In Matthew 22:1-14, Jesus told a parable that is not easy to understand: the invitation to the kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. Those who were originally invited made excuses and refused to come. Some even mistreated and killed the messengers, symbolizing how the people of Israel rejected God’s call and killed the prophets. The king then sent his servants into the streets to invite all kinds of people to the banquet, both the good and the bad, signifying that the gospel would come to the gentiles and to sinners. What is perplexing is that some of those invited were ultimately rejected because they did not wear “wedding clothes,” for “many are invited, but few are chosen” (v.14). Literally speaking, this king seems utterly unreasonable. Who would wear wedding clothes in the streets and wait for an unpredictable invitation?

        Biblical scholars explain that the Lord Jesus used the image of wearing “wedding clothes” to symbolize that if a person truly receives salvation and accepts the love that comes from God, he must also accept and pursue the life transformation brought about by that love and grace. In other words, to receive salvation is at the same time to surrender one’s life to the Lord, becoming a new person both in identity and in the essence of life. In the transformation and renewal of life, one carries the LORD’s love and abundant grace, offering a living and embodied testimony to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

        Brothers and sisters, we pray that the Lord will add to the church daily, numerously those who are being saved, so that glory may be given to God the Father. Yet, we must be careful to proclaim the holistic gospel rather than cheap grace. Those who truly receive salvation must also accept the church’s teaching, nurturing, and communal formation, so that they may live out a healthy and fruitful spiritual life.

        In our interactions in interpersonal relationships, pastoral care and teaching, it is not difficult to notice that with the rapid development of information technology, people’s patience and attention span have generally declined. Many place greater emphasis on sensory stimulation, expecting to receive information passively within a short time, while being less willing to engage in careful reasoning, close study, and meditative reflection. This has become a trap for some. When we remain vigilant in managing our use of information technology and artificial intelligence, these tools can also serve the community of faith. The church must therefore learn to grasp and wisely use technology in the nurturing and training of believers. At the same time, we should remember Paul’s exhortation that believers should “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:12–13). Salvation is entirely by grace. However, in the process of sanctification, believers must respond actively and cooperate patiently. Whether newly converted, recently baptized, or having followed the Lord for many years, may we never forget that “growth in holiness requires diligent effort.”

       Therefore, brothers and sisters, let us be zealous in evangelism, and also remind seekers and new believers to receive the holistic gospel. Encourage them to follow the growth pathway established by the church and pursue renewal of life and deeper spiritual maturity. May the Lord raise up more mature believers to participate in discipleship ministry, keeping pace with the times. May every member in God’s household learn to “follow” and not merely seek personal preferences, so that those who teach and those who learn may grow together and bear fruit that glorifies God and blesses others.