Chosen, Not Just Called

In Matthew 22:14, Jesus concludes the Parable of the Wedding Feast with the solemn words: "For many are called, but few are chosen." This striking statement encapsulates the central message of the parable and offers a timeless warning about the nature of God's invitation and the response He expects.

The parable begins with a king who prepares a wedding feast for his son. Initially, the invited guests–symbolizing the religious leaders and people of Israel–reject the invitation, even mistreating and killing the king's messengers. In response, the king invites others from the streets, both "evil and good," symbolizing the gospel's extension to Gentiles and outsiders. The story seems to celebrate inclusion, but then takes a sharp turn when one guest is found without a wedding garment. That man is thrown out into the darkness, despite having accepted the invitation.

Jesus' final statement clarifies this twist: many may receive the gospel call, but only those who respond rightly–clothed in the righteousness of Christ–are truly chosen. It's not enough to be invited to the kingdom; God expects us to respond on His terms. The wedding garment likely symbolizes genuine conversion, righteousness, or obedience–an inner transformation expressed outwardly.

In modern terms, this parable warns against superficial Christianity. Church attendance, religious tradition, or even moral behavior do not guarantee acceptance into God's kingdom. What matters is whether we are truly "clothed in Christ" (Galatians 3:27)–transformed by faith and committed in heart.

God's invitation remains open to all, but it is a covenantal call, not a casual one. We are welcomed in, but we must come prepared, willing to be changed. The wedding banquet is a picture of salvation and eternal fellowship with Christ. Let us not take the invitation lightly, for while the call is broad, the reward is reserved for the faithful few.