I'm often struck by the avoidance of the unpopular and awkward in bible texts by preachers and speakers. I'm sure I do it too! Recently i heard presentations on this passage above and noted how the acceptance and non-acceptance of the invitation was lost sight of and the text got turned into a social gospel apologia! 'Do good works and you will get into the feast'!!Of course, the background is Jesus' struggle with the chief priests and the Pharisees (21.45f) who perceived that Jesus' parables were about them but who couldn't arrest him because they feared the people. They are the ones who are initially invited to the marriage feast of the King's son. The point is, they refuse to come showing their disdain of the king by even killing his servants. And the king angrily destroys both them and their city.
Since those who were originally invited refuse to come, the king invites all, both good and bad, as many as can be found. and of course, they respond to the invitation and come and fill the wedding place. To be there at the wedding begins with the king's (God's) invitation and follows with our acceptance. We don't just fall into the kingdom, we respond to the Lord God who is always drawing us in mercy to come.
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