But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, “Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?” And the man was speechless. (Matthew 22:11-14, ESV)
Golf is a game noted for its rich traditions. One of those traditions concerns proper attire. During an era where it seems the whole world is becoming more and more casual, there remains the tradition of dress at many country clubs. Just last week, at a club I visited for a charity event, there were signs posted at the entrance to the pro shop about the expectation of proper attire.
Years ago, some friends invited me to play in a foursome at a local club. We had loaded clubs on the carts and registered at the pro shop, ready to proceed to the first tee. Then the pro came out to speak to me. He informed me that I needed to be dressed appropriately. I was wearing shorts that were forbidden. Further, he noted that the club president was coming up the 18th fairway in a foursome. If he saw me, I would have to leave immediately.
How embarrassing! There was nothing to purchase in the pro shop. I had no option but to leave the club. But the pro said, “I have a pair of shorts behind the counter.” Fortunately, they fit!
My experience reminds me of one of Jesus’s parables. As with many of His parables, it begins, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to….” His parables described kingdom truths. We do well to pay attention.
In this parable, a king throws a wedding feast for his son. But the guests are disinterested. The king sent servants to invite the guests again to the feast. This time the invitation was met with disinterest and hostility, resulting in the killing of the servants.
Next, the king’s instructions were to invite many others to the feast. So many came. But the king noticed one at the feast not dressed appropriately. He had no wedding garments. The king had him bound, kicked out, and “cast into outer darkness.”
What is this wedding garment all about? What does this teach us about God’s kingdom? Scripture provides answers. In Revelation 9:13, Christ is clothed in a robe dipped in blood while His bride is clothed in “fine linen, bright and pure.”
Two Old Testament texts help us to understand:
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10b, ESV)
Now Joshua (the high priest) was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. And the angel said to those who were standing before him, Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” (Zechariah 3:3-4, ESV).
We see at work here the “Great Exchange.” Our garments stained by our sinful, dirty deeds are placed on Christ for which he bore our punishment; thus, His garment is stained in blood. Meanwhile, his pure and spotless robe of righteousness is placed on us, granting us the privilege of fellowship at the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Thank You, Jesus!
Prayer: Oh God, thank you for giving me your robe of pure righteousness while taking my dirty, sinful garment upon yourself.