Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 24, 2020
But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. Matthew 22:11-12 (NRSV)
There are few things worse socially than showing up underdressed for the occasion. Even though society has become more and more causal and informal with each passing decade, there are still events that demand a certain level of formality. I do not recommend wearing khakis and flip flops to a black-tie formal, no matter how confident you may be! However, is this the situation our Lord Jesus has in mind in Matthew 22? Is he warning against committing a fashion faux pas? Is he trying to keep us from grave sartorial sins? I think not.
Our reading today paints a picture of a king who extends an invitation to feast with him in radical and extravagant ways, inviting people in from the streets to dine in his royal hall. And while this is truly a picture of God’s grace in action, Jesus is also clear that there are significant expectations placed upon us if we want to feast at this table. The king condescends to our level and reaches us in our poverty and need, yet we are asked to learn to live by the rules of the palace, to dress in the garments of humility and love that readily identify us as invited guests.
While this may feel like an overwhelming burden, it is instead meant to be an unspeakable gift! Through the goodness and kindness of God, we are transformed by love into people who are made worthy to feast with the king. The commands of Christ are not a burden or the unfair demands of a vengeful or erratic king. We are citizens who receive his decrees joyfully, knowing they are for our good.
In this story we are given a timeless picture of our life with God. Our Lord stands ready and eager to welcome us, unworthy as we are, to feast with him. May we today and every day respond to this invitation with hearts of faith and gratitude to our Lord.
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates” (Revelation 22:14).
Prayer
Father, clothe us in righteousness that we may dine with you, now and forever. Amen.
Application
Does your life reflect the values of the king and his kingdom?
Related Reading
Psalm 118:20; Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 19:8
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