Dressed for the Kingdom

Scripture Reading

Matthew 22:11–12 (NIV):
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless.”

Devotional

Jesus’ parable of the wedding banquet teaches a powerful lesson about preparation for God’s kingdom. The king invited many, both rich and poor, strangers and outcasts. Yet when he entered the hall, he noticed one guest without a wedding garment. That man’s lack of preparation excluded him from the celebration.

This reveals that being invited is not enough — we must also be ready. God invites all people to His kingdom, but acceptance of the invitation requires transformation. Just as a wedding garment was provided in the culture of Jesus’ time, so God provides us with the righteousness of Christ. To reject that garment is to dishonor the King Himself.

• Isaiah 61:10 – “He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.”
• Revelation 19:7–8 – The Bride of Christ has “fine linen, bright and clean, given her to wear.”
• Matthew 24:44 – “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Preparation for the kingdom is not about rituals, appearances, or empty words. It is about repentance, faith in Christ, and a life that reflects the holiness of God. To be “dressed for the kingdom” means living daily with watchfulness, purity, and obedience, awaiting the return of the Bridegroom.

Life Application

1. Clothe Yourself in Christ – Accept God’s gift of salvation through faith, not self-righteousness (Galatians 3:27).
2. Live in Readiness – Let holiness, love, and obedience be the evidence of your preparation (Hebrews 12:14).
3. Prepare Others – Share the gospel, inviting others to the feast, so they too may be clothed in Christ.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for inviting me to Your kingdom banquet. I know I cannot enter by my own works but only by being clothed in Christ’s righteousness. Help me prepare daily through prayer, repentance, and holiness. Teach me to live in readiness for Your return and to help others do the same. Amen.