by Rev. Joda Collins
Rev. Joda Collins
Matthew 22:1-16 provides a snap shot of every possible response to Jesus Christ. Every person fits into one of these categories.
A synopsis of Matthew 22:1-6 is as follows: The rule and reign of God on Earth is like those invited to a wedding party/celebration. Some would not come because other things were more important to them. Some made light of the invitation and the party. Some treated those who extended the invitation with disrespect. Some killed those who extended the invitation. Some attended and put on the wedding garment supplied by the king (who was the host of the party/celebration). One man attended but chose not to wear the robe.
These are the responses of people towards those who invite others to party with the King. By this, I mean these are the responses of those who are invited to receive Jesus as their Savior and to a living relationship with the King (God).
Some do not attend because they think other things are more important than salvation. Some think the message of salvation is silly and make fun of it. Some treat those with the good news of salvation with disrespect. Some think it good to kill Christians who extend the offer of salvation in Christ. A few, one here and there, opt to come to the party but reject the offer of the robe. They want to attend the party and receive the good things offered, but they do not want to be told what to do or what to wear. They have no respect for the King. These are church-goers who attend church for personal gain but reject God's authority over their lives. Every church as some of those. They are the ones who create the overwhelming bulk of church difficulties.
The kings' response to each group was definite. Those that killed the individuals sent to extend the gracious invitation were destroyed and their possessions (cities) burned. Lost people live lives of destruction and the things in life they amass are worth little to them as they are burned in the fire of their destroyed life. Without Jesus, their king is Satan who loves to inflict damage on them. Those who did not attend, made light of the invitation and those that treated the inviters with disrespect (but did not kill them) were excluded by their own choice from the party. The person that attended but refused the robe was bound and thrown into outside darkness; a prophesy of hell to come.
There were those who accepted the invitation, cheerfully put on the robe and entered into the celebration and party. Those people met the King and his friends and had a grand time with all provisions at their disposal.
Where is your life? What is your response to the gospel invitation of salvation and meeting the King? Are you too busy? Do you think salvation is silly? Do you disrespect those who offer you the invitation? If you had the chance and could get away with it, would you kill them? Did you accept the invitation to the party but have the attitude that the robe is unnecessary and the King's request to wear it meaningless? Are you a grateful receiver of the Kings' gracious invitation? Have you put on the wedding robe and entered into joyous celebration with the King and his friends?
The Apostle Peter states that in Christ there is "joy unspeakable and full of glory." Enjoy your relationship with God, Jesus and your friends in common. Those relationships get "sweeter and sweeter as the days go by."
Rev. Joda Collins
Disclaimer: I make no claim that anyone else agrees with my theological position.
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