Render Unto Caesar
Then the king told the servants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Matthew 22:13 · Berean Standard Bible
The king orders, 'Tie him up and throw him outside into the darkness, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.'
The invitation was free. The garment was provided. But you can't come to God on your own terms.
The king delivers a severe judgment that highlights the seriousness of the invitation.
Grace is free, but it's not casual. You can't accept the invitation while refusing the transformation that comes with it.
The king orders the man bound hand and foot and cast into 'outer darkness' (skotos to exōteron) where there is 'weeping and gnashing of teeth' — Matthew's characteristic image of eschatological judgment.
The 'outer darkness' contrasts with the bright, joyful banquet hall; it represents exclusion from the messianic feast and God's presence.
The king pronounces judgment on the improperly dressed guest.
The man who entered the feast without the required garment is expelled — a warning that entering God's presence requires accepting His terms.
11But when the king came in to see the guests, he spotted a man who was not dressed in wedding clothes.
12‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’
13Then the king told the servants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
14For many are called, but few are chosen.”
15Then the Pharisees went out and conspired to trap Jesus in His words.
Read all of Matthew 22 — A wedding banquet, a trick question about taxes, and the greatest commandment — Jesus outmaneuvers every trap set for him.
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