Parable of the Wedding Feast

Introduction

Setting the Stage

After triumphant entry (21:1-11), clearing of the Temple (21:12-17), and Authority of Jesus Questioned (21:23-27).

Matthew 21:23 ESV

And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”

“And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”” (Matthew 21:23, ESV)

Jesus addresses them with 3 Parables.

“The Parable of the Two Sons" (21: 28-32) - “Which of the two did the will of his father?” (Obedience)

“The Parable of the Tenants" (21:33-46) - “When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” (Wicked tenants punishment)

“The Parable of the Wedding Feast" (22:1-14)

Tie into 3rd Parable.

Matthew 21:41–44 ESV

They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “ ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”

“They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “ ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? (43) Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”” (Matthew 21:41–44, ESV)

Matthew 21:45–46 ESV

When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.

“When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.” (Matthew 21:45–46, ESV)

Jesus’ 3rd Parable “The Parable of the Wedding Feast”

Matthew 22:1 ESV

And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying,

“And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying,” (Matthew 22:1, ESV)

Them - “the chief priests and the elders of the people” (21:23), “the chief priests and the Pharisees” (21:45)

They are not obeying God (Two sons), and the Kingdom will be taken from them and given to others (Tenants). Jesus will combine both lessons from the previous parables into this parable.

Introduction to parable

Matthew 22:1–2 ESV

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 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,” (Matthew 22:1–2, ESV)

Compare - “to be like or similar to something else—‘to be like, to resemble, to be similar to.’" (Louw-Nida)

Parables are understandable stories with a lesson to learn that Jesus uses to explain part of the Kingdom of God. This one is about the King’s invitation to the Banquet (Kingdom)

Invitations and Dress code.

Invitations to the wedding (22:3-10)

The Exclusive Guest List (22:3-7)

These are people already invited to the Wedding feast. They are now called to come because they were the ones invited.

“...to call those who were invited to the wedding feast...” (22:3)

Jews that have been invited in through the Old Covenant relationship.

First Invitation (22:3)

Matthew 22:2–3 ESV

“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.

“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.” (Matthew 22:2–3, ESV)

Second Invitation (22:4-7)

Matthew 22:4–7 ESV

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.” ’ 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.

“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.” ’ 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.” (Matthew 22:4–7, ESV)

He sent servants to call the invited. (vs 3 & 4)

“This double invitation was customary among the wealthy in giving entertainments. The invitation was given some time in advance, as it is still done in modern times, and when the feast is ready, a servant was dispatched with an announcement of the fact." (Manners & Customs of the Bible)

They rejected His invite

They would not come (vs 3)

They paid no attention (vs 5) and went to their own affairs.

They seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. (vs 6)

Kings response (7)

Angry

destroyed the city

Exclusive guest - Jews

Peter says

Acts 3:11–12 ESV

While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?

Acts 3:22–26 ESV

Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”

“While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?” (Acts 3:11–12, ESV)

“Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.” (Acts 3:22–26, ESV)

Paul says

Romans 1:16 ESV

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Romans 2:9–10 ESV

There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16, ESV)

“There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek.” (Romans 2:9–10, ESV)

Jews rejection

Jewish leaders Rejected John the Baptist.

Matthew 21:24–26 ESV

Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”

“Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” (Matthew 21:24–26, ESV)

Jewish leaders Rejected Jesus

Had him arrested and crucified

They rejected the Apostles testimony

Acts 1-7 is all about God using the apostles and the early church to proclaim Jesus as their Messiah.

Stephen

Acts 7:51–53 ESV

“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”

“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.” (Acts 7:51–53, ESV)

“With the stoning of Stephen, God’s patience with Israel began to end, though He delayed the judgment for almost forty years. In Acts 8 we read that the message went to the Samaritans, and in Acts 10 we read that it even went to the Gentiles.” (Wiersbe, Warren W.)

Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D.

The Expanded Guest List (22:8-10)

Matthew 22:8–10 ESV

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.

“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.” (Matthew 22:8–10, ESV)

King sends out Servants again.

Go to the main roads and invite as many as you find. General call to All.

