“‘Friend,’ [the king] asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless.” Matthew 22:12
Presumption
The picture Jesus paints is one of celebration and joy. A king is hosting a lavish, royal wedding feast. But instead of the usual dignitaries you’d expect, Jesus says that this particular king has chosen to do the unexpected. This particular king has chosen to invite anyone and everyone—including people who never would have dreamed of receiving this kind of invitation.
It’s still a royal event, of course—an occasion for dignity and respect. And so, what if you don’t have proper clothes to wear? In Jesus’ story, the king has thought of that too. The king himself provides the wedding clothes so all may enjoy his lavish feast.
And so, the king comes in to enjoy the company of all his shocked and delighted guests—shocked and delighted because here they are, dressed in clothing the king has provided, all so they can savor the kind of meal they have never before experienced in their lives. But as he takes in the sight of all his guests enjoying themselves, one man stands out. What the man is wearing screams, “Inappropriate.” It reeks of apathy and contempt. The man has concluded he does not need to bother with special clothing for the king. But Jesus says that when the king himself personally calls him on it, the man is speechless.
Jesus’ story is about sinful presumption. When it comes to the privilege of standing in God’s presence, there is no room for my sinful presumption. None. And yet, the temptation is there. Twenty-first-century culture can get me to presume I’m just fine as long as I’m “spiritual.” My background can get me to presume I’m just fine because my family name has been in the church directory for generations. My church busyness can get me to presume I’m just fine because I’m busy at church.
But in the presence of the King, such clothing screams, “Inappropriate.” It reeks of apathy and contempt. This is so because, in my presumption, I have forgotten how desperately I need Jesus as my Savior from sin.
My clothing is Jesus. Jesus alone. My reservation for the heavenly banquet comes only through him.
Prayer:
Jesus, thy blood and righteousness my beauty are, my glorious dress. Amen.
