Untitled Sermon (2)

Matthew (G. The King Will Receive Honor from the Most Unlikely Subjects (22:1–14))

It was as shocking then as it is now that God accepts the worst of sinners unconditionally. As long as a sinner shows a willingness to accept God’s grace by faith. God will transform him or her into a kingdom citizen. With such a group of people the king filled his wedding hall.

The Message of Matthew The Parable of the Wedding Feast (22:1–14)

The punishment is ludicrously severe for having come to a wedding improperly dressed. But the point goes far deeper. The man who scorned his host’s provision of wedding clothes insulted the host and showed personal complacency. His best was good enough for God! And God says that it is not. The king in the story has the man thrown out. God will do the same to anyone who relies on his own fancied goodness to gain entry into the kingdom. There are overtones of Isaiah here. ‘All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.’20