Tag: wedding banquet
It’s best to be humble
Scripture reading for March 21: Luke 14
“Now He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:7-11
Pride is a hallmark of the sinners life. Sinners almost always think more highly of themselves than others and they seldom think of God as real or of deserving honor. Jesus came to a feast given on the Sabbath by a ruler of the Pharisees. They were watching Him carefully, to trap Jesus. He healed a man with dropsy and they were silently angry at His ‘work’ on the sacred Sabbath. In response to their judgment, Jesus told the invited guests a parable of a wedding feast with invited guests. Those in attendance had evidently taken places of honor and there was jostling for these choice positions. This selfish attitude was evident in the religious life of Israel and was also among the disciples–wanting positions of honor at Jesus’ right hand.
But Jesus used this parable to teach that it’s best to be humble and take the lowest seat first. The master of the banquet can then invite you to take a better place rather than remove you from the highest place bringing shame and dishonor. This was a spiritual principle of Christ’s kingdom and a core principle of His world view: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” This is contrary to the world’s view of grab the best for you! Repentance requires humility. The kingdom of heaven is like being invited to a wedding banquet. The Groom is Jesus Christ and those invited are the humble who will graciously respond and put on the wedding garments provided! (Luke 14:16-23)
Have you responded to Christ’s invitation to His great banquet? What are indications in your own life that you are now acting in humility and taking the ‘lower place?’ Is it wrong to have expectations of great reward for serving Jesus?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the invitation to attend the greatest banquet ever, the wedding supper of the Lamb! I am thankful for any place at that table. Use me to spread the invitation to others who need to humble themselves in repentance before this great event takes place. Amen.
The wedding banquet!
Scripture reading for October 10: Matthew 20-23
“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.” Matthew 22:2-3
Why did Jesus give this parable and who did he give it to? We read in the previous chapter that the chief priests and Pharisees knew that the parables that they heard were about them and they were afraid of the people. They were jealous because many people were following Jesus and thought He was a prophet. (Matthew 21:45-46) They were looking for a way to arrest Jesus but He just gave them another parable.
The king represented God the Father Who sent His only Son to earth. His plan was to gather a bride for His Son from those who would believe and follow Him. He came to the Jews first and invited them to the great wedding banquet. Israel was long considered the betrothed ‘wife of God’! When the banquet was ready, servants were sent to remind the guests of the banquet and their need to come. These servants were the prophets, up to and including John the Baptist. The people of Israel gave lots of excuses and for the most part failed to respond. Worse than that, they beat the servants of the King and killed them. (Matthew 22:5-7) The King sent His army and destroyed those murderers and their city. This likely refers to the Babylonian captivity.
The King instructed His servants to go into the highways and find those who would come to His Son’s wedding banquet. Many responded, good and bad, to the urgent invitation. This speaks of the church sent out to the world to preach the Gospel to all people. Many respond, good and bad. One attending the banquet was not properly clothed with the white wedding garment. This person was confronted, bound and cast out into outer darkness where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 22:13)
“Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) Jesus concluded this parable with these sobering words. The invitation to His wedding banquet has gone out to all the world. Many have responded and others have chosen to not respond with various excuses. These excuses will keep them out of the joys of the King’s presence. Others choose to come on their own terms and will be forcibly cast out at the last judgment. Only the robes of righteousness given by the King’s Son will be proper attire. Have you accepted the King’s invitation? Are you wearing the proper garment?
Dress for success!
Scripture reading for February 1st: Matthew 22
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Matthew 22:11-14 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless. “Then the king told the attendants, ‘tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ “For many are invited, but few are chosen.””
Towards the very end of His earthly ministry, Jesus told this parable about a wedding for the king’s son and a guest who came without a proper wedding garment. The man was confronted by the king, and he was without excuse and speechless. The king had him thrown outside, bound hand and foot. Jesus concluded the parable with “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
This parable speaks to us today about our need to respond properly to the invitation to the wedding feast of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ! We need to accept the wedding garment of His righteousness to be properly clothed and say ‘yes’ to the King’s invitation through His ambassadors, the ‘Church!’ Those who come thinking they are good just as they are will be in for a rude surprise! The only ‘clothes’ come by grace through faith in Jesus Christ! (Ephesians 2:8-9) All are invited to this wedding banquet, but few will chose to come properly dressed!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers will wear garments of Christ’s righteousness and be watching for the Bridegroom’s return! Some will be surprised and left out! “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12) “I will clothe her priests with salvation and her saints will ever sing for joy.” (Psalm 132:16)
The King’s wedding banquet!
