Slices
Prepare
Imagine you are invited to a wedding banquet by Jesus. What are you wearing? Who else is there? How does it feel? Enjoy being part of the celebration.
Bible passage
The parable of the wedding banquet
22 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 2 ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.
4 ‘Then he sent some more servants and said, “Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.”
5 ‘But they paid no attention and went off – one to his field, another to his business. 6 The rest seized his servants, ill-treated them and killed them. 7 The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.
8 ‘Then he said to his servants, “The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. 9 So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.” 10 So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.
11 ‘But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 He asked, “How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?” The man was speechless.
13 ‘Then the king told the attendants, “Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
14 ‘For many are invited, but few are chosen.’
Explore
Both our daughters are married, and with their weddings being such significant occasions, we loved the task of carefully choosing the perfect wedding dress together. Joining in the celebrations, the guests brought out their best frocks and dusted down their smartest suits. Everyone wants to honour the wedding couple on their special day.
In today’s parable, another familiar event is described, although in many ways, as a story, it makes no logical sense. Who would really turn down such a prized invitation to a royal wedding or turn up to the party in their working clothes? Jesus uses these extreme illustrations to demonstrate both the good news of the kingdom of heaven, but equally the harsh reality for those who reject the invitation.
Furthermore, we witness the terrible judgement passed on the individual who arrives without wedding attire; a person who is happy to enjoy the party, without honouring the King. We all have a choice: both to accept God’s invitation to the party and to take the invite seriously enough to be appropriately clothed with the righteousness only Jesus can give. ‘Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience’ (Colossians 3:12). What better wedding clothes could we choose?
Respond
‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ (Revelation 19:9). Give thanks for this royal invitation and ask for God’s grace to put on holy clothes.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Jeremiah 36,37; Psalm 119:25–48
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray that Company Secretary Sue Winning will have clarity and wisdom in her work, as she supports the trustees, Council and Leadership Team, and helps provide strong foundations for SU’s mission.
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