“Many are called, but few are chosen.” — Matthew 22:14 What did Jesus actually mean by these words? This video explores the Greek words behind “called” and “chosen,” the wedding garment in Jesus’ parable, and the deeper biblical picture of God providing what we cannot provide for ourselves. From the Garden of Eden to the wedding feast of the Lamb, Scripture reveals one powerful theme: God provides the garment. The question is not simply, “Am I one of the few?” The deeper question is: What are you wearing?

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The study note on 22:11 in the ESV Study Bible affirms historical evidence that in the ancient world, the king provided appropriate wedding garments for his guests. In the Grace & Truth Study Bible, Matthew Wilkens of Talbot School of Theology, agrees adding in the study note for 22:1-14 that the “man’s speechlesssness implies he has access to the appropriate attire but declined to wear it.” In the NIV Study Bible, the study note for 22:13 states “the wedding garment no doubt speaks of the righteousness that God, the gracious host, provides for all who accept his invitation.”

Augustine agreed writing in his sermon 90.4 that the wedding garment is the “garment of righteousness” that God clothes us with.