Matthew 22:1-22
The parable of the wedding of the king’s son is the sequel to that of the wicked husbandmen. It shows what will come to pass after the rejection of the Heir. The Jews, who were the first guests to be invited, refuse the message of grace preached to them by the apostles (the servants of v. 3). The latter then will turn to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46).
God honours men and shows grace in inviting them. You, too, have His letter of invitation in your hands. Alas! scorn and opposition are the two responses which He usually receives (Hebrews 2:3). For it is not enough to be invited (v. 3); we must accept and come . . . come in the way prescribed by God, that is to say, with the robe of righteousness which is provided by the King Himself (cf. Philippians 3:9). The man in v. 11 thought his own garments would be quite suitable. He represents those who imagine they will be received in heaven through their own righteousness; they join themselves to the Church, but do not receive Christ as their personal Saviour (Matthew 5:20; Romans 10:3-4). What dismay awaits them, and how awful their final end!
The Pharisees and Herodians, deaf to all this teaching, approach the Lord Jesus with a question calculated to "entangle" Him. But He at once discerns the trap hidden behind the flatteries. And His unexpected reply turns the tables on them.