Road - “a general term for a thoroughfare, either within a population center or between two such centers—‘road, highway, street, way.’" (Louw-Nida)

Bad - “pertaining to being morally corrupt and evil—‘immoral, evil, wicked." (Louw-Nida)

Good - “positive moral qualities of the most general nature—‘good, goodness, good act.’" (Louw-Nida)

God invites the Gentiles into the Kingdom.

Not just Gentiles, but Bad and Good.

Matthew 21:31–32 ESV

Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.

Parable of the 2 Sons - “Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.” (Matthew 21:31–32, ESV)

Matthew 21:40–43 ESV

When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “ ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.

Parable of the Tenants - “When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “ ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.” (Matthew 21:40–43, ESV)

Romans 11:11–12 ESV

So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!

Paul - “So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!” (Romans 11:11–12, ESV)

Dress Code for the wedding (22:11-14)

Matthew 22:11–14 ESV

“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 that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”

“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 that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:11–14, ESV)

Wedding Garments

Proper/customary wedding attire guest of the feast would wear.

“A wedding garment is not a special type of garment, but the clean clothes (preferably white) which would normally be worn on a special occasion; to come in dirty clothes is an insult to the host.” (France, R. T. Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 1. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1985. Print. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries.)

Provided

“Whether one is good or bad, there is an appropriate attire for this wedding feast (v. 11). Evidence that the host in first-century Palestinian weddings furnished appropriate attire is inadequate...” (Carson, D. A. “Matthew.” The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke. Ed. Frank E. Gaebelein. Vol. 8. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984. 457. Print.)

“The closing verses of the parable (11–14) emphasize the fact that the guests must receive a covering from the King to be accepted. The King called “both bad and good” (v. 10), but provided a garment to make them acceptable.” (Wiersbe, Warren W. Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1992. Print.)

Weather the King provided the clothing or not, it is important that entrance into the feast required specific response on the side of the guest.

“It is unclear whether this man should be seen as one of the guests who came at the inclusive invitation described in 22:9–10, or whether he has wandered in separately—the language leaves the issue unclear. Either way, the assessment of the king remains the same. The newly invited guests prepared themselves for a wedding celebration—the invitation was freely given, and they responded in an appropriate way, recognizing the obligation the invite implies. This man has either responded to the invitation in an inappropriate way or was not even invited by the slaves of the king and has simply wandered in.” (Mangum, Douglas, ed. Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020. Print. Lexham Context Commentary.)

Need to be clothed in Christ.

“This speaks of the gift of righteousness that God provides through Christ for all who believe (2 Cor. 5:20). Do not put this scene in heaven, for certainly no one will enter heaven without Christ’s righteousness. These verses warn false professors not to respond to the invitation outwardly, without receiving the Lord inwardly.” (Wiersbe, Warren W. Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1992. Print.)

“ Salvation is personal and individual. We must accept what God gives to us—the righteousness of Christ—and not try to make it on our own.” (Wiersbe, Warren W.)

Romans 3:21–22 ESV

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:

“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.” (Romans 3:21–22, ESV)

Isaiah 61:10 ESV

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.

“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.” (Isaiah 61:10, ESV)

The invitation of God into His kingdom (Gospel) is an invitation to All, But we only have access through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.

Matthew 22:14 ESV

For many are called, but few are chosen.”

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14, ESV)

Connection to Romans 9-11

What is grieving Paul is that the Jews rejected the invitation to the Kingdom. They are not a part of the Kingdom because of their harden hearts in unbelief.

Even though the Jews rejected Jesus God is going to use their unbelief to bring in the Gentiles.

Romans 11:11–12 ESV

So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!

“So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!” (Romans 11:11–12, ESV)

Takeaway

“These three parables show the spiritual history of Israel. She was chosen of God to be fruitful (the vineyard and the fig tree), and she failed to bear fruit. She disobeyed the Father (Parable of the Two Sons), crucified the Son (Parable of the Vineyard), and resisted the Spirit (Parable of the Marriage Feast). She is today set aside and the blessings of Christ have been given to the church until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in (Rom. 11:25ff).” (Wiersbe, Warren W.)

Romans 11:25 ESV

Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

“Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” (Romans 11:25, ESV)

Romans 11:32 ESV

For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.

“For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.” (Romans 11:32, ESV)