15. For many are called, but few are chosen
In Matthew 22 we find the parable of the Royal wedding. At the end of this passage, we read:
- For many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14).
The first part of the parable (verses 1-7)
The first part of the parable is about the Jewish people in Jesus' days. Many of them were called to follow the Lord Jesus, but only a small number of people believed in Him. Most did not want to follow Him.
The second part of the parable (verses 8-13)
The second part of the parable is about the Gentiles. They were also called by the message of the Gospel. Many came to faith (the wedding hall was filled with guests). Yet there was one person without a wedding garment; a hypocrite. He refused to wear the wedding garment that was offered to him at the door. He thought he could partake in the wedding banquet on his own terms and therefore he was cast out.
With this parable the Lord Jesus shows us that an invitation alone is not enough; you have to use it! It is similar to a modern-day wedding. If you receive an invitation for a wedding and only pin it to your bulletin board, but never use it, you will never make it to the wedding. Coming to the Lord Jesus is the same. He invites you to come to Him, but if you will not come, or if you are only willing to come on your own terms, you are the only one to blame when you perish.
Those who did come to the wedding and did wear their wedding garments, those are the ones called “chosen” in this passage. These are relatively few in number, compared to all those who have been called but refused to come, but it is still a multitude no one can count. If you believe in the Lord Jesus, you are one of them!
Why did so few people return the letter and receive the money promised? Because most people did not want to read the letter, or did not want to believe what it said.
A thought to ponder on your own
Read Revelation 22:17. What does it say about people who are willing? Do you want to accept God's invitation and come to Him?