NIV 365-Day Devotional Plan (2017)Sample

THE WEDDING FEAST

When families planned Jewish weddings, they sent out two invitations (similar to our “save-the-date” mailings that sometimes come before the actual invitation). In this instance, the first invitation portrays the ministry of John the Baptist. He told people to repent and prepare, for the kingdom of God was coming (Mt 3:2). The indifferent response describes Israel — specifically, the religious authorities — at the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. They ignored John’s call to repent, and they opposed the arrival of the second invitation as well in the ministry of Jesus. But God is in the business of drawing people to himself, so the king in the story still instructs his servants to invite others to attend his wedding. Those who accept these gracious invitations and are truly prepared to engage in this banquet as citizens of the kingdom (which the religious leaders were not, 22:11 – 13) are welcomed in. The point of this parable is to portray how God shows grace in extending invitations to his kingdom while at the same time mandating requirements for entrance.

Jesus, thank you for making it possible for me to join you in your kingdom. Help me to live in such a way that other people will also want to accept your invitation. Amen.

Taken fromNIV The Jesus Bible