THE
MESSAGE OF THE MARRIAGE FEAST
Matthew
22:1-14
In
this parable our Lord teaches us seven things about his gospel and the kingdom
of heaven.
1. The salvation proclaimed in the gospel is comparable to a marriage
feast
(v.2). At a marriage feast everything is provided for the guests. They are not
expected to bring anything. It would be an insult for them to do so. Even so,
in the gospel of Christ there is complete provision for all the needs of a
man’s soul before God.
2. The invitations of the gospel are full, free, and unlimited (v.4). “All things are ready, come to the marriage.” There is nothing
lacking. No barriers are set before you. No conditions are to be met by you. “All things are ready!” The gospel sets
an open door before all mankind, and says, “Come.”
No one is excluded from the range of its invitation. “Whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely.”
Though only few enter in by the straight gate, all are bidden to enter. And all
who enter find that “all things are
ready!”
3. The gospel is flatly rejected by many who hear it (v. 5). Most of those
people who hear the gospel receive no spiritual benefit from it. It profits
them nothing.
4. Many who profess to believe the gospel are yet under the wrath of God (vv. 10-13). Spurgeon said, ”This man without the
wedding garment is the type of those who pretend to be Christians, but do not
honor the Lord Jesus, nor his atoning sacrifice, nor his holy Word.” The sad
fact of the matter is that the vast majority of those who take up a profession
of religion are walking in the broad way that leads to destruction (Matt.
7:13-14, 21-23).
5. Man’s unbelief will not alter, thwart, or in any way hinder the purpose
of God (v.
10). “The wedding was furnished with
guests.” I remind you once more that the purpose of God does not depend
upon man. Though the Jews rejected God’s Son, he had a remnant according to the
election of grace who gladly embraced him. And though many refuse to believe on
the Lord Jesus Christ, every chosen, redeemed, and regenerated sinner in this
world, everyone purposed by God from eternity to be saved shall be saved by him
and shall believe on him (Rom. 3:3-4; 11:11, 24-26).
6. On the day of judgment, all false professors will be detected, exposed,
and eternally condemned (vv. 12-13). In this life a profession of faith and a fairly moral
life is enough to secure a name and reputation as a Christian. But when we
stand before God, he will examine us completely and judge us according to
strict justice by those things written in the court books of heaven (Rev.
20:11-12). If we are not washed in the blood of Christ and robed with his
righteousness, we will be lost forever.
7. The source and cause of true faith is God’s sovereign, electing love (v. 14). If you and I are
true believers, if we truly believe the gospel we profess, if we truly rest our
souls upon the Lord Jesus Christ alone, it is because God, from all eternity,
chose us as the objects of his special love in free and sovereign grace (Jer.
31:3). Amen.
Grace Baptist Church of Danville - Grace For
Today Radio Message #719
2734 Old Stanford Road -
Danville, Kentucky 40422-9438
Donald S. Fortner, Pastor -Telephone 606-236-8235 - Email grace@mis.net