“How useful soever this book of books is in itself, it will be of no use to us if we do not acquaint ourselves with it, by reading it daily, and meditating upon it, that we may understand the mind of God in it, and may apply what we understand to ourselves for our direction, rebuke, and comfort, as there is occasion.” — Matthew Henry

“The Bible consists of a series of letters from the Heavenly Father to His dear children. Then let us cherish them as such, and act accordingly… I seriously doubt if God has called or requires you to ‘study’ His Word—what you need to do is FEED thereon.” — A.W. Pink

I studied commentaries and thesis for many years before I discovered the Word itself was speaking to me.

John 14:15-17 English Standard Version

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”

This is when I stopped relying on what others thought about the Word and began listening to the Word.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Ephesians 6:17 …the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The Good Physician knows where to cut and do no harm.

Matthew 22:11-14 English Standard Version

“But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”

This is just one section of the parable of the wedding feast. Coming to a full understanding of every section of parables takes relevant connections from various prophetic books and the gospels. To isolate just one issue of a parable does not give us complete understanding.

Let us look at wedding garments.

In the Bible, wedding garments primarily symbolize righteousness, purity, and spiritual readiness required to participate in God’s kingdom, especially the ultimate “marriage feast” of the Lamb (Christ and His Church).

The righteousness of Christ (imputed justification): Believers are clothed in Christ’s perfect righteousness by faith, covering their sin. This is a gift of grace, not self-earned. Parallels include Isaiah 61:10 (“He has clothed me with garments of salvation… robe of righteousness”) and Zechariah 3 (filthy garments removed and clean ones given).

The gospel is spread broadly and many will heed the call. They feel they are invited guests but lack understanding. There are no casual observers. If God has not wrapped them in robes of righteousness, they will not participate in the feast.

For complete understanding of the intent and considerations for why the parable was given one must refer to the Spirit of Truth to receive understanding according to God’s will and not our personal desires.

God’s will be done.