The Cost of Joy | The Parable of the Wedding Feast | Stories That Confront – Week 4

This final message in the Stories That Confront series explores one of Jesus’ most piercing parables — the Wedding Feast from Matthew 22:1–14.Jesus tells a story about a king who prepares a joyful banquet for his son, only to have the invited guests refuse to come. It’s a parable about grace offered and grace refused. Some miss the feast because they live as though the King isn’t really King. Others come but can’t bear to receive the gift the King freely provides.In this sermon, Pastor John explores how pride, distraction, and self-sufficiency keep us from joy — and how the only “cost” of joy is humility. The invitation still stands. The table is ready. Come, and be clothed in Christ.Scripture: Matthew 22:1–14Series: Stories That Confront (Week 4)Redeemer Lutheran Church, Salem, OregonKeywords:Matthew 22, parable of the wedding feast, parables that confront, Stories That Confront, the cost of joy, sermon on grace, Lutheran sermon, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Pastor John, Jesus parables, kingdom of God, righteousness of Christ, humility, grace and joy, wedding garment, grace refused, grace received, gospel invitation, Christian podcast, Christian preaching, church sermon series, joy in Christ.