Scripture reading for October 11th: Matthew 20-23
“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.” Matthew 22:2-3
We read in the previous chapter that the chief priests and Pharisees knew that the parables that they heard were about them. They were jealous because many people were following Jesus and thought He was a prophet. (Matthew 21:45-46) They were looking for a way to arrest Jesus but He gave them another parable.
The King was God the Father who sent His only Son to earth. His plan was to gather a bride for His Son from those who would believe and follow Him. He came to the Jews first because Israel was long considered the betrothed wife of God! When the banquet was ready, servants were sent to remind the guests of the banquet. These servants were the prophets, up to and including John the Baptist. The people of Israel gave excuses and most failed to respond. Worse than that, they beat the servants of the King and killed them. (Matthew 22:5-7) The king sent his army and destroyed those murderers and their city. This likely refers to the Babylonian captivity.
The King then instructed His servants to go into the highways and street corners and find those who would come to His Son’s wedding banquet. Many responded to the urgent invitation. But one attended the banquet not properly clothed for a wedding. This person was confronted and cast out into outer darkness where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 22:13)
“Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) Jesus concluded this parable with these sobering words. The invitation to His wedding banquet has gone out to all the world. Many have responded and others have chosen to not respond for various excuses. These excuses will keep them out of the joys of the King’s presence. Others choose to come on their own terms and will be forcibly cast out at the last judgment. Only the robes given by the King’s Son will be proper attire. Have you responded to the King’s invitation?
An unexpected visit!
Scripture reading for April 8th: Luke 12:35-59
Don’t you just love surprises? You get a letter from the IRS about an audit for last year’s taxes, and you are just thrilled! Your long lost cousin and her 7 unruly children drop by for an extended visit in your 1200 square foot home, and heaven applauds! Or maybe a large check comes in the mail, saying you have a refund because of overpayment–do you celebrate? Or your favorite rich uncle drops by unexpectedly just to bless you and your family by letting you know that he’s put you in his will! Unexpected events can happen to us at any time and whether they are a blessing or not depends on whether we are ready for what they bring with them!
Jesus warned His followers that His return to earth after the resurrection would be sudden and unexpected by many! For some it would be the source of highest blessing and others it would come as a thief in the night! Jesus told them a story (parable) about men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet. They must be ready to open the door for him whenever he returned, even if it was late in the night. The disciples asked Jesus if that story was for them or for everyone? (Luke 12:41)
Jesus responded with another story that showed that they must pay attention. Jesus wanted His followers to be faithful and wise managers, feeding and caring for those under their care. He told them about the possibility of a long delay in his return and some who would mistreat those under their care and get drunk. The master returned unexpectedly and then removed the servant and he lost his reward! (Luke 12:42-44) Those who know what to do and do not do it are going to be held to a higher standard than those who do not know. (Luke 12:47-48)
What kind of experience will it be for you and your family when Jesus suddenly appears at your door? He will hold each of us accountable for our application of His Word. We will enjoy the sudden return if we are doing what we know is right or we will suffer great loss if we have neglected His business! Today is the best time to make needed changes! For the faithful servant, the reward is out of this world!
Embarrassed at the Wedding!
Scripture reading for January 31st: Matthew 22:1-22, Psalms 20, Proverbs 5:21-23
Jesus knew that the religious leaders were plotting to arrest Him. He spoke to them again in a parable that would help them to see their precarious position. This parable had some common elements relating to the culture of that day for all who heard. There was the King who had a son that was getting married and a planned wedding banquet. There were the servants sent out to remind the guests of the banquet and confirm their attendance. There were those invited to this wedding banquet and then there were those who were found on the street and invited to come and fill the banquet hall for the dinner. There was one man who attended the banquet without proper clothes. This cast of characters and the wedding banquet were woven into a simple story that could bring understanding to those with teachable hearts.
