Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights a crucial shift: the invitation to the feast isn't just for the "expected" guests who declined, but for everyone encountered at the crossroads. The original Greek points to these "crossroads" as places where multiple paths meet, signifying a boundless invitation reaching beyond familiar circles to the furthest, most unexpected people.
Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the rejection and murder of the messengers sent to invite guests to a royal wedding feast, Jesus reveals the drastic next step in the parable. The king, enraged by the ill treatment of his servants, sends his armies to destroy those initial invited guests and their city. Now, the king commands his servants to go out to the main roads and intersections, inviting everyone they find to the feast, a directive that signifies the gospel's expansion beyond the chosen people to all nations.
Ever feel like you're on the fringes, not quite good enough for the 'in' crowd? This verse has a powerful message for you.
Jesus tells his messengers to go to the 'highways' and invite everyone they find. Think about what that means.
Beyond the City Walls
The word for 'highways' here points to the places outside the usual city gathering spots. It's like sending an invitation to the busy intersections, the main roads leading in and out, and even the country paths where travelers would be.
Open Doors for All
This wasn't just about finding people conveniently located. In the context of Jesus' teaching, it represented reaching out to those on the margins – people often overlooked or even despised by religious society. It's a radical expansion of God's invitation, moving beyond the expected and embracing the unexpected.
Imagine being told there's an incredible feast happening right now. The invitation isn't a suggestion; it's a call to immediate action.
The parable Jesus is telling is about a wedding feast that was ready. The initial guests who were invited had made excuses, prioritizing their own agendas over the king's generous invitation.
A Generous Provision
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This feast represents the incredible salvation and kingdom blessings God offers through Jesus. It's a lavish provision, overflowing with all that is needed for joy and eternal happiness.
Don't Make Excuses
When the first guests refused, the king didn't cancel the feast. He sent his servants to find others, emphasizing that the invitation was still open, but also highlighting the foolishness of those who missed out. It's a stark reminder that God's grace is abundant, but it requires a willing heart to receive it.
Understand the original words
kalesate · Greek Verb
The act of calling or summoning someone to a gathering or a role. In a theological sense, it refers to the divine summons to participate in the blessings of salvation.
The instruction to invite 'as many as you find' to the wedding feast highlights a radical shift from the exclusivity of the old covenant to the inclusive invitation of the new covenant, extending the gospel to Gentiles and all who would respond after the rejection by many of the chosen people.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Teaching
Jesus teaches in parables, including the parable of the royal wedding feast, to explain the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven.
c. 33 AD
Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and resurrected, marking the pivotal event that the wedding feast symbolizes.
c. 33-62 AD
Early Apostolic Ministry
The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, initially preach the Gospel primarily to the Jewish people in Jerusalem and surrounding areas.
c. 40s-50s AD
Mission to the Gentiles Begins
The Gospel message begins to spread significantly to the Gentile (non-Jewish) world, starting with figures like Cornelius and expanding through Paul's missionary journeys.
c. 62 AD
Martyrdom of James the Less
The martyrdom of James the Less, often considered a pivotal moment when the apostles' specific focus on Jewish evangelism concluded.
70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman army destroys Jerusalem and the Second Temple, fulfilling Jesus' prophecies and marking a dramatic end to the Old Covenant era.
This passage echoes the same abundant invitation to a feast, proclaiming 'Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!' demonstrating God's desire to provide freely for all who will come.
Acts 13:46This verse shows the apostles turning to the Gentiles, just as the parable suggests, declaring 'It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it from yourselves and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.'
Luke 14:23Jesus Himself uses similar language in another parable, describing the master of the house telling his servant, 'Go out to the roads and the lanes, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled,' highlighting the urgency and breadth of the invitation.
Romans 10:12This verse reinforces the universality of God's plan, stating 'For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him,' a truth powerfully illustrated by extending the invitation beyond the initially invited.
barnesMatthew 22:9: "Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage."
The highways - Literally, the "exit" or "going out" of the "paths or roads." It means the square or principal street, into which a number of smaller streets enter; a place, therefore, of confluence, where many persons would be seen, and persons of all descriptions. By this is represented the offering of the gospel to the Gentiles. They were commonly regarded among the Jews as living in highways…
henryMatthew 22:1-14: "And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,"
22:1-14 The provision made for perishing souls in the gospel, is represented by a royal feast made by a king, with eastern liberality, on the marriage of his son. Our merciful God has not only provided food, but a royal feast, for the perishing souls of his rebellious creatures. There is enough and to spare, of every thing that can add to our present comfort and everlasting happiness, in the salvation of his…
This verse highlights a crucial shift: the invitation to the feast isn't just for the "expected" guests who declined, but for everyone encountered at the crossroads. The original Greek points to these "crossroads" as places where multiple paths meet, signifying a boundless invitation reaching beyond familiar circles to the furthest, most unexpected people.
Following the rejection and murder of the messengers sent to invite guests to a royal wedding feast, Jesus reveals the drastic next step in the parable. The king, enraged by the ill treatment of his servants, sends his armies to destroy those initial invited guests and their city. Now, the king commands his servants to go out to the main roads and intersections, inviting everyone they find to the feast, a directive that signifies the gospel's expansion beyond the chosen people to all nations.
Following the rejection and murder of the messengers sent to invite guests to a royal wedding feast, Jesus reveals the drastic next step in the parable. The king, enraged by the ill treatment of his servants, sends his armies to destroy those initial invited guests and their city. Now, the king commands his servants to go out to the main roads and intersections, inviting everyone they find to the feast, a directive that signifies the gospel's expansion beyond the chosen people to all nations.
"Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’" — This verse highlights a crucial shift: the invitation to the feast isn't just for the "expected" guests who declined, but for everyone encountered at the crossroads. The original Greek points to th…
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Last reviewed October 2026