For many are called, but few are chosen
For many are called, but few are chosen. - Matthew 22:14
This brief but profound statement comes at the conclusion of Jesus' Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14) . To fully understand was Jesus meant, we need to examine the context, key terms, and theological implications.
Narrative Context
The Parable in brief (Matthew 22:1-13) :
The King's Invitation: A king prepares a wedding feast for his son and sends servants to invite the original guests. They refuse, mistreat the messengers, and even kill some.
Judgment and New Invitations: The king punishes those rejecters and then sends servants to invite anyone they find, both 'bad and good,' filling the wedding hall.
The Wedding Garment Incident: A guest is found without a wedding garment and is cast out.
Why the final verse matters: Verse 14 functions as a one-sentence summary and warning. It explains the two shocking elements of the story:
The first invited guests are not present.
Even among those who enter, some are still rejected.
Key Greek Terms
| English | Greek | Sense |
|---|---|---|
| called | klētoi (κλητοί) | Invited, summoned. Carries the idea of a gracious invitation. |
| chosen | eklektoi (ἐκλεκτοί) | Elect, specially selected. Implies acceptance and final approval. |
The distinction is crucial. Many receive the call (invitation), but only those who respond rightly and are approved are the chosen.
Layers of Meaning
Historical-Redemptive
Israel's leaders (the first invited) rejected the King's invitation through unbelief and hostility to Jesus. The wider world, including Gentiles (the second group) is now invited. Yet mere attendance is not enough: the wedding garment (often seen as Christ's righteousness) is essential.
Personal / Spiritual
God's invitation goes out widely through the gospel. External association with the church is not identical with salvation. A genuine, clothed response - faith that results in new life - is required.
Doctrinal / Theological
God's sovereign election is in view. Many hear the call, but only those foreknown and chosen (See Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:4) ultimately enter the kingdom. Human responsibility remains: the few are those who both accept and are inwardly transformed.
Parallels and Supporting Scriptures
The Gates of Life and Destruction - Matthew 7:13-14
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
The golden chain: called, justified, glorified. - Romans 8:30
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
The Lamb conquers with those called, chosen, and faithful. - Revelation 17:14
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
Garments of salvation and robes of righteousness. - Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
These passages echo the tension between the universal preaching of the gospel and the narrower reality of true saving faith.
Practical and Devotional Takeaways
Urgency of response: God's invitation demands more than curiosity; it calls for repentance and faith.
Authenticity over appearance: Wearing the wedding garment symbolizes living in Christ's righteousness, not merely outward religion.
Gratitude and assurance: The electing grace of God is not a barrier but the foundation for confidence that He will complete His saving work.
Evangelistic zeal: Since many are called, believers are to keep extending the invitation broadly, trusting God to bring fruit.
Summary
Matthew 22:14 is Jesus' concise warning and comfort:
Warning - Not all who hear or even outwardly respond to God's call are saved.
Comfort - Those truly chosen are secure in the King's purpose.
In short, God's invitation is wide, His salvation sure, but His kingdom requires more than merely showing up - it requires being clothed in Christ.