You’re Invited to the Party

Matthew 22:1–14 ESV

1 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.” ’ 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Introduction

At Christmas, we celebrate the greatest invitation ever sent—God stepping into human history through Jesus Christ. When the angels proclaimed,

Luke 2:11 ESV

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

. . .they were delivering the King’s call to all of humanity.

Yet, just like in today’s parable, not everyone receives this invitation with joy. Some ignore it, some reject it, and some come unprepared. In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a wedding feast to reveal God’s gracious offer: to come into His Kingdom by accepting Jesus as Savior and acknowledging Him as the true Messiah. This invitation is extended to all, but it demands more than a casual response—it requires faith, surrender, and commitment.

As we unpack this passage today, let me remind you: God’s invitation is not just about attending a banquet—it’s about receiving His Son, Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior. The question is, will we accept Him on His terms, or will we reject His invitation?

Let’s explore this parable through four movements, each showing us how to respond to the King’s invitation this Christmas season.

Transition: The first movement implores us...

Don’t Miss the Invite (vv. 1-4)

"And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come.”

Jesus begins the parable with a vivid image of a king hosting a grand wedding feast for his son. The invitation is lavish, joyful, and deeply personal—yet shockingly, the invited guests ignore it. In this cultural context, refusing a royal invitation wasn’t just rude; it was an insult to the king’s authority and generosity.

This mirrors the persistence of God’s invitation to humanity. Through His Word, His church, and even the circumstances of life, God is continually calling us into fellowship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.

1. God’s Persistent Call

The king sends his servants again and again, showing us the heart of a God who relentlessly pursues us. Even when we’re distracted, indifferent, or outright dismissive, He doesn’t stop calling. This persistence is rooted in His deep love and desire for all to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 ESV

9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

2. The Heart of God’s Invitation

Notice the nature of the invitation—it’s not to a burdensome obligation but to a wedding feast. God isn’t calling us to a life of misery, but to one of joy, peace, and eternal celebration in His presence. Refusing this invitation isn’t just a missed opportunity—it’s a tragedy.

Christmas Illustration: In the Christmas story, the shepherds didn’t miss God’s invitation. When the angels appeared in the fields, they dropped everything and went to see the Savior.

The wise men followed a star to worship Him.

But what about us? Are we like them, eager to respond, or are we too distracted by lesser things?

Run: Somebody here knows what it’s like to be pursued by God! You didn’t seek Him, but He sought you. You didn’t choose Him, but He chose you. While you were lost in sin, drowning in your mistakes, He knocked on the door of your heart and said, “Come to the party!” Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t give up on us? Aren’t you grateful that His grace keeps calling and His love keeps reaching? Don’t miss the invite!

Application: Let me ask you this, have you been missing the invitation? If so, what’s keeping you from responding to God’s call today? Christmas reminds us that the King’s invitation is still open—don’t let distractions cause you to miss it.

Transition: Some ignore the invitation, but others outright reject it. Let’s see what Jesus says about this rejection. . .

Don’t Reject the Invitation (vv. 5-7)

"But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city."

Jesus shifts to a more alarming scene—guests who actively reject His invitation. Some prioritize their own concerns, while others respond with hostility.

1. Distracted and Indifferent

The first group turns away to focus on their farms and businesses, representing how life’s ambitions, possessions, and busyness can blind us to eternal matters. In our modern context, it’s easy to be so consumed with work, bills, and personal goals that we say, “I’ll get to God later” or “God knows my heart”.

2. Open Rebellion

The second group mistreats and kills the king’s servants, symbolizing outright hostility toward God’s messengers. This applies not only to those outside the church but also to those who hear the Gospel repeatedly and harden their hearts.

3. The King’s Response

The king’s judgment is swift and just, depicting the seriousness of rejecting God’s call. While God’s patience is great, it’s not unlimited. Rejecting His grace leads to eternal separation from Him.

We don’t like to talk about judgment, but ignoring or rejecting God’s call is a serious matter. His patience has a purpose—to give us time to respond.

Christmas Illustration: Herod rejected the message of Christ’s birth. Instead of welcoming the King, he responded with fear and hostility, trying to destroy the Messiah. Ignoring or rejecting Christ doesn’t cancel God’s plan—it only leaves us outside His grace.

Run: God’s patience is not His permission. Aren’t you glad His grace keeps calling? But don’t take it for granted. The King is calling—don’t reject the invite!

Application: Maybe you’re distracted. Maybe you’re caught up in things that seem important now but will fade in eternity. Or maybe you’ve been outright resisting God’s authority, telling yourself you’ll answer later. Don’t reject the only invitation that leads to eternal joy, peace, and life. Respond to His call today before it’s too late.

Transition: Even though some reject the King’s invitation, His plan doesn’t stop. Let’s look at this third movement that teaches…

Everyone Has A Seat At the Table (vv. 8-10)

"Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests."

The king responds to rejection with radical grace. Instead of canceling the feast, he sends his servants to the highways and byways to invite everyone. This reflects the heart of God—His Kingdom isn’t exclusive but expansive.

1. The King’s Grace Reaches Everyone

The servants gather people from all walks of life. The King’s invitation is for all—regardless of status, background, or past mistakes. This is the heart of the Christmas message: 

Luke 2:10 ESV

10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

This is good news for us because it reminds us that God’s grace isn’t based on what we’ve done or who we are. Whether society considers you “worthy” or not, the King says, “You’re invited!”

2. A Seat for the Broken and Overlooked

Jesus emphasizes that the invitation is for both the “bad” and the “good.” This means the table is for those who feel unworthy, for those who’ve made mistakes, and for those who think they have no place in the Kingdom. God sees potential where others see flaws. He says, “You’re invited!”

