The Parable of the Wedding Feast

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The Parable of the Wedding Feast

• Matthew 221-14

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Review

• The religious leaders had challenged Jesus
  authority
• Two Sons responded to their rejection of John
  the Baptist
• The Vineyard responded to the question of
  authority (Johns, Jesus, and their own)
• Now another parable to show their attitude in
  comparison to the sinners
• An expansion on ideas found in the previous two
  parables

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The Parable (Part 1)

• Matthew 221-10
• The kingdom is like a royal wedding feast
• Isa 256 uses same figure for Messianic kingdom
• Invitations had been previously sent
• Now sends word that all is ready
• Call spurned by indifference or rebelliousness
• The King reacts furiously
• New invitations are made to those not previously
  invited

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The meaning of the parable

• The King is God
• The groom, the royal son, is Jesus
• The bride is the church (2 Cor 112)
• The invitations previously sent
• All the OT, law and prophet
• The invited guests were the Jews
• The call to come made by John and prophets
• Prophets rejected by indifference and rebellion
• The Kings reaction is Gods divine judgment on
  those who rejected His call to enter the kingdom

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Application (of part 1)

• Are you spurning the invitation?
• Through indifference?
• Some lack interest in spiritual things
• Through rebelliousness?
• Some know the truth and reject it
• In either case, you will face Gods wrath
• 2 Thes 16-10

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The Parable (Part 2)

• Matthew 2211-14
• A guest without proper clothes
• By custom, a king would furnish proper clothes
  (white robes) for guests to put on upon arrival
• To not put on the provided clothes would be rude
• King asks guest, Why?
• No possible excuse
• The guest cast out

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The meaning of the parable

• The wedding apparel (white robes) is the
  forgiveness of sins (Rev 713-14)
• The guest is one who thinks he can enter the
  kingdom (the Feast) without having his sins
  forgiven in the way God supplies (baptism Acts
  238)
• The result denied entry into the kingdom and
  eternal punishment

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Application (of part 2)

• Are you seeking to enter the kingdom on your own
  terms?
• Some want Faith only or Sinners prayer
• Some want infant baptism
• Some want a direct operation of the Spirit
• Some want OT righteousness
• Rom 101-4
• God has provided the clothes for us to wear
• Gal 326-27

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Conclusion

• Are you ready for the feast?
• Rev 196-9
• We must come in the right garments
• Made white by the blood of Christ (Rev 714)
• We must do our part by obedience both in baptism
  and in righteous acts
• The feast is ready
• The call has gone forth
• Will you come now?

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