THE PARABLE OF THE
WEDDING FEAST
2ND Thursday
of Lent
Read Matthew 22:1-14
Have you ever extended an invitation that was ignored? How did it feel? How do you think the king felt?
Why does the king invite whoever can be found? What does this part of the parable mean for
the Church?
Why is the king angry at the impromptu wedding guest for not
being prepared?
Notes on the text:
There are many allusions to the Kingdom of God being a
banquet. See Isaiah 25:6.
This parable is another allegory of the Kingdom of God. The invited guests represent Israel who has
had an on-again, off-again relationship with God. The final rejection of the invitation comes
when the religious leaders reject Jesus.
This is in no way a condemnation of all the Jewish people. Matthew is writing to a Jewish-Christian
audience in an era when the Church is becoming more and more Gentile
(non-Jewish). Perhaps Matthew is using
this parable to explain to his audience why the Church is becoming more
Gentile.
Some argue that verses 11-14 are a separate parable because
of the king’s change in attitude towards the wedding guests.
The wedding garment symbolizes repentance. The change of clothes equals a change of
heart. No one is admitted to the Kingdom
without first undergoing conversion.
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