Central Truth

God offers the free gift of salvation to every human being, which is activated by faith. This invitation assures us that God desires to have a loving relationship with us. He wants us to experience His forgiveness, His peace and His provision rather than alienation and judgment.

Reflections

I just received an invitation to the birthday party of a friend that I have not spoken to in at least a year. It was a pleasant surprise since I wondered whether our relationship had fizzled to the point that I could no longer consider her as a friend. Armed with this invitation, I am motivated to reach out to her and re-connect. Like the invitation that I just received, God’s invitation to salvation should dispel all doubts about His feelings toward us.  

Acts 10: 34-35 tells us that God is not partial and welcomes any human being – regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or other distinguishing characteristic – who has taken the life-changing step of putting his or her faith in Him. The metaphor of the party and the king’s repeated attempts to entreat his guests to attend show just how much God wants to have fellowship with human beings. Like the king’s invited guests in Matthew 22:5, we are often too busy tending to our personal affairs to respond to God.

Sadly, the guests’ focus on their own affairs caused them to miss the opportunity to attend a lavish affair. Jesus says, “The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready” (Matthew 22:4).  If we could only comprehend the spiritual riches of peace, joy, significance, satisfaction and forgiveness that God provides, we would be more anxious to have fellowship with Him. This fellowship starts with faith in Jesus Christ.

Matthew 22:11 tells us that even though the invitation was freely offered, the wedding garment was a necessary possession for staying at the party. The wedding garment represents the righteousness of Christ, which is given to everyone who believes in Christ’s atoning sacrifice for our sins. The example of the “wedding crasher” tells us that we have to make a decision of whether we believe in Jesus Christ or not. We cannot come to the party and remain indefinitely as spectators. He invites us to come just as we are and be transformed. All God desires and all that He requires is our heart.  

Discussion Questions

1.  What are some of the distractions that take your focus away from God?

2.  What are the some steps that you can take to strengthen your relationship with God?