Wednesday 19 June 2013

Background

Each Gospel writer has his own way of gathering some of thestories Jesus told in order to get people thinking about God'skingdom. This writer is sometimes more interested in offeringdetailed possibilities of meaning, rather than leaving the readerto reflect on the whole story.

In the verses before this passage the reader has been given astory about the leaders of God's people rejecting God's messengers(Matthew 21:33-46), and this particular banquetand feasting tale has a darker side which involves punishment aswell as reward. This was a society where hospitality was veryhighly valued, and an invitation from a person of power and statusmakes it even more important. So it may be that some of theoriginal hearers would not have been surprised by the vengefulresponse to the insulting rejection of the king's invitation.

It is possible that the similarities with the earlier story weresimply about underlining the meaning. However, it might be aboutmaking it clear that all God's people must take responsibility forrejecting God's word. This would then make the joy of those whoreceived the unexpected invitation also open to all who accept.

It is usually accepted that Jesus was seeking to give peopleimages of heaven as well as challenging their behaviour in thislife. So the hearer is reminded that they may well be surprised atwho is accepted into heaven and who is judged as unworthy.

The story which immediately follows this (Matthew 22:11-14) adds a dimension about beingwilling to be prepared, which was another strand of Jesus' storiesabout the kingdom.

To Ponder

• How would you feel about people who rudely dismissed yourinvitation to a party you had spent a lot of hard workpreparing?

• Do you feel that gives you any idea about how disappointed Godmight be?

• How far does this sort of story about God's kingdom make youfeel welcomed by God's invitation or worried by what it might sayto you about God? Why?