Matthew 22:1-14 - The Parable Of The Wedding Celebration

¹ Jesus answered and spoke to them again in parables, and said, ² The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king, who made a marriagefeast for his son, ³ and sent forth his servants to call to the feast those who had been invited; and they would not come. ⁴ Again, he sent other servants, saying, Tell those who have been invited, Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready; come to the feast.

⁵ But they made light of it, and went away; one to his farm, another to his merchandise. ⁶ And the rest seized his servants, and illtreated and slew them. ⁷ And the king was enraged; and sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.

⁸ Then saith he to his servants, The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. ⁹ Go therefore into the thoroughfares, and as many as ye find, invite to the feast. ¹⁰ So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all, as many as they found, both bad and good; and the bridechamber was fully furnished with guests. ¹¹ And the king, coming in to view the guests, saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment; ¹² and he saith to him, Friend, how camest thou in here, not having a wedding garment? And he was struck dumb.

¹³ Then the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness; there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

¹⁴ For many are called, but few are chosen.