Invited, Clothed, and Called

Invited, Clothed, and Called

Scripture

“And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Many are called, but few are chosen.”

— Matthew 22:11-14 (KJV)

Ponder This

In Matthew 22 (verses 1-14), Jesus describes a wedding feast prepared by a king. The invitation goes out freely - first to those expected, then to anyone willing to come. The room fills. Yet one guest is found without a wedding garment.

The issue is not attendance, but posture.

In that culture, the king provided garments for the guests. Refusing to wear one was not ignorance, it was resistance. The guest chose his own covering over the one offered. This reveals a sobering truth: it is possible to accept God’s invitation while resisting His transformation.

The Kingdom is generous, but it is not casual. Grace opens the door; surrender keeps us aligned. Our Father does not invite us to remain as we are, He invites us to be clothed in Christ, to put on humility, obedience, and trust.

“Many are called” speaks to the wideness of Our Father’s mercy. “Few are chosen” speaks to the seriousness of response. The chosen are not the perfect, they are the yielded.

Reflection

• Where might I be present with Our Father, but still holding on to my own covering?

• What does being “clothed in Christ” look like in my daily decisions?

Prayer

Our Father, thank You for calling me into Your Kingdom. I lay down every self-made covering and receive what You provide. Clothe me in truth, humility, and obedience. I choose to honor Your invitation and reflect Your heart. In the name of Jesus. Amen.