Message Notes

SUNDAY SCHOOL SPECIAL 6 September 2020

Text: Matthew 22

Subject: Parable about the Kingdom of Heaven

CONTEXT OF THE PARABLE OF THE MARRIAGE SUPPER

1. Hostility of the detractors of the Lord Jesus Christ

a) Chief priests

b) Pharisees (Matthew 21:45-46)

2. Assumption of the chief priests and Pharisees

a) That they would go to heaven

b) On the basis of their personal goodness

FEATURES OF THE PARABLE OF THE MARRIAGE SUPPER

1. The Kingdom of heaven

2. The king who arranged a marriage for his son

3. Servants were sent out

4. Invitations given to attend the wedding function

5. First invitation

One set of servants was sent out

This was declined (Matthew 22:3)

6. Second invitation with explanation

Another set of servants was sent out

a) Dinner prepared

b) Oxen and fatted calves killed

c) All preparations ready

d) “Come to the wedding” (Matthew 22:4)

7. Invitees

a) They made light of the invitation

b) They went their ways

i) One to his farms

ii) Another to his business (Matthew 22:5)

c) A ruder set of invitees

i) Seized the servants

ii) Treated them spitefully

iii) Killed the servants (Matthew 22:6)

8. Response of the king

a) He heard the reports

b) He was furious

c) He sent out his armies

d) Destroyed the murderers

e) Burnt their city (Matthew 22:7)

9. Further response of the king

a) A word to his servants

b) The wedding is ready

c) The original invitees were not worthy (Matthew 22:8)

10. A third invitation was given

a) To go to the highways and byways 

b) Find as many as possible and invite them

11. Carrying out the king’s orders

a) Gathered all that could be found

b) Good and bad

c) Wedding banquet was filled

12. A wedding garment

a) The king had issued garments to be given to all guests

b) A guest was found not wearing the wedding garment

“Friend, how did you come in here without a garment?” (Matthew 22:12)

13. Removal of the wedding guest

a) Order given

“Bind him hand and foot,
Take him away, and cast him into outer darkness;
There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 22:13)

14. An important truth stated

“Many are called, but few chosen” (Matthew 22:14)

LESSONS FROM THIS PARABLE

1. Invitation of the king

a) Not to be taken lightly

b) Not to be taken rudely

c) There are consequences

d) The Invitation to be saved is not to be taken for granted

e) The Kingdom of heaven is to be deeply treasured

f) What a privilege it is to have an invitation of the Lord

2. The wedding garment

a) Provided

b) To be worn

c) The wedding garment is the Lord’s provision

d) We cannot take this for granted too

3. Many are called, but few chosen

a) Nothing to be taken for granted

b) Challenge to be among the chosen

c) Salvation

i) Check salvation

ii) Check life

4. The chosen

a) Appreciation

b) Appropriate response