Putting on Christ

Matthew 22:12 – “Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?”

Sometimes the parables of Jesus have an edge to them we tend to gloss over. The wedding guest who shows up at the king’s banquet in inappropriate attire is a case in point. We’ve been in social settings where folks have – intentionally or inadvertently – come dressed too casually, even for these casual times. It’s sometimes regarded as an affront to the host, evidence that the guest has not respected the occasion, or a lack of preparation suitable for the event at best. But in the parable, we suspect there’s something else going on. It’s more than a social misstep. For the garment required at the celebration of God’s Kingdom is a repentance and humility that longs to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ alone. No other garment will do.

In our sharing of Good News, it's not about someone having to conform to our notions of what "appropriate attire" for the Christian life might be. It's about helping someone begin the life-long joy and challenge of putting on Christ.