Matthew 22:1-14

As I was reading Matthew 22 the other day I came upon the parable of the wedding feast (v. 2-14). I was disturbed by the King’s treatment of the man who had come to the feast not dressed in his wedding clothes and verse 14 which states “For many are called, but few are chosen”. What do these words mean in verse 14 and why was this man not chosen?

As we look at this parable Jesus speaks of 3 different types of people. First we see those who were initially invited to the wedding feast and yet chose to ignore this invitation. These are the ĸλητόϛ (kletos) or the called. Jesus has called them to the Kingdom of God (the wedding feast) and to follow his terms for life, but they are ignoring His call.

Second, we see the group of people invited off the local highways. This was a mixed group of people, described as both evil and good. While surveying the group the King addresses a man who has come to the feast dressed inappropriately. This man, and the others with him, are also ĸλητόϛ (kletos) or called. Jesus called them to the Kingdom of God (the wedding feast) on His terms. The group accepted the call, however, this man chose to respond on his own terms, not Christ’s. Therefore, he is not chosen, resulting in the treatment that followed.

The third group is only spoken of but not seen. These are the έκλεκτόϛ (eklektos) or the chosen, spoken of in verse 14. The chosen are called to the Kingdom of God; however, unlike the man who was cast out, they have made the conscience choice to accept not only the Lord’s calling but also His terms. Therefore, God calls, but we must choose.

As we look at these three groups, I challenge you to look into your own Christian service. We are all ĸλητόϛ, called; are you like the first group and ignoring that call? Or maybe you are like the man and have heard that call; but have you only accepted it on your own terms? I would hope that we can all call ourselves έκλεκτόϛ, or chosen. If so, we can look at our lives and see that we are answering God’s call and abandoning our own terms and conditions to accept His. As we start 2008, I pray that we as Christians all are able to give into the almighty will and plan of our Lord Jesus Christ, accepting it in full, even if that means making sacrifices and large steps of faith.