DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Matthew 22:1-14 was the lectionary Gospel reading for this past Sunday. It is also what I preached on in the prison this week. Here is a great commentary on this passage, and then I have some additional thoughts.

This is the third in a series of parables that Jesus tells the crowds, pointed directly at the religious leaders. The last two parables have a very similar pattern. A group is offered the benefits of blessing but turn down the offer. Others are sent to encourage them to accept and they still refuse. The threat of destruction is imminent and the blessing is passed on to others. The pattern, of course, is the covenant of God with Israel, the prophets calling them back to the covenant, and then the son of God being sent. The religious leaders of Israel reject Jesus and his teaching. Jesus says that the kingdom will be taken from them and given to others [Gentiles (who in this parable are the "bad")]. It frightens me how many religious leaders today are just like those of Jesus' day, creating rules and regulations out of every statement of characterization that Jesus made, and simply implementing another law whereby we can determine who is in and who is out! These leaders, like those of Jesus' day, have completely left love out of the gospel.

This parable has the unique feature of the man without a robe. The commentary I linked you to above gives the explanation of why he was offensive and removed. As I was preaching the message on this text, it occurred to me that this man was at the party, not wearing the robe, and oblivious to his being out of place. He was in the kingdom and still not getting it. The party was raging around him and he was not engaged. The robe represents the way of love that Jesus taught. Jesus taught us to love God and love others. We can be in the kingdom and still not live this life of love. How many people claim to be Christians, claim to be a part of the kingdom, do the right actions, say the right words, attend the right functions, but are miserable, unhappy, selfish, arrogant, greedy, etc. How many who call themselves Christian lack love in their lives. Oh, they give lip-service to a life of love, but when really pressed, they fail the test. At the party, but not wearing the robe.

The ending verse of this parable reiterates the constriction of the life of love. Jesus states that many are called to such a life, but only a few choose it. As I consider the body of Christ and all that I observe about people caught up in a rigid fundamentalism, I realize exactly what Jesus meant. He further referenced this narrowness in Matthew 7:13. Many have interpreted these passages to indicate concepts of final destiny, but that does not fit the context in which they are found. The narrow way is the way of love, focused on doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. Living a life of considering others above yourself.

The invitation has been sent, the gift of the robe has been extended. Accept the invitation, don the robe, and join the party. And by doing so, journey down a narrow but fulfilling path.