THE
PARABLE OF THE MARRIAGE FEAST
Matthew
22:1-14
The
parable of the marriage feast is the third in a trilogy of judgment parables,
parables by which our Lord describes the basis of God’s judgment upon those who
despise the blessings and privileges of grace. Without question, it was God’s
purpose from eternity to save his elect among the Gentiles. Without question,
God predestinated the fall of the Jews as the very means by which he would save
his elect among the Gentiles (Rom. 11:11,25,26). There are no accidents in
God’s universe (Rom. 11:33-36). Yet, the cause of divine judgment upon that
nation was not God’s predestination, but their unbelief.
The
gospel was first revealed to the Jews, the nation of Israel, in the types and
shadows of the Mosaic economy. To Israel alone God gave his law, the
priesthood, the tabernacle, and his prophets. When Christ came, he preached the
gospel to none but the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Yet, that nation,
being blinded by their religious leaders, despised the opportunities of grace
God gave them, the gospel of his grace, and his dear Son. Though they
feverishly adhered to the rites and ceremonies of the law, they had long
rejected the message of God’s prophets. When John the Baptist came preparing
the way of the Lord, they ignored him. When God’s own Son came, they hung him
up on the cursed tree to die. And when God sent the apostles and disciples of
Christ to proclaim the message of the risen Lord and ascended King, they
rejected their message, imprisoned them, beat them, and murdered them.
Therefore,
in 70 AD the Lord God sent the Roman army, under the command of Titus, into
Jerusalem. By the hand of Titus, God destroyed both Jerusalem and the nation of
Israel. At the end of Daniel’s 70th week, the house of Israel was left
desolate. Their light was turned into darkness. Never again would that nation
have a word from God or a visitation of his grace. God said to his servants, Israel will not hear. Leave her alone. Go
ye therefore into the highways of the world, and as many as you find, whether
Jew or Gentile, bid them come. And whosoever shall call upon the name of the
Lord shall be saved.
Israel rejected God; therefore God rejected
Israel. Israel despised the light God had given her; therefore God withdrew the
light. Israel despised and rejected God’s Son; therefore God cast her off
forever. God’s judgment upon the nation of Israel stands as a beacon to warn
us. God will not trifle with those who trifle with his Son and the gospel of
his grace. An awesome weight of responsibility lies upon the shoulders of all
who hear the gospel of Christ faithfully preached unto them. It will not be
heard without consequence. It will either be to you a savor of life unto life
or of death unto death (II Cor. 2:15-17; Rom. 11:21; Pro. 1:23-33). The same
sun that melts the candle hardens the clay. And the same message that melts the
believer’s heart before God hardens the unbeliever’s heart to judgment.
Therefore, the Scriptures warn us to take heed how we hear the Word of God. It
must be heard with submissive faith. God help you to hear and believe his Word. Amen.
Grace Baptist Church of Danville - Grace For
Today Radio Message #718
2734 Old Stanford Road -
Danville, Kentucky 40422-9438
Donald S. Fortner, Pastor -Telephone 606-236-8235 - Email grace@mis.net