Many are called, few are chosen

I have been pondering this quote. Jesus said this at the end of his parable regarding what the kingdom of heaven would be like (although some versions omit this statement). (Matt 20:1-16)His parable referenced workers in a field that had agreed to a wage for the day…as the day went on the owner of the field brought in more workers. Finally, an hour before the workday was complete he brought in workers…and ended up not only paying them first, but paying the same wage for an hours work as he paid for the workers that were there all day. The workers that were there all day were unjustifiably peeved. Then, Jesus said many are called, few are chosen.

This started me thinking about “callings”. Many people make a really big deal about this. I don’t know if this passage has to with each man’s calling. But, there have been books written on finding your calling, I even had to go through one for a class I took at CCU. I suppose that callings have to do with gifting and the proper utilization thereof. However, what in the world did Jesus mean that many are called and few are chosen? And why do I have a sneakin’ suspicion that it’s related to when He says that many will say “Lord, Lord” and He will say “Depart, for I never knew you”…

He states “For many are called, but few are chosen.” again at the end of the parable of the wedding feast (Matt 22:1-14).

This parable is very similar to the other in several ways:

1. People are asked to come. They were sought out and had to be brought in.

2. It had to do with multiple people

3. Some were unpleasant

4. Some were disrespectful

5. Some received the reward.

Another similarity that I saw was that there was someone in charge, like a landowner or king. This person was responsible for and the reason for everyone being in the place that they were.

I will continue thinking on this…let me know if you have ideas or thoughts as well!