Matthew 22:1-14 WEB
Jesus answered and spoke to them again in parables, saying, 2 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who made a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding feast!”’ 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise; 6 and the rest grabbed his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 When the king heard that, he was angry, and sent his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.
8 “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited weren’t worthy. 9 Go therefore to the intersections of the highways, and as many as you may find, invite to the wedding feast.’ 10 Those servants went out into the highways and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. The wedding was filled with guests.
11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who didn’t have on wedding clothing, 12 and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here not wearing wedding clothing?’ He was speechless.13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and throw him into the outer darkness. That is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be.’ 14 For many are called, but few chosen.”
How does this reading plan work?
Through one year we will read through the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), The Desire of Ages, and Christ’s Object Lessons.
As you start on this reading plan I want to remind you that the purpose of doing this is not merely to read through the gospels and the other two books, it is not to merely learn facts but instead our main desire should be to know Jesus. Notice how we are to read:
“It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones.” Desire of Ages p83.4
The temptation will be to read through the pages quickly. Resist this urge. Read slowly, think about what each point means. Think from your perspective, those people who are mentioned, and of course that of Jesus.
Not that I need to tell you, but we must approach this with prayer. The same Holy Spirit who inspired the Bible writers is willing to guide us today, if we but ask for Him.
There is also a question each day that is there to encourage you to think deeply on the reading.
If you need accountability in your reading please feel free to contact us and we would be happy for you to join our reading group.
