Calendar

JESUS’ WEDDING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Matthew 22:1-14

Revelation 19:1-9

 

“The wedding is ready.”

 

JESUS’ WEDDING
 
This parable of the wedding dinner is similar to the one found in Luke 14:16-24. Like the parable of the wicked farmer, it has a historical as well as prophetic element. God had invited the Israelites to the marriage feast of His Son Jesus Christ. It was an invitation to be saved. But they would not come. He sent the invitation out again, and assured them that everything had been prepared. Christ had done all that is necessary for their salvation; they need only to receive it by faith, and enjoy all its benefits. But they made light of the gift of salvation, rudely threw out the Gospel invitation, ill-treated and even killed His messengers. Their own worldly business was more important than this grand and gracious salvation dinner God the King had specially prepared for them.
 
What would God do to Israel? Israel’s rebellion so angered God that He sent Titus with his Roman army to destroy Jerusalem in AD 70. He then sent out His wedding invitation to those on the highways, i.e. the Gentiles (cf. Luke 14:23). The marriage feast would be filled with people from “every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” (Rev 5:9). Although all are invited, not all are elected. As Jesus said, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” The chosen ones are clothed with a wedding garment. This wedding dress is described in Revelation 19:8, “And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” The righteousness of the saints is none other than the righteousness of Christ imputed to them. It is the righteousness Christ earned for His saints by His active obedience. Those who are without this wedding garment, who seek to participate in this marriage feast on account of their own righteousness or good works will be thrown out, and cast into outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, a description of hell and its torments (Matt 13:42; 25:30, 46). This is a solemn reminder that good works do not save; only Jesus saves! Only one way to heaven, and it is not our way, but His way: Jesus is the only living and true way (John 14:6).
 
THOUGHT: Am I ready with my wedding dress?
PRAYER: Father, clothe me with the wedding garment that is made by Thy Son.

Search