Matthew 22:1-14
The Challenge of Discipleship Study 4: Invitation
Focus Question: When was the last time you invited someone to attend church or to have a
conversation related to a faith issue?
Word of Life
“Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find” Matthew 22:9
Read Matthew 22:1-14
Jesus continues to speak to the religious leaders who want to arrest him (Matthew 21:46).
The parable of the wedding banquet of the king’s son has significant political overtones which can be
easily overlooked. It would be imperative for those invited to attend the wedding feast of the king’s son,
not only to show respect, gratitude and honor for the invitation, but also as an expression of loyalty to the
heir to the throne. To turn down such an invitation would not only be socially rude; it would be politically
rebellious. Allegiance is at stake. Excuses would hardly be acceptable; and unlike the parallel parable in
Luke’s Gospel (Luke14:15-24) where a variety of excuses are given, those invited in Matthew’s parable
offer none. Instead, they “made light” (the Greek word implies a response of apathy and disregard) of
the invitation (vs. 5).
The political rebellion is magnified as the king’s slaves are mistreated and killed by those who were
invited to the banquet. In light of such insurrection, the king’s harsh response makes a bit more sense.
The gracious invitation of the king to the wedding banquet is then extended to everyone, both good and
bad alike (vs.9-10).
1. How do you explain the king’s response?
2. What accusation for the leaders do you find in the parable?
The banquet hall is filled. And then the focus of the parable turns to the attire of the wedding guests.
Why the concern about dress? There is a scriptural reference to a king providing robes for the invited
guests. (See 2 Kings 10:22) The proper garment would indicate not only a willingness to fully join in the
king’s celebration but could also represent “putting on” the Christian life, bearing the proper fruit, and
receiving the “garment of salvation” (Isaiah 61:10) from God.
3. If the issue isn’t clothing, what is the point of the parable?
As we come willingly to the table, prepared to discard the old clothes of hatred, jealousy, and self-
righteousness ... as we give up it thinking we have to earn the ticket to the meal but willingly accept the
banquet that has been prepared ... we are given a new wardrobe. We are dressed in Christ. We put on
compassion, kindness, gentleness, forgiveness, and love.
4. How might we extend God’s invitation to others?
5. How can the challenge for modern-day Christians to invite someone to the banquet feast of
God be lived out on a daily basis?
Prayer
Maker of the universe, open our hearts and spirits to your invitation.
Dig Deeper
Last Word
This week,
Invite someone to church.