Many Called, Few Chosen

Wednesday Night Bible Study – Session 1

Series: The Warnings of Jesus: A Study of His Hard Teachings

Date: March 12, 2025

Introduction

1. Welcome

• Welcome: Tonight, we begin a study on the warnings of Jesus, focusing on the Parable of the Wedding Feast and its profound message: Many are called, but few are chosen.

2. Why This Study Matters

• Jesus’ warnings were given to ensure we have genuine faith, not just religious association.

• Many assume they are part of God’s Kingdom, but Jesus teaches that not all who are invited will enter.

• This session will answer:

• What does it mean to be called but not chosen?

• What does the wedding garment symbolize?

• How does this connect to other warnings in Scripture?

3. Key Passage: Matthew 22:1-14

• The Parable of the Wedding Feast is a kingdom parable, teaching who will enter and who will be cast out.

• Jesus used wedding imagery throughout Scripture to describe salvation and judgment.

Part I: The Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22:1-14)

1. The Kingdom of Heaven is Like a Wedding Feast (Verses 1-2)

Matthew 22:2 KJV 1900

2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

• Symbolism in the parable:

• The King = God the Father

• The Son = Jesus Christ

• The Wedding Feast = The Kingdom of God / Eternal Life

• The First Invited Guests = Israel (God’s chosen people)

• The Other Guests (Good and Bad) = The Gentiles (All nations invited)

• Isaiah 25:6-9 – God prepares a great feast, removing reproach from His people.

• Revelation 19:7-9 – The Marriage Supper of the Lamb, where the redeemed join Christ.

Main Takeaway: Jesus shows that not everyone invited will accept the invitation or be found worthy.

2. The Rejection of the Invitation (Verses 3-7)

Matthew 22:3 KJV 1900

3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

• God first invited Israel to receive salvation through the Messiah (Romans 1:16).

• But many ignored the invitation, just as Israel rejected Jesus.

• Some guests even killed the messengers (symbolizing the prophets and apostles).

Matthew 22:7 KJV 1900

7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

• Jeremiah 7:25-26 – Israel rejected God’s prophets, leading to judgment.

• Luke 13:34-35 – Jesus weeps over Jerusalem’s rejection and destruction.

• Acts 7:51-52 – Stephen accuses Israel of killing the prophets and resisting God.

Lesson: Rejecting God’s call brings judgment.

Application: Are we ignoring God’s voice? Have we treated His invitation as unimportant?

3. The Invitation is Given to Others (Verses 8-10)

Matthew 22:9 KJV 1900

9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

• Since Israel rejected the call, God opened the door to the Gentiles (all nations).

• The King invites both good and bad, showing that salvation is freely offered to all.

• However, not everyone who enters the banquet is truly chosen.

• Isaiah 55:1-3 – God invites all to come and partake freely.

• Romans 11:11 – Salvation is extended to the Gentiles due to Israel’s unbelief.

Application: God’s invitation is wide open, but simply being invited is not enough—we must be clothed in righteousness.

Part II: The Man Without a Wedding Garment (Matthew 22:11-13)

Matthew 22:11 KJV 1900

11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

1. The Wedding Garment Represents Righteousness

• In biblical times, wedding garments were provided by the host for guests.

• The man who came without a wedding garment refused to wear what was given.

Revelation 19:8 KJV 1900

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.

• Isaiah 61:10 – Salvation is like being clothed in garments of righteousness.

• Galatians 3:27 – We must “put on Christ” through faith.

2. The Man is Cast into Outer Darkness (Verses 12-13)

Matthew 22:13 KJV 1900

13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

• This represents eternal separation from God (Hell).

• The man thought he could enter the Kingdom without being clothed in Christ.

• Matthew 8:12 – The children of the kingdom cast into outer darkness.

• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – We must be clothed in Christ’s righteousness.

Lesson: Many will try to enter the Kingdom on their own terms, but only those covered by Christ will be accepted.

Application: Are we clothed in our own righteousness, or in Christ’s righteousness?

Part III: Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen (Matthew 22:14)

Matthew 22:14 KJV 1900

14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

1. What Does This Mean?

• Many hear the Gospel, but few respond in true faith.

• The chosen are those who respond in faith and obedience.

• Matthew 7:13-14 – Few find the narrow way.

• Luke 13:24 – Many will seek to enter, but will not be able.

• Matthew 10:22 – Only those who endure to the end will be saved.

Part IV: How Do We Ensure We Are Among the Chosen?

1. Repent and Believe in Christ Alone (Acts 2:38, John 14:6)

2. Walk in Holiness and Obedience (1 Peter 1:15-16, Hebrews 12:14)

3. Be Clothed in Christ’s Righteousness (Galatians 3:27, Revelation 19:8)

4. Endure Until the End (Matthew 24:13)

Conclusion

1. Summary of Key Truths

• God’s invitation is open to all, but not all will enter.

• Many will try to enter without true faith and obedience.

• Only those clothed in Christ’s righteousness will be accepted.

2. Final Call to Self-Examination

• Are we truly surrendered to Christ?

• Have we put on the wedding garment of righteousness?

Next Session: “Depart from Me, I Never Knew You”

• What does it mean when Jesus says, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:21-23)?

• How can we ensure that we truly know Christ and are not deceived?