The Kingdom of God (11)
By Grace Eli
This study was first taught on February 5, 2013
Topic: The Kingdom of God (11): The Parable of The Wedding Feast
No audio available for this study.Background
Three weeks ago, in continuation with our series on the Parables of the Kingdom of God, we looked at the parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29). In this parable, the growing seed is the word of God which we said that when it is ‘scattered’ or preached, and is received into a heart that is mixed with faith, has the propensity on its own to produce fruit that will be harvested into the kingdom of God. We said that the word of God that is planted in a man’s heart germinates and grows in stages unto maturity: First, the blade, then the head, after that, the full grain in the head. And when the grain ripens, immediately, the harvester puts in the sickle because the harvest is ripe. In application, we compared this parable to the salvation of a soul who is brought immediately into the kingdom of God, after the individual has heard the message of God’s salvation and has accepted Jesus Christ to be his personal Lord and Saviour. Secondly, we applied this parable also to a disciple of Christ who is planted by God to labour in bringing many sons and daughters into the kingdom. We said that at the fullness of his or her earthly ministry
(maturity), God puts in His sickle to harvest that soul unto Himself. Thirdly, we applied this parable to the general call of God to sinful men through His prophets, from the beginning of time, up to now, and even through to the end of this present Age. At the end of the Age which will represent the fullness of time, God the Father will give the command for the sickle to be put for the harvesting of the fruit of the earth! This fruit of the earth is referring to the harvesting of souls. Therefore as a growing seed, the growth and expansion of kingdom of God is directly linked to the scattering/preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The more the seed is scattered, the more bountiful the harvest of sons/disciples into the kingdom of God!
Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 22:1-14; Luke 14:15-24; Revelation 19:1-21
Tonight, we continue with our study of the parables of the Kingdom of God, from where we left off three weeks ago, as we examine the parable of the Wedding Feast. This is one parable that speaks of the ultimate actualization of the will of God and the hope of the believer in Christ Jesus, which cuts across all generations of mankind from the beginning with Adam, to the end of the Age. As we ponder through this study, may the Holy Spirit help us to receive with understanding the import of the message of this parable into our hearts in Jesus Name, Amen.
Matthew 22:2; 25:1-10; Ephesians 5:23-32; Revelation 19:6-7; Colossians 1:13-22; Ephesians 1:3-10; Matthew 22:11-12; Ephesians 5:27; (Zechariah 3:4-5; Jude 23); Revelation 19:8; 3:4, 5, 18; Matthew 22:13; Luke 13:28-30.
Conclusion
When Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to the parable of the wedding feast, He was indeed telling the people about what is going to take place in heaven at the end of the Age. All who accept the invitation of God the Father, who repent of their sins and return to Him through Jesus Christ His Son; and who will live and serve Him in holiness and righteousness, will be given a sure place at the wedding feast of the Lamb. There is going to be a marriage in heaven between Christ (the Head) and His Body (the Church), and the One arranging this wedding is the Father Himself, Who is pleased that in the Son, by the Son, and through the Son, will be the reconciliation of all things unto Himself. All those who will heed the call to come to the wedding, will be rid of the filthy garment of sin and shame, and, will be clothed with the wedding garment of clean white robes of righteousness which is made after the nature of the King and is acceptable to Him (Ephesians 4:24). But for all who choose to rebel against the invitation, disdain, rebuff, ignore, or make light of it, the consequences will be severe because they will be cast out of the presence of God into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth forever. The invitation to the wedding feast is for all men, regardless of age, status, educational achievement, or race. Let the sinner hearken to the call of God while there is opportunity, for it is appointed unto man once to die, after that is judgment (Hebrews 9:27). And for the redeemed of the Lord, let us be diligent to keep our garments unspotted and undefiled eagerly awaiting the consummation of our marriage to the Son! For indeed, many are called but few are chosen!
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