Devotional Sharing, Submitted by Alice Rhee, Gracepoint Davis
In what way does vv. 8-10 capture the gospel?
These verses capture how the gospel is unconditionally available to literally anyone (“Go to the street corners and invite anyone you find…both good and bad”), offered by a generous and loving Creator God who longs to have an eternal relationship with His fallen creation through Jesus Christ. And yet this Good News is also so tragically dismissed and rejected by so many.
What can be said of the attitude of the guest without wedding clothes toward the king and his son? How is this inappropriate in light of the fact that he had been invited to the banquet due to the king’s generosity? His refusal to come dressed appropriately could be interpreted that he was arrogant and thought that he could be at the banquet on his own terms. According to the parable, the man also remained speechless and did not offer up any apologies. His response was absurd given the context of the situation. This man did not understand the level of generosity and honor extended to him as a total stranger who was even offered clean and presentable wedding clothes so that he may partake in the special occasion and thus he ultimately insults the king and the son.
What does this passage say about my need for a proper response to God’s grace? This passage highlights the fact that the most appropriate response to God’s grace upon me, a vile sinner, is one of humility and overflowing gratitude. I am that man who had nothing to do with the king and yet was sought after in the street corners and invited to this great banquet by none other than the king himself! And not only was I invited, but I was also offered clean clothes to cover all my shame and become presentable through what Jesus has done on the cross. It is an undeserved honor to have been extended God’s grace. Any time I forget who I am and rebel against God, be defensive towards the truth, have an entitlement attitude that I deserve more – more rest, recognition, appreciation, or anything else is responding in absurdity and is an insult to my gracious Heavenly Father. The fact that I am a wretched sinner who has been forgiven and shown unmerited love, must be that foundational truth that colors my entire life more and more vividly each day.
Matthew 22:1-14
“It was customary for the wedding guest to be given garments to wear to the banquet. It was unthinkable to refuse to wear these garments. That would insult the host, who could only assume that the guest was arrogant and thought that he did not need these garments or that he did not want to take part in the wedding celebration. […] Christ has provided this garment of righteousness to everyone, but each person must choose to put it on in order to enter the King’s banquet (eternal life).”[1]
- In what way does vv. 8-10 capture the gospel?
- What can be said of the attitude of the guest without wedding clothes toward the king and his son? How is this inappropriate in light of the fact that he had been invited to the banquet due to the king’s generosity?
- What does this passage say about my need for a proper response to God’s grace?
Matthew 22:23-46
- Think about the twisted questioning of the Sadducees. In what way does this kind of questioning continue today by people who attempt to evade Jesus’ claims by diverting attention to clearly marginal matters?
- Are there ways in which I pick at minor details, focus on marginal issues, or seize upon things that do not make sense to me as a way of evading the truth of the gospel and the concrete implications of the Lordship of Jesus in my life?
- Reflect on the simplicity and clarity of Jesus’ summation of the entirety of God’s commands as stated in vv. 37-40. How have I obeyed these commands in my life?
Matthew 22:1-46
- Reflect on all the people (Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees) who missed out on the greatest invitation and the various tactics they each deployed to deflect having to respond to the invitation.
- What is so tragic about their response to Jesus?
- Are there ways that I can relate to their responses?
Additional Questions:
Matthew 22:15-22
“The Pharisees, a religious group, opposed the Roman occupation of Palestine. The Herodians, a political party, supported Herod Antipas and the policies instituted by Rome. Normally, these two groups were bitter enemies, but here they united against Jesus”[2]
- What is surprising about the fact that the Pharisees and the Herodians united to trap Jesus despite the fact that they were enemies?
- What does this show about the basic nature of sin?
- What does this say about the range and depth of what Jesus threatens?
- What is tragic about the fact that “they were amazed,” but “they left him and went away”?
Matthew 22:19-21
“Coinage in the ancient world had significant political power. Rulers issued coins with their own image and inscription on them. In a certain sense, the coin was regarded as his personal property. Where the coin was valid, the ruler held political sway over the people.”[3]
- Whose portrait is inscribed on the Roman coin?
- According to Genesis 1:26, in whose image is man created?
- From Jesus’ answer, what does this imply about God’s ownership over our lives? How should this affect the way I view my money, time, resources, etc?
Matthew 22:29-30
- What might be the reasons why the Sadducees read the Scripture and yet “[did] not know the Scriptures or the power of God?”
- What questions arise in people as a result of being “in error because [they] do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?” How is this related to their earthly agendas, as in the case of Sadducees with marriage?
- What warnings do I need to take from the Sadducees’ error and blindness?
Matthew 22:41-46
- Why were the Pharisees unable/unwilling to “say a word in reply” to Jesus’ question?
- When my ideas are challenged by God’s word, or some clear truth, what is my typical response?
[1] NIV Life Application Bible (Grand Rapids Michigan, Zondervan Publishing House, 1991) 1698.
[2] Life Application Study Bible, study notes (co-published by Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan; Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1991) 1693. p.1699
[3] The Gospel of Matthew: A Commentary & Meditation, www.rc.net/wcc/readings/matthew.htm