Passage: Matthew 22:1-14

There were two types of people who came to the wedding feast. Those who were invited. Those who were chosen by God. Not everyone who attended the wedding was chosen by God but everyone was invited.

Are you in church because you were invited? Or are you in church because you were chosen by God? If you were just invited by not chosen, you cause many problems in the church. But those who are chosen truly walk with God, serve God, and give themselves as a sacrifice.

There are thousands and thousands of people sitting in churches across the nation today but not all of them have been chosen. Those who were invited gave many excuses about work and relationships. Those who are chosen wear the right garment. They are a blessing to the kingdom of God.

We have received an invitation. We need to gladly be a part of Jesus’ wedding. We have been invited because the Jews rejected the invitation. We are very blessed.

Romans 11:19-20
19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” 20 Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.

We have been grafted into the vine of Jesus Christ by His grace. When you are chosen by God, you separate from this world. You pick up the cross and follow Jesus. You live like Jesus. As citizens of heaven, we must hate all evil. We must obey God. We must follow the laws of God and of heaven.

Matthew 22 gives us three important messages:
#1 Christianity is a religion of wedding feast – giving people joy

The feast has everything ready and prepared (Matthew 22:4). Those who come to the wedding should be full of joy. They didn’t have to bring anything with them. Everything was prepared. They just needed to show up.

The Bible says that in the presence of God is the fullness of joy. When we accept the invitation from God, we need to have joy. If you someone powerful invited you to his child’s wedding, you would be so happy. Now we are a talking about God in heaven. He has invited us to His Son’s wedding. He has invited us to church. We should be so happy. We are having a celebration. We should be happy.

When you come to church, the pastor has studied and prepared a meal for you. The praise and worship team has prepared a meal for you. You can just come and enjoy.

#2 Christianity is a religion of invitation

Anyone can come to the wedding. God is continually sending out His invitation. He invites everyone. God invites those who are on the highways and byways. Whoever believes can be part of the wedding.

#3 Christianity is a religion of choice

You made the choice to follow Christ. You made the choice to come to the wedding. We become chosen by our choice to become born again and wholly follow God. We always have a choice. If you make the wrong choice, there will be a consequence, but it is still your choice.

John 3:18
18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

When we make the choice to become a chosen one, we become new and clean. We receive a new heart and a new mind.

Isaiah 1:18
18 “Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.

What will do with God’s invitation? Will be just be invited or will you make the choice to be chosen? God wants you to be His chosen one.

God bless you,
Pastor Sun East

More in this series:
Part 1: Come to the wedding feast