Sobering Realities #03: an exposition of Matthew 22:1-14. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, March 25, 2012.
Intro:
“From the sound of things it must be a great party. Listen to the laughter, the music and the singing. 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. But 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? And, 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
Jesus has dramatically declared himself the Messiah.
In dramatic fashion he enter Jerusalem (Zechariah 9:9).
He showed himself as “Lord of the Temple.”
First by “cleansing it” and then by teaching the people.
He has proven his authority first by not being intimidated and second by his stern rebuke of the religious establishment.
His time had come.
That time established, by the Father, in eternity past.
History’s pivotal moment has come.
Sharp lines are now being drawn.
Light and darkness are now coming into focus.
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, 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 that can be used to charge him with a capital offense against Rome.
Remember 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. And 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.
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)
- Those who accept God’s gracious invitation enter into a joyous, abundant life. (22:8-14)
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!