Scripture Matthew 22:14

“Therefore, many are invited, but few of those are chosen to stay.” - God’s Word Translation

"That's what I mean when I say, 'Many get invited; only a few make it.'" - The Message

Observation

Jesus used stories as illustrations when he spoke to the crowds. In this case, He’s describing the kingdom of heaven as a king who planned a wedding for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the wedding, but they refused to come. Some went to work their fields, others to their businesses. Some mistreated, even killed the king’s servants.

Then the king told his servants to go, invite everyone you find to the wedding.The servants went into the streets and brought in all the good people and all the evil people they found. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.

When the king came to see the guests, he saw a person who was not dressed in the wedding clothes provided for the guests. He said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without proper wedding clothes?’ The man had nothing to say. Then the king told his servants, ‘Tie his hands and feet, and throw him outside into the darkness.’

Jesus concludes, “Therefore, many are invited, but few of those are chosen to stay.”

Application

God invites us to His Kingdom. Everyone. Good and evil. We need to set all else aside to accept the invitation.

Those chosen to say to be part of His Kingdom require proper attire. God is holy. To be in His presence, in His kingdom, we must be holy. My own attempts at this are dismal failures - my own clothes are tattered and dirty, hardly fit for a wedding celebration. He provides the clothes to wear. Jesus dies for my sins, and clothes me in His holiness.

Am I busy doing my own thing, too busy to accept His invitation? Am I trying to prove my worthiness, or have I put on His robe of righteousness?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for making your Kingdom available to all who will accept the invitation. Thank you for inviting me. And thank you for Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, to make me righteous and holy in Him.

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