The Great Feast

It is now Wednesday, just two days before Jesus would be crucified, and the tension between Jesus and the Pharisees is palpable. They want him dead and he knows it, so theirs is a strained relationship to say the least. The story of the two sons, the story of the evil farmers, and the story of the great feast all illustrated the point that the Jews had rejected Jesus and were being cast aside in favor of the Gentiles. The story of the great feast added an extra twist however, that warrants closer observation. Among the guests at the feast, a man was noticed who was not wearing the proper attire. he had no excuse when questioned and was subsequently thrown out "into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth". What is the point of this particular aspect of the story?

There are many suggestions as to the symbolism of the man without wedding clothes, but the explanation that makes most sense to me is the simplest. the man had not properly prepared for the feast and as a result, did not meet the requirements for attendance as set by the host. The parallel to the kingdom of heaven is that God requires true faith and repentance in order to attend the great feast for His Son. In Jesus' day, many wanted to enter the kingdom, but when Jesus began to speak of taking up his cross and following him, they turned away. In the day of judgment, many will come to the banquet assuming they are entitled to be there (clothed in their own righteousness) but will be found lacking and thrown out. In order to be accepted as a guest at the feast, we will have to be clothed in the righteousness of christ. Our best efforts are but filthy rags in comparison.

The story closes with the statement "many are called, but few are chosen". This is a peek into the doctrine of election versus free will and it is far too heavily debated for me to take on. Major denominations have formed on the basis of this foundational doctrine. For example, Baptists believe in free will..."for God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in Him, shall not perish but have eternal life". Presbyterians believe in election, that God draws people to Himself (the elect, the chosen) such that only those He predestined will be saved. There is clear evidence for both doctrines in Scripture, so there must be a way for them to operate in sync. It could be as simple as the notion that many are called (invited) but few are chosen (permitted to attend) based on the preparation of their hearts.

Tomorrow's reading: Mark 12;28-44; Matt. 22:34-23;39; Luke 20:41-21:4