NT Fire Starters – Day 31: Matthew 21:33-22:14

READ: Matthew 21:33–22:14

THINK: Regardless of how patient and gracious God is toward people, most will ultimately reject His persistent offers to be a part of His kingdom. They are preoccupied with their own interests and endeavors and they show little interest in God’s plans for their life. Ironically, in their attempt to get all they can for themselves, they end up missing their ultimate purpose and passing up the greatest reward.

RESPOND: If the servants represent God’s prophets, who is “the stone the builders rejected” (21:42)? What do you think it means that “he who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed”? (See Luke 20:18 note.) What do the “wedding clothes” represent? (See 22:11 note.) What did Jesus mean when He said, “many are invited, but few are chosen”? (See 22:14 note.) Who are the “few” and in what sense are they “chosen”?

PRAY: Give thanks to God for extending to you the gracious invitation to be part of His kingdom. Pray for friends who have not accepted the invitation or have outright rejected God up to this point. Pray that they will accept Christ before it’s too late. Ask God to use you to reach them, regardless of the cost.

ACT: As you go through the day, view the people around you like those on “the street corners” (22:9) whom the king invited to his banquet after others had turned down his invitation. As a willing servant, deliver God’s invitation without prejudice, keeping in mind that the invitation went out to “both good and bad” (22:10). You could take the first step in bringing someone closer to Christ simply by inviting a new friend to join you for lunch or to come with you to youth group this week. If you have not personally accepted God’s invitation, you can do so right now by asking Jesus to forgive your sins and take charge of your life.