Bible Commentaries
Matthew 22

Verses 1-14

The Parable of the Wedding Feast (Luke 14:15-24 ) Matthew 22:1-14 records the Parable of the Wedding Feast. This parable reveals that many will hear the testimonies of God’s prophets and servants, but few will heed their message of accept God’s call.

Matthew 22:3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

Matthew 22:3 Comments - These servants are Christians who witness for the kingdom of God.

Matthew 22:10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

Matthew 22:10 Comments Matthew 22:10 is an excellent verse to use to justify street ministry work.

Matthew 22:12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

Matthew 22:12 Comments - The wedding garment represents salvation and righteousness, according to Scripture. The priestly garments of the Tabernacle represent a two-fold function of the priest. According to the book of Psalms, they represent salvation and righteousness. The role of the priest as a type and figure of the Lord Jesus Christ is to intercede for the people of God, bringing them salvation from God and a right standing with Him.

Psalms 132:9, “Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.”

Psalms 132:16, “I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.”

We, too, have been made priests and kings to our God.

Revelation 1:6, “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

Revelation 5:10, “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”

Those who enter heaven are those who have served the Lord.

Romans 2:13, “(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.”

Matthew 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 22:13 Comments - The phrase “outer darkness” is used three times in the Scriptures and is unique to the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 8:12; Matthew 22:13; Matthew 25:30). The identification of this place does not necessarily refer to Hell. The Parable of the Talent (Matthew 25:14-30) tells us that the Lord gave one talent unto one of his servant. This would represent a believer and not a sinner, but an unfaithful believer with the goods that God had given to this servant to use in the work of the kingdom. This unprofitable servant was cast into outer darkness, where that shall be weeping an gnashing of teeth.

In his book The Final Quest Rick Joyner likens the five foolish virgins to those Christians who get saved, but do not live for the Lord (Matthew 25:1-13). They live for themselves and do know the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This is like the unprofitable servant (Matthew 25:30). When these lazy people appear before the judgment seat of Christ, they will suffer tremendous grief for not having served the Lord through the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is meant by the statement, “there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” They will suffer the loss of all things, except their souls, according to 1 Corinthians 3:13-15. Rick Joyner met them on the way to the throne in a place distant from the throne called “outer darkness.” One witness to him called it the “lowest part of Heaven.” After this witness experienced the Judgment Seat of Christ, his sins were forgiven, and he no longer felt the guilt and shame of his former sins, although he remembered them. [529]

[529] Rick Joyner, The Final Quest (Charlotte, North Carolina: Morning Star Publications, 1977), 86-90.

However, we find the phrase “outer darkness” in the New Testament Apocrypha writing The Revelation of Paul. In this ancient writing it is used to describe the place where scornful sinners are taken after death to be tormented by the angel Tartaruch.

“Let him therefore be handed over to the angel Tartaruch, who is set over the punishments, and let him place him in outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth, and let him be there till the great day of judgment. And after these things I heard the voice of angels and archangels saying: Thou art just, Lord, and thy judgment is just.” ( The Revelation of Paul 16) ( ANF 8)

Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

Matthew 22:14 Comments - Jesus calls many disciples to labour in the harvest fields. Of those labourers, many are not faithful with what they have been entrusted. It is only those who are faithful who will be chosen and entrusted with greater gifts and callings. Others become consumed with the affairs of this life. One minister said that this phrase means that many are called, but few are willing to take the responsibility of their calling.

We can find this reference to faithfulness within the context of being called and chosen in Revelation 17:14.

Revelation 17:14, “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.”

Many will come to the wedding feast, but few will become the bride at this wedding. This is because few disciples who start out exercise the discipline to prepare themselves for the bridegroom.

Verses 1-40

The Testimony of John the Baptist and God the Father Regarding Man’s Inheritance of Eternal Life Matthew 21:23 to Matthew 22:40 emphasizes the testimonies of John the Baptist (Matthew 21:28 to Matthew 22:14) and God the Father (Matthew 22:15-40) regarding man’s inheritance of eternal life. Their testimonies call the Jews to accept Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus will support the authority of John the Baptist’s testimony with three parables, and He will support the authority of God the Father by responding to three questions from the Jews. The intensity of confrontation by Jewish leaders has progressively increased throughout the Gospel of Matthew, reaching its peak in this passage of Scripture prior to Jesus’ arrest and passion.

