Tuesday, April 8, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Matthew 22

After washing my hands, I glanced in the mirror of the ladies’ restroom. A blue-eyed girl in a very business-like, black, knee-length dress with blue ruffles looked back. I hadn’t even considered that I looked more like I was going to a business meeting than a casual dance party until one of my coworkers turned on the faucet next to me and said, “You’re dressed better than us.” 

Better—like my sophisticated dress made me appear morally superior. That was certainly not my intent. I didn’t realize that I hadn’t dressed according to the party’s standards. 

Our appearance often reflects what we care most about—because we put more effort into what we wear for things that are important to us. This is true in the “Parable of the Great Feast” when the king confronted a man at his son’s wedding in improper clothing: 

¹¹ “But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. ¹² ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply.”

The king interpreted the man's appearance to be a sign of disrespect for himself, his kingdom, and the celebration of his son’s wedding. Afterall, being invited to a celebration with the king is a great honor; therefore, it is important how the guests show up. 

This parable isn’t really about fashion, but our appearance definitely matters. 

¹⁴ “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Louie Giglio said it best, “God's grace is an extension of his invitation into his Kingdom, while mandating requirements for entrance.” God invites us all into his Kingdom, but it matters how we show up. The chosen accept his invitation—according to his terms. They humbly embrace God’s grace and use their time to prepare for the moment he returns to this earth or calls them home.

Only Jesus’ sacrifice made it possible for us to accept God’s invitation. It is out of love and deference that we repent, turning away from our old ways and toward God. We are reborn in his image. To the outside world, our new appearance is an outward reflection of what our hearts hold most important. Through our words and actions we celebrate our One True King, and point others to him.

Have you accepted your invitation? Are you ready to meet The King?

Questions: 
What is something you need to repent from? 

How have you been showing up in God's Kingdom? Do your words and actions reflect what you hold most important?

Next Steps: 
Intentionally turn away from something that is not from God.

Celebrate the next time you see God working, whether in your own life or in the life of someone else. 

Take your next step to prepare for the King. Maybe it’s baptism, attending church in person, taking GrowthTrack, or tithing. Ask a trusted friend or Group member to help hold you accountable.

Prayer: 
God, today I want to celebrate the ways that you are working in people's lives. You graciously allow me to be a part of your Kingdom, but that does not mean I keep showing up in the same way. I pray you would reveal the ways I have not been respecting you as King over my life. Help me turn away from things that are not from you, God. I want my words and actions to celebrate your Kingdom and point people to you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Hebrews 4:15
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

This post was written by Becca Roberts, a West attendee, and a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.