Tuesday (Matthew 22v1-15)
Jesus does some intensive teaching here, recorded in chapters 22-25 of Matthew. He tells many stories or parables, mostly about being ready for his return, which was a bit odd, as he had not gone away yet! We need to picture Jesus teaching in a public place, probably the temple precincts, from which he had evicted the bootfair. His audience would be mixed, the disciples, women and children, non-Jews, ordinary worshippers from all over the known world, and of course the religious leaders. He tells a story about a wedding feast, in reality, the story of how God and his representatives, the prophets, had been treated and at the last, how the Son would be treated. Needless to say, the religious leaders hated Jesus all the more when they realised they were the ‘bad guys’ of the piece.
The part about the man being thrown out owing to not wearing a wedding garment might seem a bit odd to us, because when we are invited to a wedding, we usually look on it as an opportunity for some retail therapy. At the time of Jesus and in some cultures round the world today, it is customary for the bride and groom to provide wedding clothes for the guests (assuming they are wealthy enough). This ensures that everyone is equal and that the poorer members of the family are not shown up by their lack.
When we become Christians, we all receive the same wedding garments (salvation) it matters not a jot if we are rich, poor, have a degree, are stunningly beautiful, homely, before God, we are all in need of Jesus and only he can qualify us for heaven. hol;
Selah: Worship the one who makes us all that God requires.