The Parables of Jesus #07: an exposition of Matthew 22:1-14. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, May 17, 2015.
Intro:
“From the sound of things it must be a great party. Listen to the laughter, the music and the singing. My, would you look at those tables. I’ve never seen such a feast. The king spared no expense on this lavish affair. Nothing is too good for his Son. Oh look. Over there, the King and His Son certainly seem to be enjoying the feast. Wait a minute. Something is not right. Look at the guests. How did these people get in here? Over there, isn’t that the blind beggar who sits at the city gate? Over there, isn’t that a leper and there – a prostitute? Look, no it can’t be. A tax collector? What is this? I don’t believe it. I could never imagine such a motley crew at such and elegant banquet. Something is wrong here. Something is very wrong.
That would have been the reaction of the religious establishment if they had walked up on a banquet like the one described by the Lord Jesus in our text this morning found in Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 22.
Text: Matthew 22:1-14
Make sure you put this parable in its context.
The Jewish leaders despise the Lord Jesus.
They are determined to kill him.
They are asking questions, not because they desire to learn, but rather they are seeking to trap him. They are wanting something they can use against him. Something that will enable them to turn the crowd against him or something that can be used to charge him with a capital offense against Rome.
He has already told them the parable of the Tenants – 21:33-44.
Look at 21:43 – “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.”
21:45 – the religious establishment knew he was talking about them.
The context is the taking of the Kingdom from those who were “the people of God.”
Sometimes we find parables that offer us great difficulties.
We wrestle with understanding them.
Not so with this parable.
It is plain. Disturbingly plain!
In this parable our Lord is talking about life in the Kingdom. In particular, about our response to His gracious invitation to life. It speaks of God’s gracious offer and man’s arrogant indifference. It speaks of hell and judgment. It warns of those who would attempt to enter glory on their own merit. It speaks of the height, the length, the breadth and the depth of the love of God. It also speaks of the fierceness of his wrath. All of this is necessary for the preaching of the Gospel.
As we walk through this parable one thing is unmistakably clear:
Thesis: God’s gracious invitation demands a response.
You cannot ignore him.
You cannot remain neutral.
The days of neutrality are over.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem on the back of that donkey – he forced people to make a choice. He was saying, “Behold! I am the Messiah.” You must either agree with him or reject him. Neutrality is not an option.
Unless we learn this – we will never be effective in evangelism.
Unless we believe this – we will never be burdened for evangelism.
Until we learn that our King has declared, “Either you are with me or you are against me” we will not be compelled to tell his story.
Make no mistake about it – this parable makes it clear – His invitation demands a response.
There are two things I want us to note in our text.
- Those who reject God’s gracious offer, do so to their own peril. (22:1-7)
Now there are two kinds of people who refuse.
There are those who are simply indifferent (22:5).
These are flimsy, worthless excuses.There are those who are openly hostile (22:6).
This is a picture of the Jews – John 1:11-12
The natural man is at enmity with God – Romans 1:21-24; Colossians 1:21; 3:5-7.Both dishonored the king and his son with their stubborn refusal.Now, look carefully at 22:7.
Note – “enraged” = Greek orge – burning anger.
The king is furious.The Jesus of the New Testament makes it clear – the wrath of God abides on those who are dead in trespass and sin!
Be warned. Those who reject God’s gracious offer of life in the person of the Lord Jesus do so to their own destruction. - Those who accept God’s gracious invitation enter into a joyous, abundant life. (22:8-14)
This is the grace of God.
The guests are more grateful.
There is a greater joy expressed.
The event was even more famous as the story was told – everyone was talking about it.
This is the glory of the Gospel of Christ.
Note carefully it is Christ’s glory – 22:11-14.
Conclusion:
What will you do with Christ?
God’s invitation demands a response.
To reject him – is to invite the judgment of God.
To accept him – is to enter into life eternal and life abundant.
The banquet is ready – come!