Response to E-mail question about the Wedding Feast parable

Beth Elohim Messianic Synagogue
Explaining some of the parables Yahshua used in his ministry
In response to an email question I received about some of the parables Yahshua used in his ministry, I will address the first in this response, and the other two questions in subsequent responses. The parable of the Wedding Feast found in Matthew 22:1-4 will be the first.
This parable was given in the context of Yahshua’s final week in Jerusalem as he addressed the religious leaders and those people in the temple courts. It follows the Parable of the Two Sons and the Parable of the Tenants. This sequence forms a trilogy of parables that criticized the religious establishment and emphasized the Kingdom of Heaven.
This parable describes our free choice when it comes to accepting Yahshua’s sacrifice and His Torah. That is, if we choose to “attend the wedding” and become part of the Bride of Yahshua, we must be prepared. We must repent and become dressed in the robe of repentance, white robes that represent accepting Yahshua’s sacrifice, being washed in the blood of the Lamb. These robes are described in the book of Revelation (Rev. 7:9), and are “won” by carrying the Testimony of Yahshua, and Guarding the Commands of G-d.” This definition of a true believer is found seven times in Revelation. G-d’s kingdom is open to anyone who meets this standard according to G-d’s judgement.
This matter of the wedding garment is significant. It would be an outright insult to the king to refuse to wear the garment provided to the guests. The man who was caught wearing his old clothing, that is one who continues to reject G-d’s Torah is thrown out from the celebration. The covering or garment YHVH/Yahshua openly provides those who follow his commands out of love is the robe of a repentant person, a “covering” for our sin. To insist on “covering ourselves” is to be clothed with “filthy rags” (Is. 64:6).
This parable also emphasizes humility and preparation for the “wedding.” Those who reject the invitation, (recall that many are called but few are chosen) (Matt. 22:14). This does not mean that G-d picks and chooses some to be saved and others damned. Rather, it emphasizes the free choice unique to man and that there will be many who G-d already knows will reject Him to their final destruction just as He knew Pharaoh would continue to harden his own heart against the Israelites and G-d.
This parable parallels the Jewish engagement and wedding process. The bride and groom would meet, sometimes for the first time when the marriage contract was signed. This parallels the 10 Commands given at Sinai. The couple was considered married at this point, but they were separated until the actual wedding ceremony. The bride would live with her parents and the groom would leave to prepare their home. This could take a long time, and the bride never knew when her groom would come for her. When the home was ready, the groom would return for her without notice. The marriage ceremony would take place, and the wedding banquet would follow.
Yahshua compared his return to such a wedding. Many are invited to the feast prepared by G-d for his son Yahshua, but few will show up. Some of the king’s servants who delivered the invitations were even abused or killed as they will be increasingly so as we progress through these end times. The king was furious and sent his army to avenge the death of the servants (This is to come). Then He sent out invitations to anyone his servants could find, with the hope that the wedding hall would be filled (This is happening now, but the hall will not be filled. Only a remnant will be saved (Rom. 9:17). Witnessing concerning the gospel of the kingdom to the lost sheep of Israel was the first commission to the disciples (Matt. 10:5-8), now the gospel of the Kingdom has been opened to the Gentiles (Matt. 28:18-20). This parallels the king sending his servants back out to invite anyone who will [dress and prepare for] the wedding and come.
During the feast, the king noticed a man who “was not wearing wedding clothes” This represents those who think they are going to be included as part of Yahshua’s Bride but continued to reject G-d’s instructions. When he was asked how he came to the wedding hall without the “furnished attire”, the man had no answer and was thrown out into the darkness, “where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (vv. 12-13). Yahshua ended this parable with the words “For many are called[invited], but few are chosen” (v.14).
I will address the Parable of the “wicked servant” and a question about “outer darkness, and the lake of fire.
Shalom v’brachas,
Rabbi Tamah Davis-Hart