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PARABLE OF THE BANQUET – OFFERED TO GENTILES
TUESDAY, MAY 5
Matthew 22:11-14

Memory verse: Matthew 22:12

 

“…Bind him hand and foot,
and take him away, and cast him

into outer darkness…”

 

PARABLE OF THE BANQUET – OFFERED TO GENTILES
 
The wedding banquet was ready. The King told His servants to go to the highways to invite as many as possible to attend the banquet. Both good and bad were accepted. When the king came to see the guests, he saw a man without a wedding garment. It was customary for such a grand wedding of the King’s son that wedding garments were given to guests so that all would look the same, and none would regard others as more or less important because of their garments. The King called him “friend” and asked why he did not have the wedding garment on! He was speechless. The King then called his servants (the “diakonos”- servants) to bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness where there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth (a picture of hell!).
 
This is a picture of the Christian church where many Gentiles would accept the invitation as guests to the banquet of the King. Christ described the Gentiles as “bad and good.” The “bad and good” refers to bad and good people in society such as those who have been to prison and those who have not. They did not make excuses or hurt or kill the servants (i.e. “doulos”- slaves) but accepted the gracious invitation. This is likened to all who attend church and worship God every Sunday. They participate in all the church activities and may even be part of the church leadership. Some, like the pastors, may be theologically trained and preach God’s Word. But some are not born again in Christ as they do not have the wedding garment on, i.e. the garment of the righteousness of Christ.
 
The blood of Christ must wash all before they can enter the kingdom of heaven. Church attendance, serving in the church even as elders and deacons, being ordained as pastors, preaching and teaching God’s Word mean nothing to God if the sinner does not have the garment of Christ on him! He will undoubtedly be cast into hell when he dies in his sin.
 
In this present climate of fallen Christianity, believers are surrounded by many professing believers inside and outside the church. Be sure to have the garment of Christ on.
 
THOUGHT: Make sure of your salvation with fear and trembling.

PRAYER: Father, help me to be sure of my salvation.

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