Comments on: Matthew 22:1-14 http://dream.uk.net/wpblog/2007/03/19/matthew-221-14/ reading the bible as a community Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:55:35 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: richard http://dream.uk.net/wpblog/2007/03/19/matthew-221-14/comment-page-1/#comment-318 richard Tue, 20 Mar 2007 09:40:15 +0000 http://dream.uk.net/wpblog/2007/03/19/matthew-221-14/#comment-318 It is really confusing isn't it! But I think as with lots of Jesus' parables he says two seemingly opposite things becasue we need to get both to see a bit more of what his kingdom is like. Back then it was a massive insult to the host to turn up at the wedding without bothering to put the proper clothes on. So for most of the story Jesus makes the point that the party is open to everyone, not just the religious, respectable do gooders, but the thieves and prostitutes and murderers (and me). But then he also with the last shocking bit makes the point that taking the invitation seriously means being willing to "change". It won't do to have a complacent "this is how I am and this is how I'll stay, take it or leave it" kind of attitude. Again maybe it's actually those who think they are good and respectable already who are more likely to be like that. It is really confusing isn’t it!

But I think as with lots of Jesus’ parables he says two seemingly opposite things becasue we need to get both to see a bit more of what his kingdom is like.

Back then it was a massive insult to the host to turn up at the wedding without bothering to put the proper clothes on.

So for most of the story Jesus makes the point that the party is open to everyone, not just the religious, respectable do gooders, but the thieves and prostitutes and murderers (and me).

But then he also with the last shocking bit makes the point that taking the invitation seriously means being willing to “change”. It won’t do to have a complacent “this is how I am and this is how I’ll stay, take it or leave it” kind of attitude. Again maybe it’s actually those who think they are good and respectable already who are more likely to be like that.

]]> By: Jen http://dream.uk.net/wpblog/2007/03/19/matthew-221-14/comment-page-1/#comment-316 Jen Mon, 19 Mar 2007 17:28:53 +0000 http://dream.uk.net/wpblog/2007/03/19/matthew-221-14/#comment-316 I get this story up until the last main paragraph...some people (I'm taking this to be Israel) have turned their backs on God and refuse his invitation so God open's it up to the rest of mankind, some of whom willingly accept. Then one guy is chucked into hell because he doesn't look the part. Is he meant to be someone who is making all of the right 'Christian' noises but not really living his life for Jesus? I'm a little confused. But that's the thing about these stories, they make you think. I get this story up until the last main paragraph…some people (I’m taking this to be Israel) have turned their backs on God and refuse his invitation so God open’s it up to the rest of mankind, some of whom willingly accept. Then one guy is chucked into hell because he doesn’t look the part. Is he meant to be someone who is making all of the right ‘Christian’ noises but not really living his life for Jesus? I’m a little confused.

But that’s the thing about these stories, they make you think.

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