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    In Context

    What Is the Parable of the Wedding Feast — In Biblical Context

    Jesus described a king who invited guests to his son's wedding—those who refused were replaced by people from the streets, illustrating God's open invitation to salvation.

    Quick Answer

    Jesus described a king who invited guests to his son's wedding—those who refused were replaced by people from the streets, illustrating God's open invitation to salvation.

    "Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage." — Matthew 22:9 (KJV)

    The Biblical Context

    In Matthew 22:1-14, Jesus told of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. The originally invited guests refused to come, making excuses or even mistreating the king's servants. The king then sent his servants to invite anyone they could find—both good and bad—to fill the banquet hall. However, one guest was found without proper wedding garments and was cast out. This parable teaches that God's invitation to salvation is extended to all, but it requires a genuine response. The wedding garment symbolizes the righteousness of Christ that believers must accept by faith.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Matthew 22:9, sits inside Matthew 22. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage."
    — Matthew 22:9 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Matthew 22:14
    "For many are called, but few are chosen."

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    Meaning

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