Ascension Day (G)

Matthew 22:1-14

1 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.” ’ 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.

11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 22:1–14). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

In Acts 1, Jesus calls his disciples witnesses who are going to the ends of the Earth.  But these are not the only servants or messengers of the Lord.  In the Old Testament God sent to his people many messengers.  Some were called Prophets other were called Judges.  In the New Testament the people of God were still sent witnesses to the truth of God's wedding feast.

God has prepared the feast for his Son and his Bride.  The Feast is ready but guest who have been invited do not seem to listen to their invitation.  These people have rejected the witness or testimony of the Prophets, Judges, and Disciples.  But even more egregious is that these people seize these messengers and hurt them.

This is the struggle and hardship the Church faces today and has faced for generations.  But God has not only called the noble and righteous (or self-righteous) but he sends his servants to the street corners.  Jesus sends his messengers to all the people of the world.  He sends them to call people to the wedding feast.

Here is the good news.  God has invited you to join His Son and his Bride at the wedding feast.  You can come and join us at this great wedding Feast, as we celebrate that same feast spoken of in Isaiah 25.  And if you are worried about what to wear or not having the proper clothing, Jesus Christ has provided the righteousness and clothed you in his flesh.

PS: GA is Luke 24:50-53