(Source from The Word Among Us)

Many are invited, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14)

This is a sobering parable. None of us want to end up like those villagers who became victims of the violence they had visited upon the king’s servants (Matthew 22:7). And we certainly don’t want to be like that poorly dressed wedding guest (22:13)! So how should we respond?

Jesus told this parable to those chief priests and Pharisees in Jerusalem who had been seeking to destroy him (Matthew 21:45). Despite the malice he encountered from them, Jesus loved them deeply. So he told them a jarring story to warn them about the stark consequences they risked if they continued down the path of unbelief and hatred they had started on. He wanted them instead to find their way into his kingdom, just as so many “tax collectors and sinners” had done (9:11).

Jesus wants everyone to enter his kingdom. His invitation is open to his enemies as well as his disciples, “bad and good alike” (Matthew 22:10). He welcomes all who come to him in humility, faith, and repentance—including you. And when you come, he showers you with mercy. He offers you his Bread of Life. He heals your wounds and gives you peace. Whether you are more like the chief priests or the tax collectors, he removes all of your sins and gives you a seat of honor at his banquet table.

Choosing the kingdom is not just once and done. It’s an ongoing vocation. Today and every day, you will encounter many invitations from the Lord. They will come through the people you interact with: will you love them as Christ does? They will come as you scan the headlines: will you intercede for all the suffering in the world? They will come as you spot opportunities to share your faith: will you witness to the Lord, whether through your words or actions?

You are among the “many” who are invited (Matthew 22:14). Choose Jesus!

“Lord, thank you for inviting me into your kingdom!”