Christmas Illustration: Picture the diversity at the manger—shepherds, wise men, Mary and Joseph. The invitation to Christ’s Kingdom is for everyone, from the lowly to the learned.

Run: When the world said, 

“You don’t belong,” the King said, “There’s a seat for you!”

 Aren’t you glad that when others turned you away, God opened the door and said, “Come on in!”

Application: Have you ever felt like you weren’t good enough for God? His invitation is for you. And if you’re already at the table, are you inviting others in? Extend the grace you’ve received to those around you.

Transition: But responding to the invitation is just the first step. Jesus shows us in the next verses that while everyone is invited, we must come prepared for the celebration. The text teaches us. . .

Don’t Show Up Unprepared (vv. 11-14)

"But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness.”

In the cultural context of Jesus’ time, wedding garments were often provided by the host. It was a symbol of respect and preparation to come dressed appropriately. To attend a royal wedding without wearing the proper garment was an insult to the host. Spiritually, this garment represents the righteousness of Christ that we “put on” when we are saved.

Isaiah 61:10 ESV

10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

The guest without the wedding garment represents those who come to the table unprepared. They want the benefits of the feast without accepting the transformation that comes with the invitation. In Jesus’ day, it was customary for a host to provide garments for the wedding guests. To reject the garment wasn’t just a fashion faux pas—it was an insult to the host’s generosity and authority.

This unprepared guest reminds us that while salvation is freely offered, it’s not without expectation. God calls us as we are, but He doesn’t leave us that way. The wedding garment symbolizes the righteousness of Christ—a covering we cannot produce on our own. It’s a reminder that we can’t enter God’s Kingdom on our own terms.

1. The Gift of the Garment

When the King invited everyone to the feast, He also provided what they needed to attend. This is a picture of God’s grace. We don’t earn our seat at the table, and we don’t have to bring our own garment. Jesus provides what we need—His righteousness covers our sin and makes us worthy to stand before God.

2. The Danger of Self-Reliance

The guest without the garment thought he could attend on his own terms, rejecting the King’s provision. This symbolizes a heart that hasn’t truly surrendered to Christ—a person who claims a place in God’s Kingdom but resists transformation.

We see this today when people profess faith without bearing the fruit of genuine change. It’s a sobering reminder that God looks beyond outward appearances and examines the heart. Salvation isn’t just about showing up; it’s about being clothed in Christ.

Christmas Illustration: Jesus’ first coming was the invitation; His second coming will be the ultimate wedding feast. Are you ready? Let this Christmas be a time of true surrender and preparation.

3. The Call to Transformation

God’s invitation is open to all, but it requires a response. Accepting the invitation means embracing the transformation that comes with it. The wedding garment is more than a covering—it’s a sign that we’ve been changed by Christ. We can’t hold onto our old ways and expect to fully experience the joy of the feast.

Run: Somebody here needs to know that God has already provided the garment! You don’t have to clean yourself up or make yourself worthy—Jesus has done it all. But don’t make the mistake of rejecting what He’s offered. Don’t try to come to God on your own terms when He’s made a way through Christ. Aren’t you glad that His grace doesn’t just invite us but transforms us?

Run2: Don’t miss this! You can’t fake your way into the Kingdom. You can’t sneak in on someone else’s invitation. You can’t wear the garment of good works or empty religion and think it’s enough. No, no, no! You must be clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Application: Are you ready for the party? Attending church isn’t enough. Calling yourself a Christian isn’t enough. We must come prepared—clothed in Christ’s righteousness, transformed from the inside out. Don’t show up unprepared! Put on the garment God has provided.

Have you truly surrendered to Him, or are you trying to approach God on your own terms? Let this be a reminder that salvation is not just an invitation—it’s a call to transformation. For those of us already seated at the table, are we pointing others to the garment Jesus provides? Are we showing others the beauty of a life changed by Christ?

Transition: So as we bring this message to a close, I want you to think about where you stand with the King’s invitation . . .

Conclusion

Christmas reminds us that the King didn’t just send an invitation—He came to deliver it Himself. Jesus left Heaven’s glory to dwell among us, live a sinless life, and die for our sins. On Calvary, He paid for your seat at the table, and early Sunday morning, He rose, opening the doors wide to all who would believe.

So this Christmas season:

Don’t miss the invite—like the shepherds, respond with urgency.

Don’t reject the offer—don’t let pride or busyness keep you from the King.

Don’t show up unprepared—put on the righteousness of Christ and be transformed.

The table is set, the celebration is underway, and the King is calling. Will you respond? Say “Yes, Lord!” today and join the eternal celebration.

The banquet is ready, the doors are open, and the invitation has been sent. Will you miss it, reject it, or come prepared?

Jesus, the Bridegroom, has paid for your seat with His life. On Calvary, He gave His all to bring you to the table. Early Sunday morning, He rose, opening the doors to the Kingdom for anyone who says, “Yes!”

The table is set. The question is: Will you respond? Say “Yes, Lord!” today and join the celebration that will last forever!

Church, the party is ready! The invitation has been paid for in blood. The doors have been opened by grace. The table is set, the celebration is underway, and the only question left is: Will you come? Will you show up ready? Will you respond to the call? Say Yes!! "Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord, I’m coming to the party!" Let’s put on the garment of Christ’s righteousness. Let’s lay down every excuse. Let’s say goodbye to the distractions, the pride, and the sin holding us back. And let’s celebrate with the King forevermore! One day! One day we will gather at the great banquet table. We will feast with the Lamb. We will shout Hallelujah and cry Holy! Holy! Holy! And we will rejoice forevermore!