CALLED AND CHOSEN

Twice in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus used parables to teach the difference between one being called, and one being chosen.  In Matthew 20:1-6, Jesus used the "Parable of the Vineyard," and in Matthew 22:1-14, He used the "Parable of the Marriage Feast," to illustrate His point. 

"So the last shall be first, and the first last:

for many be called, but few chosen" (20:14)

In the "Parable of the Vineyard," the focus is man's reward for his works.  The owner hires four times throughout the day.  The first group, I like to call the union workers because they wanted an agreed upon wage, worked from early morning until the evening.  The second, third, and fourth groups trusted the owner to be fair, and at the end of the day, they received the same wages as the "union workers."  It is funny that the second and third groups did not complain when they received the same amount as the fourth group, but the first group was outraged.  The owner told them he could do what he wished with his money.  He ended his answer to them by declaring the last to be hired as his laborers would be paid first, and the first would be paid last.

This is my interpretation of the "Parable of the Vineyard."  God is the owner.  Throughout its history, He has covenanted with Israel to reward their works with earthly reward.  Once their eyes are opened, Israel will be surprised to learn that God will have rewarded the works of the Gentiles, as well.  He blesses those who bless Israel (Gen. 12:1-2)! 

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

In the "Parable of the Marriage Feast," the focus is man being the recipient of grace.  The King sent "his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come" (v. 3).  He sent more of his servants, and while it was bad enough that none came, some of them even killed the servants (v. 4-6)!  The King's reaction was to send an army to destroy them and their city, calling them unworthy (v. 7-8).  Again, he sent his servants to gather guests, both good and bad (they too were unworthy), and the marriage feast was full (v. 9-10).  Apparently, the King's servants provided wedding garments for all the guests, but one refused to wear it.  The King had him removed, and then made the statement:   "For many are called, but few are chosen" (v. 14).

My interpretation of the "Parable of the Marriage Feast," is that the King is God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus, will be wed to His bride (the Church - Mk. 2:18-20; Jn. 3:29; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:22-33; etc.). The "wedding garment" is the gracious gift of the "righteousness of Christ" (Rom. 5:17-19; 2 Cor. 5:21; etc.).  The one who refused "Christ's righteousness," attempted to be a part of the celebration, wearing his own "righteousness"; compared to Christ's, ours is but filthy rags (Isa. 64:6)!

God has chosen Israel, but He has called "whomsoever will!"