Many Are Called Few Are Chosen | Sunday Service 032 | Elder William Rwambulla

MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN Matthew 22:1–14 | Key Verse: Matthew 22:14 Jesus tells the parable of a king who prepared a great wedding banquet for his son. When everything was ready, the king sent his servants to remind those who had been invited, but they refused to come. Some made excuses, while others mistreated, beat, and even killed the servants. This is more than a story about an earthly banquet. It reveals the invitation of God into His Kingdom through Jesus Christ. God has continually sent His servants to call people into fellowship with Him, yet many have rejected the invitation. Even Jesus, the Son Himself, was rejected and crucified. The lesson for our generation is clear: do not fight God's messengers. When people reject, insult, or persecute those whom God sends, they are ultimately resisting the One who sent them. As Scripture says, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” Jesus said in Luke 8:10 that believers are blessed because it has been given to them to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. There are people who see but do not perceive and hear but do not understand. The Jews were God's chosen people, yet many rejected their Messiah. Their rejection opened the door for the Gentiles to become partakers of God's covenant. Luke 13:29 declares that people will come from every direction and take their places at God's table. The invitation has gone beyond one nation it has reached the whole world. But the parable gives us another warning. When the king came to inspect the guests, he found a man without a wedding garment. The man was speechless and was thrown outside. The wedding garment speaks of a life prepared for the presence of the King. It reminds us that responding to God's invitation is not enough;we must be transformed by it. We cannot enter God's Kingdom while refusing repentance, humility, and obedience. FOUR REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING THE KINGDOM OF GOD 1. REPENTANCE — Matthew 3:2; 4:17 Jesus began His ministry with the command, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” We must turn away from sin and turn toward God—even for the things we know and those we may not yet recognize. 2. KNOW THE TRUTH — Matthew 11:11–12 The Kingdom requires spiritual understanding. We must seek the truth of God's Word and allow it to transform our lives. 3. DO THE WILL OF GOD — Matthew 7:21; Mark 3:35 Calling ourselves Christians is not enough. Jesus said that only those who do the will of His Father will enter the Kingdom. 4. BE READY FOR THE KING'S RETURN — John 14:3 Jesus promised that He would return and take His people to be where He is. Therefore, we must live ready not merely waiting for His coming, but living faithfully until He comes. Many are called, but few are chosen. The invitation has gone out. The question is: How will you respond? God bless you as you listen.