Matthew 22:1-10

“Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.” vs. 10

Typically a parable is a metaphor or a story with one main point, and Jesus used them regularly in the course of his teaching ministry. Sometimes the meaning was apparent and at other times, even the disciples had trouble figuring them out. In Matthew’s gospel, after the cleansing of the temple, Jesus spent each day teaching in the temple precincts. Frequently his audience included a number of the priests and scribes, and Jesus wasn’t pulling any punches. He told some allegorical parables that were directed at his opponents and they knew it. Deeply offended they began to look for ways to trap him in his words. So he told yet another allegory about the kingdom of heaven, comparing it to a king who had prepared a wedding banquet for his son. His point is clear. The religious legalists had missed out; they had killed the prophets of old! Now the invitation is sent to the street people, both good and bad, and the wedding hall is filled. Insiders miss out, and the outsiders are seated at the banqueting table. 

Later interpreters used this parable to describe the Church. Those who were gathered by the Spirit were both good and bad, sinners and righteous, and each week they sat down to eat and drink together. Theirs was the kingdom of heaven.

Thought for the Day: Why did Christians get so fussy about who could eat and drink?