Dan and Cheryl - Just before Dallas Seminary - 1978

Two older students invited us to go dancing at a disco with them… Just say no, to corduroy, even a new, three-piece suit.

Some statements in the Bible are more mysterious than others. When some words or phrases are new to us, we begin to assume their meaning. That leads to all kinds of problems.

The reality is that, when properly understood, they teach us valuable truths that help us grow. Let’s look at one parable and ten key aspects to help us unlock the mystery.

Matthew 22:1-14

The Invitation Mt. 22:2-10 The Jews are invited to the Kingdom celebration of the Wedding Feast. But, they are unworthy. They broke the Mosaic Covenant and killed God’s prophets. Angered by this, God destroys Jerusalem and sets Israel aside. Now, the Gentiles are invited, good and bad, but they too must properly prepare for the celebration.

This is a parable and should be read that way Celebration Feast, not “getting into” the Kingdom Servants (Jews) killed, city (Jerusalem) burned Servants “were not worthy” – Issue = works Both good and bad get in (picture of grace) Preview: Ten Keys

Many respond to the invitation. The Poorly Dressed Guest Mt. 22:11-14 Many respond to the invitation. When the King came, He notices a guest without proper preparation; he lacks a proper wedding garment. The guest is not allowed to remain inside the bright celebration with the result being sadness and regret on his part. While many are called to the reward of the celebration, only a small number prepare themselves.

The issue is the clothes – Rev. 19:8; 3:5; 16:15 Man with bad clothes = “Friend”, but not ready “Darkness outside” = outside the festivities “Weeping and gnashing” = sadness and regret Called, not chosen – The order involves rewards Believers who fail to live faithfully will not be chosen for reward (ruling with Christ) Preview: Ten Keys

Four challenging phrases No wedding garment The “outer darkness” Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth Many are called, but few are chosen

How do we get “garments”? By doing good works: Revelation 19:8; 3:5; 16:15 Nice suit!

Banquet Halls: Bright places of celebration; Be our guest!

Israel had three major appointed yearly feasts: Unleavened Bread, Weeks, Tabernacles. (2 Chron. 8:12-14) Remembering and celebrating with meals was part of Israel’s Worship.

It was an important practice for Jesus. (Luke 22:15-19) It’s an important thing for the Church. (1 Cor. 11:17-26) It will be an important part of our future. (Rev. 19:8-10)

The Jews were unwilling to make themselves ready for the celebration by keeping the Law They persecuted and killed the prophets They have been set aside during the Church Age (Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD) They were “unworthy”; This was not about getting into the Kingdom (John 3:1-16), but rather of earning rewards

That was even more true when they had no street lights. When a person leaves the celebration, they go to the darkness outside vs. the brightness inside. That was even more true when they had no street lights.

It is not true that “there are no tears in heaven”. A believer who does not live a life of obedience and good works will miss the celebration. It is not true that “there are no tears in heaven”. But, one day that will be true! (Rev. 21:4)

“Weeping” People usually cry because they are sad.

People grind their teeth for a variety of reasons; “Gnashing of teeth” People grind their teeth for a variety of reasons; Pain, anger, determination, anguish, anxiety, frustration. Taken together, the expression seems to indicated sorrow and anguish, common reactions when we know we missed an opportunity. The servant now realizes he had missed his chance.

Pain Fear and Anxiety Frustration Anger Regret

Romans 8:29-30 Foreknown Predestined Called Justified Glorified Matthew 22:14 Called Chosen (elected) Eternal Life Rewards

Many are called to a future of rewards, …but few live in such a way to be chosen for them.

Col. 3:8-14 “Put off…put on”(clothing); Dressing properly Col. 3:8-14 “Put off…put on”(clothing); also 1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Peter 5:5

A better wedding celebration is coming. Here we are at another dance. It’s a wedding celebration and no corduroy, yet… A better wedding celebration is coming. Are you dressed for the celebration?

When it comes to rewards, God doesn’t want anyone left in the dark.