Matthew 22:1-14 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 22:1-14 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 22Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: Verse 2"The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. Verse 3He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Verse 4Again he sent other slaves, saying, 'Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.' Verse 5But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, Verse 6while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. Verse 7The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Verse 8Then he said to his slaves, 'The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Verse 9Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.' Verse 10Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. Verse 11"But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, Verse 12and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?' And he was speechless. Verse 13Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' Verse 14For many are called, but few are chosen."
Devotion
How many times have you heard the phrase "Dress for success!" This idea has spawned all kinds of TV shows, magazine articles and even businesses. The main idea is: to be successful you need to look successful. It appears one man in our Matthew reading didn't take that advice. The punishment was indeed harsh, although it was well known that to show up to such an event and not bother to even attempt to dress in an appropriate way was to be highly disrespectful to the host.
Of course, as with all of Jesus' parables, there is a context here. The punishment is severe—in part to illustrate a point. When God calls you—show up, and show up ready to do what you are called to do. Don’t show up at a wedding dressed to dig ditches and conversely, don't show up to dig ditches dressed for a wedding. If you don't know what to wear—ask. God calls and God equips the called. So are you ready for the party?
Prayer
God, we know you call us to many tasks; help us to hear the call and to respond appropriately. Help us celebrate your call and your love for us, which is the basis for that call. Amen.