there will be weeping and grinding their teeth.’

“Many people are invited, but few people are chosen.”

Psalm 36:5-9

But your loyal love, Lord, extends to the skies; your faithfulness reaches the clouds. Your righteousness is like the strongest mountains; your justice is like the deepest sea. Lord, you save both humans and animals. Your faithful love is priceless, God! Humanity finds refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the bounty of your house; you let them drink from your river of pure joy. Within you is the spring of life. In your light, we see light.

Prayer

God,

We thank you for the invitation into your kingdom. Frankly, I’m still not completely sure just how incredible that invitation is, though it feels incredible enough. There are times when I’ve come into your kingdom to look around, to observe, to ponder and to wonder about the reasonability or veracity or even futility of it all.

But I don’t want to just observe anymore. Put me to work. Put me to service. Make me yours as a partier, not just an observer.

By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.