Matthew 22:1-22 Parable of Wedding Banquet & Render to God what is God's by Tiong Tung Hui dated 11.9.16

The context of this sermon was the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.  It took place a few days before Jesus went to the Cross, so you can imagine the importance of this occasion and the events that followed.

September 11 is a significant day because it was 15 years ago this day when two planes crashed into the Twin Towers in New York where more than 3000 people died and more than 300 firemen died rescuing others.

What is a parable?

It is a story that Jesus used to tell heavenly story for earthly gains.  Some said it was to reveal as well as to conceal the meaning of a story.

Jesus told the parable of the wedding banquet.  In the wedding banquet God invited the people to attend.  It is like inviting all of us to attend.  Jesus also spoke about the kingdom of heaven,

Mark 1:15“The time has come, the kingdom of God is nearRepent and believe the good news”. God invited people to come to the banquet, but the people refused to come.  The central of His teaching, to repent and enter the kingdom of heaven. 

Vs 1-3 Invitation to the banquet

2 Peter 3:9 ….He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  God is patient with us and He does not want anyone to perish.  He loves every one of us.

Messianic feast of the last day
“On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples; a banquet of aged wine – the best of meats and finest of wines…” Isaiah 25:6-8.  Here we consider the character of God.  He wants everyone to participate in the feast and does not want anyone to perish.

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come,…”
Revelation 19:7-9

When we enter God’s presence it will be a great feast of celebration.  The King invited the people.  What was their response?  People do not want to come.  Who are the servants ? We are the servants.  We are empowered by God to invite people to His Kingdom.  We must obey, of course some with ignore you e.g the Middle East.

Response to the invitation

Verse 7: “The King was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.”

The King was angry as no one wants to come.

Verse 9-10:         Invitation to everyone from the street

Verse 11:             Wedding garments

                Righteousness of Jesus

Isa 64:6 Our righteous acts are like filthy rags

Isa 61:10, Psalm 132:16 – the wedding garments represented the righteousness of God.  People who attend weddings have to wear these garments.  Our own garments are like filthy rags.   The invitation to all of us reflected the character of God.  Whether good or bad He invited all.  There is no discrimination.  Salvation is for all. God heart’s for all who are down cast.  Our own righteousness will get us no way, only God’s righteousness will do.  If we do not put on the righteousness of God we will be thrown out V. 13.

Verse 14:For many are invited (called), but feware chosen

Joshua 24:15      As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord

Matt 7:13-14      The narrow gate

Psalm 139:23      Search me O God, and know my heart;

Matthew 22:15-22
Render to God what is God’s

Pharisees and Herodians
Paying taxes to Caesar
 The religious leaders wanted to trap Jesus and asked Him whether they should pay tax to Caesar.  He asked for a coin bearing the image of Caesar, and said pay to Caesar what is due to him.

Similarly give to God what is due to God.  Where is Christ in all our resources?  Let us think about these.  We are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God.