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.” Matthew 22:5–10 (ESV)
No one wants to be ignored. No one likes being rejected. “I shut down after being ignored, rejected, dismissed, or insulted. I don’t even speak. I just immediately shut down and go mute. It’s so weird,” writes one individual.
Imagine you sent invitations to your daughter’s upcoming wedding. You provide them ample time to plan to attend. It is understandable some people may have scheduling conflicts and are unable to come. They send you their regrets. This happens all the time.
However, how would you feel if everyone on your guest list of family and friends ignored the invitation and did not even respond but went about their busy lives? Not only would this affect your plans and preparation for the wedding and reception, but you would be deeply hurt. I wonder how your daughter would feel.
Jesus said a king gave a wedding feast for his son, the prince. He sent his servants to call the invited guests to attend. However, they would not come. He sent even more servants to announce to the invitees the feast was ready. All the king wanted was for his invited guests to come and enjoy the celebration (Matt. 22:1-4).
Yet they would not come. Today’s text says they paid no attention. They did not respond. They neglected, disregarded and ignored not only the invitation but the good and gracious king. Some went about their lives and businesses. Others reacted by seizing the king’s servants, mistreating them and killing them. Such behavior is totally reprehensible.
The king became angry and took appropriate action. He sent his troops, destroyed the murderers and burned their city. By this time, it should be clear the king is none other than the LORD God. His servants are His prophets, priests, and godly rulers like David. The invited guests who not only reject the servants, but ultimately the King, is Israel.
“The fact that persecution of God’s messengers had already occurred, was actually taking place, and was going to be the order of the day also during the years immediately following is clear from several passages. What had been the reaction of many, especially of the leaders, to John the Baptist? See Matt. 3:7–9; 11:18, 19; 21:25. What was—and was going to be—their attitude to Jesus?” states Dr. William Hendriksen. See Matt. 12:24; 16:21; 20:18; 21:38, 39; 27:20, 22; John 1:5–11; 5:18; 6:66. And to the disciples?” See Matt. 10:16, 22, 25; John 16:33; Acts 4:3; 7:58–60; 8:1; 12:1–3.”
“It appears that the invited guests had a city of their own. It is clear that the reference is to Jerusalem. Its destruction (a.d. 70) is here clearly predicted. See also 21:40–43; 23:37, 38; 24:1, 2, 15 ff; Luke 19:41–44. As to the fulfilment, Jerusalem was taken by Titus, son of the emperor Vespasian (a.d. 69–79). The temple was destroyed. It is believed that more than a million Jews, who had crowded into the city, perished. As a political unit Israel ceased to exist. As a nation specially favored by the Lord it had reached the end of the road even long before the beginning of the Jewish War.”
However, Jesus was not finished with His parable. He concluded by saying the king then did the unexpected. He said to his servants, “The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.”
The servants did what their king commanded. They went out into the roads and gathered all they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.
“God, the king in today’s passage, sends His servants the prophets to call His people to come to a feast for His Son (vv. 2–3). Actually, the servants go first to those who once told the king they would be at the party. Two invitations customarily went forth for parties in the ancient Near East. The first one did not list the time and place of the event, it only demanded a response of “Yes, I am coming” or “I cannot make it.” A second invitation then finalized the day and hour. At Sinai, the Almighty invited the Israelites to His banquet (the first invite), and they accepted without knowing when it would be (Ex. 24:1–11). Yet when God sent prophets to announce the day of the Lord and the messianic feast (the second invitation), many Israelites turned down the party (Luke 19:41–44),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
“So the Lord calls on those who have received no invitation — those outside God’s covenant with Israel (vv. 9–10). These foreigners accept the invitation gladly and join those Israelites who are true to Yahweh at the Lamb’s marriage feast (Rev. 19:6–10).”
Have you received your invitation to the wedding feast? What is your response to the King of kings and Lord of lords and His gracious invitation to receive eternal life from Him alone by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone? The invitation is sent. How will you respond?
Soli deo Gloria!
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