Matthew 22:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, He declares that since they “were not worthy, go to the crossroads and invite everyone you encounter to the wedding banquet,” including those who are humble and despised. He had frequently mentioned that sinners and outcasts would enter the kingdom of heaven, with the latter being first and the former last (Matt. 21:31; Matt. 19:30). Now, He demonstrates that this is carried out with fairness. The inclusion of Gentiles into the kingdom instead of them was particularly troubling to the Jews, causing them deeper shame than the destruction of their city.

When the initial messengers, Moses and the prophets, failed to persuade the Jews, God dispatched other messengers, the apostles, to address the Gentiles. These Gentiles had previously embraced false beliefs, strayed from the true path, and wandered in various teachings, lost in ignorance and uncertainty. They were divided among themselves, not following the right way but instead caught in a web of conflicting ideas, representing the misleading doctrines espoused by the Gentiles. Some adhered to one understanding, while others subscribed to another. It helps to recognize that the path signifies the true way of life for all, whereas the crossroads or diversions represent the erroneous teachings.

He refers to the towns and regions of the Gentiles as crucifixions, indicating through this term their rejection, as those who are cast aside dwell in these crucifixions. Initially, the apostles proclaimed the Gospel to the Jews in their presence, but when they faced expulsion, the apostle Paul rebuked them, saying, “You be leprous.” Paul pointed out, "It was simple for you to hear the word of God first, but since you have rejected it and are unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles" (Acts 13:46). Following His resurrection, Christ promptly directed them towards the Gentiles, commanding, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

In the Holy Scripture, when we consider the paths for our conduct, we understand that these paths reveal the inadequacies of our actions. This is evident as many who approach God are those whose worldly pursuits yield no true advantage.

Do you perceive the arrangement and progression of events? Do you recognize the truth conveyed in the parable? Consider the question, ‘When did this occur?’ It took place when the Jews, summoned by the apostles to enter the kingdom of heaven, not only refused to listen to them but also mocked and murdered them. At that point, He had already dispatched them throughout the entire world, reaching out to all nations.

The union of the magnificent and radiant Son of the Almighty is described in the Gospels, particularly in Matthew 22:1-14, by the Bridegroom Himself, whose goodness surpasses that of all humanity, being entirely pure and without fault. Therefore, through His very essence and actions, He has perfectly embodied the significance of the Sacrament of Marriage.

This passage describes the union of the Church with the Word, where the preparation for this union involves presenting sumptuous offerings, akin to oxen and choice cuts at a lavish banquet (Matt. 22:4). The Apostle Paul teaches that we are enriched in Christ through various gifts, both in speech and in knowledge (1 Cor. 1:5). Those who served alongside the apostles during the Lord's earthly ministry are referred to as the first servants, while those who are called but fail to respond due to negligence represent the latter group. Those who live according to the flesh (2 Cor. 10:2; Rom. 8:4) do not heed the divine invitation extended through Christ.

For this reason, the Holy Apostles are commissioned to preach to all nations. It is recorded that the Lord instructed His disciples, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). However, this command was given to them after His resurrection from the dead. Prior to His suffering and triumph over death, He shared a parable that resonates with prophetic insight, indicating that the Apostles would, in obedience to His divine directive, proclaim the Gospel to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 10:6). Yet, He foresaw that the Israelites would reject their message and persecute them, leading the Apostles to turn to the Gentiles. This parable not only references future events but also reflects what has already transpired.

I will gather my own guests. Therefore, go into the open areas where many travelers are passing by, and invite everyone you encounter, regardless of their status or condition, to the wedding banquet. He explains that since ‘those who were invited were unworthy; go to the streets and invite all you meet to the feast,’ including the lowly and those deemed unworthy. As He has previously stated, harlots and tax collectors will enter the kingdom of heaven, with the latter being first and the former last, which particularly upset the Jewish people. He now demonstrates that this is a righteous action. For witnessing Gentiles entering the kingdom in their stead caused the Jews far greater distress than the destruction of their city.

"‘Go ye into the wilderness,’ etc.: signifies the invitation extended not to the disqualified Jews, but to the Gentiles, who had previously been unaware of the authentic path to the kingdom of heaven and had strayed in the desert of falsehood and immorality. - ‘Call all’: encompasses everyone, regardless of status or circumstance; it presents the gospel of God’s kingdom to all people."