In response to the religious leader’s efforts to murder him (21:46), Jesus gives them a final parable of the kingdom. Like the first invited guests, they had great privileges as God’s people (2-4). But they were self-important and hostile to their king (5-6). The King’s response brings justice (7).

Dealing with rebels is a secondary matter. God’s focus is on the wedding feast for his Son, the wedding of the Lamb (Rev 19:9). God chose to open his feast to anyone who would come, regardless of their being good or bad (8-10). What a precious invitation! The hall was filled. But one man did not have the right attitude to receive and wear the wedding clothes, and as a result was cast out (11-13), as invited, but not chosen (14).

Through the gospel, we are chosen ones, not only as guests, but as the bride (Eph 5:23)! Are we joyfully making ourselves ready (Rev 19:7)? We have been given wedding clothes (Rev 19:8), the person and character of our Lord Jesus (Ro 13:14). In response to God’s choosing us on the basis of his mercy in the gospel, let’s receive Jesus, and clothe ourselves with his compassion and kindness as we await that joyful feast (Col 3:12-15).
Application: Father, thank you for the privilege of being invited to your kingdom through the gospel. Help me clothe myself with Jesus today.
One Word: Be clothed with Jesus’ character