Here is a proposed outline:

1. The Authority of Jesus’ Testimony Challenged Matthew 21:23-27

2. Three Testimonies on the Authority of John the Baptist Matthew 21:28 to Matthew 22:14

3. 3Testimonies on the Authority of God the Father Matthew 22:15-40

4. Jesus Testifies of His Own Deity Matthew 21:41-46

Verses 1-46

Preparing for the King’s Departure and Second Coming Matthew 19:1 to Matthew 25:46 records the fifth major division of the Gospel of Matthew. The narrative material in this division (Matthew 19:1 to Matthew 23:39) emphasizes the need to serve the Lord after His departure while awaiting His expected Second Coming. [507] For example, the Parables of the Wicked Vinedressers and the Wedding Feast, which are found in this passage, teach on working in the kingdom while waiting for the return of the Master. We must await His Second Coming by doing the Father’s will. Jesus also teaches on key issues that affect our lives most dramatically regarding our readiness for His Second Coming, such as marriage and riches. The cares of this world that most hinder our sanctification are marriage (Matthew 19:1-12) and the pursuit of this world’s goods (Matthew 19:16 to Matthew 20:16). Those who do not heed His calling will perish if no fruit is shown. Jesus carries this theme of readiness and Christian service into His discourse with the Parables of the Virgins and the Parable of the Talents. Five virgins remained ready for the bridegroom. Two of the three servants were faithful with their master’s goods, but one foolish virgin and the man who kept his one talent were cast into outer darkness. A key verse for this narrative material is Matthew 22:14, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” This narrative passage ends with Jesus giving a final woe to the scribes and Pharisees as well as to the city of Jerusalem.

[507] Benjamin Bacon identifies the theme of the fifth narrative-discourse section of Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 19:1 to 25:46) as apocalyptic. He believes this theme follows a natural progression from the previous theme of Matthew’s fourth narrative-discourse, saying, “It was inevitable that Mt's fourth Book should lead up to a great Discourse on the Consummation as the climax of his Gospel.” See Benjamin W. Bacon, Studies in Matthew (New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1930), 412-413.

The discourse that follows (Matthew 24:1 to Matthew 25:46) teaches on the Second Coming of Jesus. Thus, He prepares His disciples for His departure and Second Coming. Much of this material can be found in the book of Revelation, which also deals with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Note that both narrative and discourse material contain warnings against being caught up with the cares of this world and exhortations to readiness for His Second Coming and to Christian service while waiting for His Return.

As with all of the narrative material, Matthew includes one Old Testament Scripture that is introduced with “that it might be fulfilled.” In Matthew 21:4-5 we find a quote from Zechariah 9:9 which sets the underlying theme of this division of Matthew on eschatology, which is the coming of the King.

Matthew 21:4-5, “All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.”

Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

Glorification: Deuteronomy Versus Fifth Discourse Which Establishes a Future Hope In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses gives the children the prophetic vision of their future hope for those who obey the Law and of future judgment for those who are disobedient. In like manner, the fifth discourse on Eschatology gives the prophecy of the future hope of the Church and judgment upon sinners.

The next narrative passage (Matthew 19:1 to Matthew 23:39) emphasizes the need to serve the Lord after His departure while awaiting His expected return. For example, the parables of the Wicked Vinedressers and the Wedding Feast teach on working in the kingdom while waiting for the return of the Master. This passage ends with Jesus giving a final woe to the scribes and Pharisees as well as to the city of Jerusalem. The discourse that follows (Matthew 24:1 to Matthew 25:46) teaches on His Second Coming. Thus, Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure. This reminds us of the purpose of the book of Deuteronomy, which was to prepare the children of Israel for the Promised Land. Both this passage in Matthew and the book of Deuteronomy give promises of blessings to those who obey the Lord and both give severe warnings of divine judgments to those who do not serve the Lord.

The one Old Testament prophecy found in this division in Matthew’s Gospel is Matthew 21:4-5, which quotes Zechariah 9:9 and simply prophesies of the coming of the Messiah and supports the theme of this division of Matthew on eschatology.

Matthew 21:4-5, “All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.”

Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

Outline Here is a proposed outline:

A. Narrative: Jesus Prepares to Depart Matthew 19:1 to Matthew 23:39

B. Fifth Discourse: The King’s Second Coming Matthew 24:1 to Matthew 25:46

Verses 15-40

Three Testimonies of the Authority of God the Father Matthew 22:15-40 emphasizes the authority of God the Father through three testimonies, the authority of civil government (Matthew 22:15-22), the testimony of the faith of the patriarchs (Matthew 22:23-33), and the testimony of the Law (Matthew 22:34-40).

Here is a proposed outline:

1. The Question Concerning Paying Taxes unto Caesar Matthew 22:15-22

2. The Question Concerning the Resurrection Matthew 22:23-33

3. The Question Concerning the Greatest Commandment Matthew 22:34-40

Matthew 22:15-22 The Question Concerning Paying Taxes unto Caesar (Mark 12:13-17 , Luke 20:20-26 ) In Matthew 22:15-22 Jesus is tempted by the Pharisees regarding whether it is lawful for Jews to pay taxes unto Caesar or not. Jesus reveals that civil government testifies of the need to obey God the Father.

Matthew 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

Matthew 22:17 Comments - The Jewish people despised their Roman oppressors. Although a few Rabbis advised the Jews to submit and accept this rule, the masses of the people hated the idea of Roman authority over them. The Jews knew that this was a tricky question for the Lord Jesus. They felt that either way He answered the question he would be in trouble. If he told the people to give tribute unto Caesar, they felt that Jesus would loose popularity with the people knowing that they hated paying taxes to Caesar. On the other hand, if Jesus told the people to withhold their tribute money to Caesar, the Jewish leaders could then have Jesus arrested for inciting rebellion against Roman rule. These Jewish rebellions were not uncommon in the periods of history when Jews were under foreign rule. Such rebellions always ending with the arrest or death of the leader of such rebellions. The Jews that asked Jesus this question hoped for one of these two outcomes.

