Can You Explain Matthew Chapter 22?

by Joseph Cameneti | Articles, Christian Living

Why was the man without the wedding garment thrown into outer darkness in Matthew, chapter 22? What is it symbolic of?

The parables Jesus gave us had spiritual significance. Let’s read through Matthew 22:10-14 in the New King James translation and I’ll do my best to share what I believe Jesus was teaching in this specific parable (my explanations are in italics):

So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. (The servants refer to those sent forth by God, the King in Matthew 22:7, to preach the Gospel. Those who are good and bad represent the whole world. The wedding hall would be Heaven.)

But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. (The wedding garment represents the white robe that a person receives when they accept Jesus as their Savior. Isa. 61:10, Rev. 7:9, 13-14).

So he said to him, “Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?” And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, “Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.” (The one without the wedding garment represents a person who is not saved and will not be allowed into Heaven.)
(Matt. 22:10-14 NKJV)

All the people in this world have been called to be Christians. The ones who are chosen are the ones who accept Jesus as their Savior (Rom. 10:8-10). When you do place faith in Jesus, His blood will cleanse you from all sin and he’ll give you a robe called “Righteousness”! (Isa. 61:10).

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Joe Cameneti Sr. is the lead pastor of Believers Church, located in his hometown of Warren, Ohio. Pastor Joe, along with his wife Gina, pioneered Believers Church in 1983 following his graduation from Bible School.

In addition to leading a thriving local church, Pastor Joe is the host of a weekly show called "BCTV." The program is aired locally on WFMJ, the NBC affiliate, reaching thousands weekly.

Pastor Joe is a gifted communicator, skilled in the art of building bridges to unchurched America. Transparent and authentic, you'll walk away challenged and encouraged to connect with God in a deeper way.

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