RPG Adults
PARABLE OF THE BANQUET – SALVATION FOR ALL
SATURDAY, MAY 2
Matthew 22:1-14
Memory verse: Matthew 22:2
“And Jesus answered and spake unto
them again by parables…”
PARABLE OF THE BANQUET – SALVATION FOR ALL
In succession, Jesus spoke to the chief priests and Pharisees, a third parable. This third Parable of the Banquet begins with the well-known phrase “the Kingdom of Heaven.” Jesus wanted them to enter the kingdom of heaven despite their resistance and murderous hatred for Him! That was why Jesus spoke this third parable, emphasising an invitation to salvation. The king’s invitation to his son’s marriage garnered three different responses. He sent out his servants to save them.
Usually, everyone likes to attend the marriage of very important people, how much more that of a king’s son! There is no invitation grander than the king’s invitation! The privilege given to the guest is a most honourable one. We know that in life, a limited number of people are invited to a dinner hosted by the president or prime minister. Their close friends, associates, and perhaps all the very important, influential, wealthy people in society are invited. When they receive the invitation, they will not dare to reject it but feel honoured to be invited.
In this Parable of the Banquet, the first group invited rejected the invitation, and some even killed the servants who sent them the invitation. The next group of guests was the rift rafts of society, good and bad ones. They came. And the king noticed that one of them did not have the wedding garment on. So, the king cast him out of the banquet and into outer darkness, where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Salvation for everyone, Jews and Gentiles alike, is the same. It is only through Christ alone. From the Old to the New Testament, all must believe in Christ to be saved. OT saints look forward to Christ’s death by faith through the animal sacrifices from Adam onwards. NT saints look back to the completed work of Christ at Calvary, also by faith.
Whenever the Gospel is offered, know that God is offering you salvation. Accept God’s offer!
THOUGHT: How many times have you rejected the Gospel?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, save me for Jesus’ sake, in Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.