Today’s Reading: Matthew 22:1-14; 23:1-39; 25:1-30

The Pharisees had the opportunity to learn from Jesus and to celebrate the coming of the Messiah. But in their arrogance, they looked for fault in what Jesus did or did not do. Knowing they had become comfortable in their own habits of self-righteousness, he pointed out to them the condition of their hearts. Although they took pride in their spotless perfection, Jesus pointed out to them the obvious stains of their spiritual condition.

THEY WERE CLOTHED IN THEIR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS INSTEAD OF HIS.

“The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son… – Matthew 22:2

Invitations were sent to all the guests and, as was the custom in those days, a second invitation went out to let all of the guests know that the banquet was prepared and they were ready for everyone to arrive. The decorations were up, the food was prepared, and the wedding clothes were laid out but the guests refused to come.

So the king sent his servants out once more, extending grace to those who had so rudely refused his invitation. But some guests were too busy to be bothered and other guests were so bold as to insult and kill the messengers. So the king sent out his army to destroy them and burn down their town.

The king sent his servants back out to the street corners to invite anyone they saw. Everyone was invited to this great wedding feast, whether they had the reputation of being good or bad. The king was extending grace to all who were willing to come and enjoy the banquet he had prepared. As was the custom, wedding clothes were provided and it was an insult not to wear the gift so generously given.

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. Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” – Matthew 22:11-14

The guests had the opportunity to share a meal with the king, to sit around the table and enjoy the celebration that had been prepared. They did not have to prove their worthiness or their religious status; it did not matter if they had a good or bad reputation. They were being given the opportunity to accept the invitation extended in grace and the gift of the king’s righteousness was offered.

THEY WERE UNPREPARED FOR THE COMING OF THE BRIDEGROOM.

“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. – Matthew 25:1

Five of the bridesmaids came unprepared and ran out of olive oil for their lamps, while the other five were wise enough to bring extra. As they waited for the bridegroom, they all fell asleep. At midnight they woke to the announcement that the bridegroom was coming. The five foolish bridesmaids did not have enough oil to light their lamps and they left to buy more oil. By the time they returned, the door was closed. Because they weren’t prepared, they missed the moment when the bridegroom had returned. It was too late.

THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT WITH WHICH THEY HAD BEEN ENTRUSTED.

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone.” – Matthew 25:14

When the master returned, he asked each servant to give an account of how they had used his money while he was gone. The one who had been given five bags of silver reported that he now had ten to give back to the master; the one who had been given two bags of silver now had four.

“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” – Matthew 25:23

But the servant who had been given only one bag of silver reported that he had buried the silver. In fear and laziness, he had protected the money rather than using it to multiply the master’s profits. The master was angry and took the money away from the servant, giving it to the one who now had ten.

To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. – Matthew 25:29

Am I properly dressed today? Am I clothed in the kind of real faith that produces spiritual fruit? Have I accepted the gift of His righteousness, fully accepting my inability to earn my place at the table. Producing fruit is not something I can do on my own. I can try to be known for my good works, but my efforts will be like the Pharisees who clean the outside of the cup but are powerless to clean the inside (Matthew 23:25). I can clothe myself in generosity, but my attempts to produce fruit will be like the guests who came to the wedding feast dressed in their own clothes.

Precious Lord, thank you for the gift of salvation and the opportunity to work in your vineyard today. Empty me of my own selfish tendencies, fill me with your Spirit and work through me to produce fruit for you today. God, I come to you today just as I am, submitting who I am in order to be clothed with who you are. Amen.