Matthew 22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

Matthew 22:18 “Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites” - Comments - They were hypocrites in the sense that they appeared to be asking an innocent question, but their motive was to cause problems for the Lord Jesus. Their hearts were deceptive.

Matthew 22:21 “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's” - Comments - Other verses in the Holy Bible show that those leaders in authority are due tribute and honor:

1. Taxes:

Matthew 17:24-27, “And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.”

Romans 13:7, “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”

2. Honor:

Romans 13:7, “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”

3. Prayer:

1 Timothy 2:1-3, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4. Obedience to the laws of the land:

Romans 13:1, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”

Matthew 22:21 “and unto God the things that are God's” - Comments - What do we render unto God?

1. Titles

2. Obedience

3. Fear

Matthew 22:21 Comments - Matthew 22:21 clearly declares that we should not only pay our government taxes, but that we should pay our church tithes.

Matthew 22:22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

Matthew 22:23-33 The Question Concerning the Resurrection (Mark 12:18-27 , Luke 20:27-40 ) In Matthew 22:23-33 Jesus answers the question about the resurrection from the dead. Jesus reveals that the faith of the patriarchs testify of the resurrection through obedience to God the Father.

Matthew 22:30 “they neither marry, nor are given in marriage” - Comments - In this time, as in many cultures today and in the past, it was the man that married, and the woman was taken in marriage. In the East African language called Luganda, there are even two distinct words for “marry” and “given in marriage.” That is, the woman cannot marry. She can only be given in marriage.

Matthew 22:30 Comments - Now Matthew 22:30 does not say that humans will become like the angels in every respect, for there will always be a distinction between the natures of men and angels. However, in Heaven we will become like them in respect that we will not be marrying and giving in marriage to one another.

Matthew 22:31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,

Matthew 22:32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

Matthew 22:33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.

Matthew 22:34-40 The Question Concerning the Greatest Commandment (Mark 12:28-34 , Luke 10:25-28 ) In Matthew 22:34-40 Jesus responds to the question about the greatest commandment. Jesus reveals that the Law testify of the need to obey God the Father.

The Shema - The Ten Commandments can be grouped into two sections. The first four commandments refer to our relationship to God, while the last six refer to our relationships with men. In the parallel passage in Mark 12:29-31, Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, which was a part of the Jewish “creed” called “the Shema” ( שָׁמַע ), a name derived from the first Hebrew word in this biblical text. [530] The Shema was a passage of Scripture that every scribe knew by heart. Jesus was summarizing the first four commandments when He told the scribe to love the Lord thy God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. The first commandment refers to serving the Lord with our heart. The second commandment refers to serving the Lord with all of our soul, where our emotions, feelings and will exist. The third commandment refers to serving the Lord with all of our mind, and deals with the words of our mouth. The fourth commandment refers to serving the Lord with all of our strength, or bodies. He then summarized the last six commandments when He said to love our neighbour as ourselves. Perhaps the difference between the soul and the mind would be that one emphasizes our thoughts and attitudes, while the other emphasizes our words that we speak. Thus, our soulish realm has a two-fold aspect of thoughts and confession.

[530] Alfred Edersheim, Sketches of Jewish Social Life in the Days of Christ (New York: Hodder & Stoughton, n.d.), 268.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

Matthew 22:36 Comments This Jewish lawyer asked Jesus a question, probably expecting Him to quote one of the “Thou shalt not” commandments. Instead, Jesus says, “Thou shalt…” The Law condemned man, and the lawyer lived with a mindset of condemnation. Jesus came to set men free, free from condemnation and restored to fellowship with God so that he could love God and his neighbor.

Matthew 22:40 Comments - Creflo Dollar said that love is like a curtain rod, and faith is like the curtain hooks. God’s blessings hang on all of these. [531]

[531] Creflo Dollar, “Sermon,” (Fort Worth, Texas: Kenneth Copeland’s Southwest Believer’s Conference), 7 August 2007.

Verses 41-46

Jesus Testifies of His Own Deity (Mark 12:35-37 , Luke 20:41-44 ) In Matthew 22:41-46 Jesus concludes this time of confrontation with Jewish leaders by testifying concerning His own deity using the Scriptures as evidence that prophesied the deity of the Son of David. This statement serves as a fitting conclusion to the opening question of the Jewish leaders concerning His authority (Matthew 21:23).

Matthew 22:42 “The son of David” - Comments - Perhaps no other name, or title, described the coming Messiah in the minds of the Jews than this title, which signified a king. All thru the Gospel of Matthew, Christ is called the son of David. With this focus, it was easy for the scholars of their day to misinterpret a man from Nazareth as being unable to fulfill the prophecy of the coming Messiah, the son of a carpenter, with no royalty attached.