An Examination of the Marriage Feast 

In Matthew 22:1-14, we read another parable of our Lord.  Of all the parables Jesus gave us, the parable of the marriage feast is surely the widest in scope, taking in the full length and breadth of this present dispensation.  The cast of characters include: 

• The king, who is God the Father
• His son represents Jesus Christ, the Son of God
• The servants are the apostles of Christ
• Those who were invited represent the Jews, who  as a nation had received their invitation long before
• The other servants probably refers to those who went forth with the Gospel after Pentecost

The “marriage” was the new relationship into which the Son was about to enter and the “dinner” was the provision made by God in the death of His Son for the hungry, dying souls of the world.  They ignored the “invitation” (KJV, “made light of it) is obviously a reference to the rejection of Christ by the Jews, the called ones of God.  The “burned city” would be the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans some 30 years later.  The universal invitation, suggested by the phrase “go to the street corners” refers to the preaching of the Gospel around the world.  The “full wedding hall” represents the filling of and the  completion of the Church on earth.  The “guest” who was not invited or properly dressed and tossed out is the separation of the chaff from the wheat.  In this parable, then, we have a marvelous illustration of the Gospel of the grace of God.  Let’s take a closer look at—

1.  Provision, verse 4.  The provision was completely a work of the King.  The King made the banquet ready in every way for his guests; nothing was overlooked.  God spared nothing in His plan of salvation, not even His own Son, but God freely gave Him up for us all.  The provision was great; it included everything.  In Christ, we are heirs of the Father; all things are ours if we are Christ’s.  Those who came to this feast found what sinners find when they come to Christ. 

• Rest on the King’s couch
• Shelter under the King’s roof
• Satisfaction at the King’s table
• Fellowship with the King’s friends

2.  Invitation, verse 4.  This invitation is an open one; it was for all who would respond, both the good and the bad were called.  The Gospel invitation is no respecter of character; the vilest as well as the virtuous must accept the invitation.  None deserve it.  It is the goodness of God freely offered to all.  From the poverty-ridden beggar to the pompous prince, all alike are indebted to the mercy and grace of God, expressed in His Son.  Because of this, so many ignore the call.  Or worse, may make light of it.  Unfortunately, to ignore the call of God to salvation, or to make light of God’s calling, is to make light of God Himself.  The invitation is no light matter.

3.  Inspection, verse 11.  Everyone who accepts the invitation expects to see the King; they wait for Him to arrive.  Those who are living a life in opposition to His will are really despising His grace and likely dread His coming.  The King comes to see and to welcome all those who have believed His Word given through His servants.  Jesus Christ manifests Himself to those who yield themselves to His call, and accept the mercy He offers.  Believing, we may see the glory of God.

4.  Detection, verse 11.  There was only one, but God spotted the one who didn’t belong immediately.  The man was conspicuous, not for what he had, but for what he lacked:  the proper clothing.  The clothing, the “wedding cloths,” were provided by the King, yet this person refused to wear them.  It is not enough to merely believe the invitation of the Gospel; we must lay hold of the righteousness of God, offered us in Christ.  Mingling among the people of God does NOT make a person fit to see God.  Going to church does not make one a believer.  A fraud like that may go unnoticed by people, but the King—the Searcher of all hearts—will find you out.

5.  Interrogation, verse 12.  Notice that the King does not get violent with the man, or yell at him in anger.  The King’s language is full of compassion, yet at the same time full of justice.  It was not the King’s fault.  Perhaps this person had nice clothes of his own, perhaps he bought them specifically for the banquet.  And yet, they were not appropriate.  A person like this is one who lives in his own righteousness, Romans 10:3.

6.  Conviction, verse 12.  The man was speechless; he was self-condemned before the court from which there can be no appeal.  Perhaps this man was making fine speeches before the King arrived.  Perhaps he was even praising the virtues of the King, but now he was speechless.  There was no one to plead his case.  This man didn’t plead his own case, nor did he ask for mercy; that is how hopeless it was for him.  It is a solemn moment when all the refugees of lies are swept away by the power of God’s presence. 

7.  Expulsion, verse 13.  The man who refused to wear the King’s garment was not welcome at the King’s table.  Consider what this person will lose:  He will lose his friends and companions and will lose forever the chance to stay in the King’s court.  What does he gain; an eternity in darkness; the darkness of hopeless despair.  Here is what awaits all who reject the King’s will.  Utter disappointment and sorrow, with the knowledge of what could have been.  Cast out of the presence of the King and the invited guests into the place of weeping.  Indeed, when Christ appears, there will be great and sudden changes.  The time to put on Christ is now.