Matthew 22:1-17 ▼

1 And Jesus, answering, again spake to them in parables, saying,

2 "The Kingdom of Heaven was likened to a man—a king—who made a marriage feast for his son.

3 And he sent forth his servants to call those who had been invited to the marriage feast, and they were not willing to come.

4 "Again he sent forth other servants, saying, 'Say to those who have been invited, Behold, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and fatlings have been slain, and all things are ready: come to the marriage feast.'

5 "But they, neglecting it , went away; one, indeed, to his own farm, another to his merchandise;

6 and the rest, having laid hold on his servants, maltreated and slew them .

7 "And the king was enraged; and, sending his armies, he destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.

8 Then he says to his servants, 'The marriage feast, indeed is ready; but those who had been invited were not worthy;

9 go, therefore, to the outlets of the highways; and as many as ye find, invite to the marriage feast.'

10 And the servants, going out into the highways, gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good; and the bridal-hall was filled with guests.

11 "And he saw there a man not having on a wedding-garment;

12 and he says to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here, not having on a wedding-garment?' And He was speechless.

13 Then said the king to the attendants, 'Having bound his feet and hands, cast him forth into the outer darkness:' there will be the weeping, and the gnashing of teeth!

14 For many are called, but few chosen.'"

15 Then the Pharisees, going, took counsel how they might ensnare Him in speech.

16 And they send to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that Thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, and carest not for any one; for Thou dost not look into the face of men:

17 tell us, therefore, what thinkest Thou: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?"