The servants were initially sent out to the invited guests with the invitation. These guests either ignored the invitation and often mistreated and killed the servants who were sent to them. This enraged the King and He sent His army to destroy those invited guests and burn their city. Other servants were then sent out to find anyone, good or bad, who would come to the banquet. When the King arrived at the banquet he noticed a man who had no wedding clothes. This man had no excuse and was bound and thrown from the banquet hall. The moral of this parable was, “For many are invited but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)
Jesus’ story was directed at the religious leaders of the Jews and they knew it! They were the invited guests who had mistreated the prophets that the King (God) had sent to them. They had killed some of them and were at present plotting to kill the King’s Son! God had judged the nation by sending them into captivity for seventy years and their city was burned. God would now send disciples to gather all who would come to the feast–Jew or Gentile. Those accepting Christ would be clothed with His righteousness! (2nd Corinthians 5:21) Any man who was not properly clothed would be thrown into the darkness (hell). This was and is a warning to all. The proper garments are deeds of righteousness done by faith. (Revelation 19:7-9) Don’t be embarrassed at this wedding!
The wedding banquet!
Scripture reading for October 10th: Matthew 20-23
“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.” Matthew 22:2-3
We read in the previous chapter that the chief priests and Pharisees knew that the parables they heard were about them. They were jealous because many people were following Jesus and thought He was a prophet. (Matthew 21:45-46) As they were looking for a way to arrest Jesus, He gave them this parable that was a further warning of their dangerous path.
The king was God the Father who sent His only Son Jesus to earth. His plan was to gather a bride for His son from those who would believe in Him. He came to the Jews first and invited them to the great wedding banquet. Israel was long considered the betrothed wife of God! When the banquet was ready, servants were sent to remind the guests and their need to come. These servants were the prophets. The people of Israel gave lots of excuses and most failed to respond. Worse than that, they beat the servants of the King and killed them. (Matthew 22:5-7) The king sent his army and destroyed those murderers and their city. This likely refers to the Babylonian captivity.
The King then instructed His servants to go into the highways and on the street corners and find those who would come to His Son’s wedding banquet. Many responded to the urgent invitation. One attended the banquet not properly clothed. This person was confronted and then escorted out. This man was speechless because he knew the proper clothing but in rebellion chose not to wear it. He was bound and cast out into outer darkness where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 22:13)
“Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) Jesus concluded this parable with these sobering words. The invitation to His wedding banquet has gone out to all the world. Many have responded and others have chosen to not respond. Their excuses will keep them out of the King’s presence. Others come on their own terms and will be forcibly cast out at the last judgment. Only the robes given by the King’s Son will be proper attire. Have you accepted the King’s invitation? Are you wearing the proper garment?
Embarrassed at the wedding!
Scripture reading for January 31: Matthew 22:1-22, Psalms 20, Proverbs 5:21-23
Jesus knew that the religious leaders were plotting to arrest Him. He spoke to them again in a parable that would help them to see their precarious position. This parable had some common elements for the culture of that day that all who heard could relate to. There was the King who had a son that was getting married and a planned wedding banquet. There were the servants sent out to remind the guests of the banquet and confirm their attendance. There were those invited to this wedding banquet and then there were those who were found on the street and invited to come and fill the banquet hall for the dinner. There was one man who attended the banquet without proper clothes. This cast of characters and the wedding banquet was woven into a simple story that could bring understanding to those with ears to hear and hearts that were teachable.
The servants were sent out and went to the invited guests. These guests either ignored the invitation or mistreated and even killed the servants sent to remind them. The King was enraged and sent His army to destroy those invited guests and burn their city. Other servants were then sent out to find anyone, good or bad, who would come to the banquet. The King arrived and noticed a man who had no wedding clothes. This man had no excuse and was bound and thrown from the banquet hall. The moral of this parable was, “For many are invited but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)
This story was directed at the religious leaders of the Jews and they knew it. They were the invited guests who had mistreated the prophets that the King (God) had sent to them. They had even killed some of them and were at present plotting to kill the King’s Son. God had judged the nation by sending them into captivity for seventy years and their city was burned. The servants would then be sent out to gather all who would come–Jew and Gentile. The only requirement was proper wedding clothes! The man who had no proper clothes was thrown out into the darkness (hell). This was and is a warning to all who accept the invitation. The proper garments are deeds of righteousness done by faith. (Revelation 19:7-9) Are you ready for the wedding?