by Ester yusufu | 30 June 2022 08:46 pm06
Matthew 8:11–12
“I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
This is one of the most startling statements Jesus made. It forces us to ask:
How can “sons of the kingdom” be cast out? Aren’t they the rightful heirs of the Kingdom?
Does this mean Jesus made a mistake?
Absolutely not. Jesus was warning about a tragic spiritual truth: privilege without obedience leads to judgment.
In first-century Judaism, the phrase “sons of the kingdom” referred to ethnic Israelites, those who assumed they were guaranteed a place in God’s kingdom because of their heritage as descendants of Abraham.
But Jesus turns this assumption upside down: not all who claim connection to the kingdom will enter it.
This principle applies not only to first-century Jews—but to anyone today who assumes religious familiarity equals salvation.
Jesus tells a parable of a king (symbolizing God) who prepared a wedding feast for his son (symbolizing Christ). Those originally invited (the Jews and, by extension, professing believers) refused to come. They were distracted by personal pursuits—fields, businesses—and some violently rejected the messengers (prophets, apostles, or preachers).
“But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business…” (v.5)
So the king destroyed their city (a prophetic reference to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70) and invited others—outsiders—to fill the banquet hall. These outsiders represent Gentiles and repentant sinners who were not originally part of the covenant but responded to the invitation.
“Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.” (v.9)
The kingdom of God is not inherited by proximity but by obedience.
Many people today are like the “children of the kingdom”—they were raised in church, they own Bibles, they attend services, and they know the language of Christianity. But unless there is genuine faith evidenced by obedience, they are in danger of being cast out.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 7:21
Jesus highlighted how people give excuses for not responding to God.
“I’m too busy.” “It’s not the right time.” “My family wouldn’t approve.”
But Scripture is clear: excuses don’t justify disobedience.
“Yet another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said… ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’” – Luke 9:61–62
“Whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” – Matthew 10:38
God’s grace is free, but discipleship is costly. Following Christ requires denying self and embracing obedience.
It’s not enough to hear good sermons or read the Bible. God’s Word demands a response—a life of obedience and transformation.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – James 1:22
Those who hear but do not act are like people looking into a mirror and forgetting their reflection—they are spiritually deceived.
“The one who looks into the perfect law… and perseveres… he will be blessed in his doing.” – James 1:25
Jesus said many will come from “east and west”—that is, people from every nation—who were never considered part of God’s covenant community, but because they believed and obeyed, they will dine with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom.
Meanwhile, those who assumed they had access will be “thrown into outer darkness”—a place of deep regret, symbolizing final separation from God (cf. Matthew 25:30).
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” – John 14:15
True love for Jesus is not expressed in words alone but in active obedience.
We are living in the final moments before the return of Christ. Let us not be like the invited guests who rejected the call. Let us be like those who responded with humility and readiness, no matter their background.
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” – Hebrews 3:15
Deny yourself. Obey Christ. The rapture is near. Be found ready.
The Lord is coming soon.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2022/06/30/the-children-of-the-kingdom-will-be-cast-out-why/
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