Our text today takes us again to the parable of the bridegroom and

the banquet. When we left the Biblical account yesterday, we saw

that the king was enraged that his guests arrived at the banquet

improperly dressed. In verse 12, one man was asked why he came to

the banquet dressed incorrectly. The man did not have an answer.

The king had the man bound hand and foot and cast into the street

during the night! That must have been frightening.

Have you ever attended a party or a special dinner and found

yourself “underdressed” or even “overdressed?” There is an old

saying, “The clothes make the man.” The formality of the occasion

determines the style of dress one is expected to wear. The right

clothes honor the host or hostess of the function. Dressing sloppily

is an insult to the host. I want to please God, don’t you?

Have you ever received an invitation in the mail and, after reading

the complete invitation you saw these small letters at the end—

R.S.V.P.? Many in our busy culture do not pay attention to those

small letters, but they are very important. The letters are from the

French language, and mean: “répondez s’il vous plaît.” This directly

translates to, “Respond, if you please.” The acronym is often used

to confirm attendance at an event, such as a wedding, birthday

party or baby shower. If a R.S.V.P. is requested, good manners

dictate that you answer or give your regrets that you cannot attend.