He Chose Me Anyway
“Even though I knew God was real, I never felt worthy to be in His presence. But He never gave up on me.” — Pastor Matthew
Understanding the Invitation
In this week’s message, Pastor Matthew continued our Follow Jesus series by walking through Matthew 22:1–14, the parable of the wedding feast. Jesus describes a king who prepares a banquet for his son and sends invitations to his people, only to have them refuse to come.
Through this story, Jesus shows the heart of God, a Father who continually invites His people into a relationship with Him. Even when we turn away, He keeps calling us back. This parable isn’t just about a wedding; it’s about grace. It’s about the God who loves so deeply that He keeps inviting, again and again.
Through this story, Jesus shows the heart of God, a Father who continually invites His people into a relationship with Him. Even when we turn away, He keeps calling us back. This parable isn’t just about a wedding; it’s about grace. It’s about the God who loves so deeply that He keeps inviting, again and again.
When the King Keeps Inviting
At first, Pastor Matthew admitted the parable makes him uncomfortable. A king begging people to come to his feast feels beneath him. Yet that’s the beauty of it — God isn’t insecure or desperate. He’s compassionate. He knows our need for Him and keeps coming after us, not for His benefit but for our good.
The guests in Jesus’ story ignored the king’s invitation. They were busy with work, family, and their own priorities. Some even mistreated and killed the messengers. In the same way, people today often respond to God with indifference. It’s not always open rebellion; sometimes it’s quiet apathy, a life too full for God’s voice.
But the story doesn’t end in rejection. The king sends more servants, this time inviting everyone, the good and the bad, to fill the banquet hall. God’s love is wide enough for all who will say yes.
The guests in Jesus’ story ignored the king’s invitation. They were busy with work, family, and their own priorities. Some even mistreated and killed the messengers. In the same way, people today often respond to God with indifference. It’s not always open rebellion; sometimes it’s quiet apathy, a life too full for God’s voice.
But the story doesn’t end in rejection. The king sends more servants, this time inviting everyone, the good and the bad, to fill the banquet hall. God’s love is wide enough for all who will say yes.
The Guest Without a Garment
Then Jesus introduces one more guest, someone inside the banquet but without the right clothing. The king notices him and asks how he entered without a wedding garment. The man is speechless and cast out.
At first glance, it feels harsh. But as Pastor Matthew explained, Jesus shared this moment not to condemn but to protect us from ever facing that separation. The garment represents righteousness, the covering we receive only when we put our faith in Jesus. Our own efforts, no matter how good they seem, are never enough. God alone can clothe us in grace.
Pastor Matthew reminded us that even our best deeds are like “polluted garments,” as Isaiah said. Yet through Christ, God offers a new robe, one of salvation and righteousness. When we believe Him, we trade our shame for His covering.
At first glance, it feels harsh. But as Pastor Matthew explained, Jesus shared this moment not to condemn but to protect us from ever facing that separation. The garment represents righteousness, the covering we receive only when we put our faith in Jesus. Our own efforts, no matter how good they seem, are never enough. God alone can clothe us in grace.
Pastor Matthew reminded us that even our best deeds are like “polluted garments,” as Isaiah said. Yet through Christ, God offers a new robe, one of salvation and righteousness. When we believe Him, we trade our shame for His covering.
Accepting the Invitation
Faith is the doorway. It’s not about being good enough or fixing ourselves first. It’s about trusting God’s promise. Pastor Matthew pointed to Abraham as an example, a man who simply believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
The same is true for us. When we accept God’s invitation, He removes our worn-out garments of guilt and clothes us in forgiveness. We become new creations in Christ. The old has gone, the new has come.
This is the message of the cross. God didn’t send His Son to condemn the world but to save it. Jesus came so that anyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. He’s still inviting us, to come, to trust, and to stay close.
The same is true for us. When we accept God’s invitation, He removes our worn-out garments of guilt and clothes us in forgiveness. We become new creations in Christ. The old has gone, the new has come.
This is the message of the cross. God didn’t send His Son to condemn the world but to save it. Jesus came so that anyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. He’s still inviting us, to come, to trust, and to stay close.
Pastor Matthew’s Story
Toward the end of the message, Pastor Matthew shared his own turning point. As a teenager, he struggled with shame, insecurity, and the belief that he wasn’t worthy of God’s love. He poured his energy into sports and relationships, but nothing filled the emptiness.
One day, sitting on the edge of his bed, surrounded by old trophies that no longer mattered, he sensed God speaking: “Was it worth it?” In that quiet moment, Pastor Matthew surrendered. He told God, “You know what You’re getting. But if You want my life, You can have it.”
That decision changed everything. God didn’t reject him, He chose him anyway. From that moment forward, God replaced unworthiness with belonging, insecurity with peace, and self-doubt with purpose. Decades later, that same grace continues to shape his life and ministry.
One day, sitting on the edge of his bed, surrounded by old trophies that no longer mattered, he sensed God speaking: “Was it worth it?” In that quiet moment, Pastor Matthew surrendered. He told God, “You know what You’re getting. But if You want my life, You can have it.”
That decision changed everything. God didn’t reject him, He chose him anyway. From that moment forward, God replaced unworthiness with belonging, insecurity with peace, and self-doubt with purpose. Decades later, that same grace continues to shape his life and ministry.
Living in the New Garment
The invitation isn’t a one-time offer. It’s a lifelong relationship. When we stay close to God, when we keep coming back to the party, He keeps transforming us. He gives peace where there was anxiety, joy where there was shame, and purpose where there was confusion.
As Pastor Matthew said, “It was never about me. It was always about His strength.” God’s invitation still stands today. Whether you’ve walked with Him for years or you’ve drifted away, He’s calling you home. The King is still saying, “Come to the feast.”
As Pastor Matthew said, “It was never about me. It was always about His strength.” God’s invitation still stands today. Whether you’ve walked with Him for years or you’ve drifted away, He’s calling you home. The King is still saying, “Come to the feast.”
Reflect and Respond
- Have you accepted God’s invitation into relationship with Him?
- Are you wearing the garment He offers — His grace and righteousness?
- Will you stay at the party and keep walking in faith?
No matter your past, God’s heart remains the same: He chose you anyway.
About The Tree Church
The Tree Church is a church located in Lancaster and Logan, Ohio. Each Sunday, services are held at 9:00 and 11:00 AM and include worship, teaching, and community for all ages.
- Lancaster: 721 N Memorial Dr, Lancaster, OH 43130
- Logan: 36 Hocking Mall, Logan, OH 43138
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