In Matthew, Jesus continues the theme of the kingdom of God. Here we see God as the master of a household who is preparing a wedding for his son. It takes no serious imagination to think of Jesus the bridegroom and his bride, the Church.
Look again at the theme of rejection and acceptance in God's kingdom. Who rejects God's call? Those who were always publicly invited. And it didn't take the Pharisees long to see Jesus was referring to national Israel, the people of God who have rejected God's call, as we read in Jeremiah 3. Look how our Lord has populated His Church. He calls all sorts of people. Not just the good, not just the noble, not just the upright members of society. He calls scoundrels, thieves, murderers. You name the sin, the sinners are called to participate in the wedding feast. And as we would expect, they are provided with what they need to participate. For the idea of the wedding garment, picture a child's birthday party. Everyone is invited, but when you enter you have to put on the party hat your host provides. Our Lord has given his guests what they need. Yet someone refuses to wear that righteousness, that imputation of the Holy Spirit. What happens to that person? He is cast out. It is not because his past is more sinful than anyone else's. It is because he chooses to participate in God's kingdom according to his own will and desires.
Lord, we look to you. We pray you will take our desires and make them yours. We pray that when you give us your Word we will receive him with joy. And even more so, we pray that when we find ourselves in conflict with your will, our desires warring against yours, you will give us repentance and remind us of your forgiveness, which extends even to us. Grant that we may receive your kingdom and blessings by faith and not strive to depend on our own works.
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