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Clothed in Grace

"For many are called, but few are chosen.”

My nephew's wedding was beautiful. Family and friends gathering beneath a willow tree beside a pond, the bride in a flowing white gown, the groom wearing a shirt, tie, and jeans.

Later, we enjoyed delicious food, and fellowship in a renovated barn decorated with lights. The invitations mailed weeks in advance so everyone could prepare.

That wedding got me thinking about Jesus' Wedding Feast Parable in Matthew 22:1-14.

Weddings in Jesus' day were hugely different. 

They were community celebrations that often lasting days.

When Jesus compared God's kingdom to a wedding banquet, the listeners immediately understood the honor, joy and excitement of receiving an invitation.

In the parable, the king prepares a great feast for his son, but many invited guests refuse to come.

Some busy with everyday responsibilities; Others simply not interested.

Instead of canceling the celebration, the king opens the invitation to anyone willing to come.

At the heart of the parable is God’s grace.

Even after being rejected, the king keeps inviting people to the feast. 

That is a beautiful picture of God. 

None of us earn a place at Jesus’ table.

The invitation is a gift, freely offered to all who will receive it.

But Jesus also reminds us that grace is more than an invitation.

It is a transformation.

The guest without a wedding garment, thus insulting the host, wanted the benefits of the banquet without a genuine response. 

God's grace welcomes us as we are, but it never leaves us as we are.

 We are clothed with Christ which begins changing our hearts, priorities, and relationships.

We are transformed by God ‘grace and welcomed at Christ's table.


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