A lot of the world is looking forward to celebrating Easter. I know I am, as well. Hiding eggs for my children and grandchildren to find is so enjoyable. It’s fun to hide some of them out of reach or in unusual places, so they have to think about it. Not to mention being stuffed with hundred-dollar bills, who wouldn’t be excited to find them? No, not really stuffed with hundo’s, come on. Perhaps they’re filled with candy or something curious.
Undoubtedly, the week leading up to Jesus’ death and Resurrection must have been difficult for the disciples to grasp. It might have been a “we can’t see the forest for the trees” position for them. They were with Jesus, and He definitely told them profound parables about Him seemingly going somewhere. Every little thing He did always had purpose and meaning.
He wanted people to think about what was coming so they could look forward to something beyond their comprehension. To this end, I see this in how He helped them grapple with understanding the situation. Rather than mocking them or using the “duh” expression, He gently and gracefully shepherded them. Jesus loved them so much. We can also learn about those days through Scripture.
The Parable of the Wedding Feast
One of my favorite parables is, for sure, the Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22:1-14). Please read it this week. Jesus specifically explained what to look for in the parable almost as nonchalantly as me hiding eggs. All things considered, I find it unfathomable that the guests would pass on a party of royal proportions. It was undoubtedly the finest of the finest offerings.
Yet, it is so human of us to say no. Jesus clearly described our sinful human nature in not only declining the invitation but even more specifically in unveiling sin in the first seven verses. Then He extended grace to anyone and everyone who wanted to attend. The wedding hall filled quickly.
The only requirement (and known tradition of the day) was to wear the wedding garb provided by the father. Similar to a wristband for entrance — again, provided by the father. But at the same time, one attendee preferred to do it on his own. He left his street clothes on (an unthinkable move), and it naturally shunned the father. In this parable, Jesus very succinctly described the gravity of the situation.
We can certainly accept His invitation by faith. Along with that, we can enjoy the clothing of righteousness provided by the Father. Next, we enjoy the feast. On the other hand, we can also try to do it ourselves. However, we’d then be apart from Him in outer darkness. Suddenly, the Easter eggs don’t seem so cute anymore.
Happy Easter — I’m looking forward to seeing you at the feast!
Posted in A Word from the Pastor