February 13, 2023: God Will Let Anyone In!

"But when the King came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn't wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. 'Friend,' he asked, 'how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?' But the man had no reply." (Matthew 22:11–12, NLT)

Jesus tells a parable that the Kingdom of heaven is like a king who gave a wedding feast for His son. He sends His servants out to call those invited to come. The invitation is key to this parable. It reveals God's heart: "I desire you to be here!" God's tender heart genuinely desires those invited to come and share in His joy over His Son and His Son's bride.

Three times in this parable, an invitation is given to a group of people. The first invitation is ignored. The response to the second invitation is, "We are too busy." And some of them kill the servants.  The third invitation is unique in that it goes out to everyone, good and bad. The banquet hall is filled with guests!

When the King comes in to greet the guests, He is thrilled until he sees a man without a wedding garment. He questions him, "How did you get in here without a garment?" The man has no answer or excuse. And he is swiftly bound, removed, and tossed into outer darkness. The King invites everyone to the wedding, but proper attire (righteousness) is required. The point of the parable:  God will let anyone in, but you must have the right garment to stay!