Pastor Timothy Dortch

Subject: “How Are You Responding To The Invitation?”

Primary Scripture Reference: Matthew 22:1-14

Sermon Notes/Nuggets

  • Jesus often spoke to the people by using parables.
  • Parables are stories that are in everyday language that people can understand and relate too.
    • The larger part of the message in a parable was spiritual.
  • In the Parable of the Wedding Feast (found in Matthew 22:1-14), Jesus likened the kingdom of heaven to a king who made a marriage for his son.
  • A royal invitation was extended.
    • For us a royal invitation would mean that you would not have to bring anything or make any special arrangements.
    • Although the invitation was sent and servants were sent to call for those invited to come, they would not come.
      • The text says that they made light of it and went their ways.
        • One went to his farm, another to his merchandise, and the remainder treated the king’s servants spitefully and slew them.
      • To make light of something means to not take something seriously.
      • The king became angry and sent armies to kill those who slew his servants, and burned their cities as well.
    • In that particular culture, it was not uncommon to receive two (2) invites to a banquet:
      • The first invitation was to invite persons to come to the banquet.
      • The second invitation was to announce that all things were ready.
    • The king sent a third invitation and asked his servants to go out into the highways and bid people to come to the wedding.
      • The servants gathered as many people as they could find (good and bad) to come to the wedding; the wedding was furnished with guests.
  • The king saw someone that did not have on a wedding garment and was speechless.
    • It was customary for wedding guests to be given a wedding garment.
    • It was unthinkable to NOT wear a garment, as it would insult the host of the wedding.
      • The host would most likely assume that the guest was arrogant, thinking that the one invited didn’t think they needed a garment… assuming that they didn’t want to take part.
  • The meaning of the parable Jesus was speaking…
    • 1st invitation was extended by the prophets that Jesus would come.
    • 2nd invitation was extended by John the Baptist.
    • 3rd invitation was extended by the apostles (Paul).
    • The wedding garment represented the garment of righteousness needed to enter the kingdom.
  • God is still using messengers to extend invitations to His banquet.
    • Invitation after invitation has been extended, but how are you responding to it?
  • If you are not saved, this is what you need to do:
    • Admit you are a sinner and understand the penalty.
    • Believe Jesus Christ is Lord.
    • Confess His as Savior.
    • Repent of your sings and surrender you life to Him.

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