Matthew 22:11-14 New International Version (NIV)
11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless.
13 “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
14 “For many are invited, but few are chosen.” Friday, September 25 - Matthew 22:11-14 Matthew 22:11 is a funny verse to read in English. It literally says that the king came into the wedding feast to see all the guests who were “reclining” at the feast and noticed a man who was not “clothed in wedding clothes.” However, it seems that everyone else was, even the “good and bad” who were invited off the street. They either quickly went home to get dressed up for the wedding feast or the king provided everyone with “wedding clothes” appropriate for a wedding. The Apostle Paul wrote that in baptism we have “put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27). This man, however, refused. He wanted to attend the party, but apparently he wanted to set the terms. He wanted the benefits of a feast, but not a relationship with the king. People often talk about heaven and being “good enough.” But they do not want a relationship with God. They just want the benefits. But we cannot have that. Faith is a relationship with Jesus that depends completely on his forgiveness, mercy and love. Through faith we “put on” the pure, righteous wedding clothes that Jesus provides.