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The Wedding Banquet

Pastor Kevin Rutledge - 3/12/2023 10:00 AM

As we continue our sermon series, "The Ways of the Kingdom," we come to the passage in Matthew 22:1-14, which tells the parable of the wedding feast. In this parable, a king invites guests to his son's wedding feast, but the invited guests refuse to come. The king then sends out his servants to invite anyone they can find, both good and bad, to come to the feast.

This parable reminds us that the Kingdom of God is open to all, regardless of their background, status, or history. God's invitation is for all people, and no one is excluded from the opportunity to enter into a relationship with Him. However, it is also important to note that not all who are invited will accept the invitation.

There is one part of this parable that can sound strange to us. That is the impromptu guest who is kicked out for not being dressed properly. As we explore this parable and what it teaches about how the kingdom of God works, we'll also be sure to look at this guest.

Scripture:

  • First Reading: Psalm 45:4-9
  • Second Reading: Matthew 22:1-14

This Week's Reading Plan

Day: Reading:
Monday It’s a Trap!: Matthew 22:15-22
Tuesday The Sadducees' Question: Matthew 22:22-33
Wednesday The God of Your Father: Exodus 3:1-6
Thursday The Greatest Commandment: Matthew 22:34-40
Friday Hear, O Israel: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Saturday Love Your Neighbor as Yourself: Leviticus 19:17-18
Sunday The Parable of the Talents: Matt 25:14-30

Reflections and Caring Conversations

Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.

  • Scripture Verse for the Week: "For many are called, but few are chosen." - Matthew 22:14

  • Mealtime Prayer: You call us to the table, O God, to eat what you have provided. You beckon us to come and dine. Be present at our table and give us your peace. Amen.

  • Prayer of the Week: God, you describe your kingdom as a joy-filled, expectant wedding celebration to which we have been invited. We confess to you that sometimes we are so distracted by our everyday lives that we miss the invitation and miss the joy. Thank you for not giving up on us. Invite us again and again, that we might not miss out on the joy you offer us. Amen.

  • Thinking about This Week’s Story: Part of the parable that Jesus tells is about missed opportunities of God’s joy. How did you experience God’s joy today? In what way might you have missed it?

  • Getting Ready for Next Week’s Story: Jesus tells a story about how a master provides money to his servants. Some invest the money wisely and some invest it poorly. How have you spent your time or money today?

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