The Wedding Banquet

A Wedding Banquet

Matthew 22:1-14

Word:

What puzzles you or surprises you in this parable? What jumps out to you right away? Talk through the different roles in the parable. What do you think of how the guests responded in verse 5? Valid or not? How do you feel about the man who is hosting the feast? Why is he angry?

World:

We live in a world full of invitations. Verse 5 from the story probably doesn’t surprise us because we are often turning down invitations to random events we are invited to. The ‘Facebook maybe’ has become the ultimate cop-out. How would a group of nominal (by name only) believers respond to this parable?

Us:

Does this parable match with your understanding of the kingdom of heaven? Have you ever felt God inviting you into something specific and purposefully turned down the invite for your own plans? Does a wedding banquet hosted by God sound like an event you’d attend?

This parable does not connect well with the modern Christian mindset. We often invite God into our lives rather than waiting eagerly for an invitation to the event He is hosting. How does this stir you? Discuss your reactions to the last few sentences.