11 “But when the king came in to look over the [ f ] dinner guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed in wedding clothes, 12 and he *said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ And the man was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Tie his hands and feet, and throw him into the outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth in that place.’ 14 For many are [ g ] called, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 22:11-14 (NASB)
Wedding parable continues
This is a continuation of the wedding invitation parable. The first part dealt with the Jews and their rejection of God’s salvation via the Messiah, Jesus. That was followed by the Father opening the banquet to any and everyone. These verses deal with those who are called vs. those who are chosen to participate in the wedding feast. Jesus is addressing the Jewish leaders.
Many called, few chosen
In yesterday’s passage, the servants, “gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good; and the wedding hall was filled with dinner guests.” (Matthew 22:10). Here we see that the host scrutinizes each guest that has come. What’s he looking for? To make sure only the chosen are attending the wedding banquet; those not chosen are expelled.
We can’t get too caught up in analyzing every detail of the parable lest we miss this point. We could ask, “How did the guy get in if Heavenly beings (angels) are managing the guest roles?” Or, “Did the man really believe he was eligible?” I’m not saying these don’t have answers but Jesus’ main point is what? Many are called, few are chosen.
Many (all) called
I believe this is referring to the final wedding banquet in Heaven in the future – at the end of time. Many (or indeed all) are called to salvation. The host of the wedding in the parable sends his servants to “invite whomever you find” (Matthew 22:9). The invitation to this wedding, representing salvation and eternity with God, is open to everyone.
Few chosen
One of the most difficult things to understand about God’s nature and plan is that of election. God determines and knows what will happen. He must, He is God of course! He chooses who He will save. The theological term is predestination. And it seems to be in conflict with the doctrine of free will. The more that we understand our God and through His Word by humble, devoted prayer, the better we can understand. But not until Heaven will we fully understand. And when we do, we will erupt with praise!
(Romans 11:33-36)
- “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
RЯeflection
- Have you accepted the invitation to this wedding feast, to salvation? If not, click here.
- To those who expect to be in Heaven, let us dive into the depths of His judgements and ways!
