Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen: Preparing as the Bride of Christ
When a woman prepares for her wedding day, she does not do it casually. She plans. She prepares. She is intentional. She thinks about the dress, the details, the timing, and most importantly, the groom. She does not show up unprepared, and she certainly does not marry a stranger.
As I was reading Scripture, I was reminded of this truth while reflecting on Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 22, Jesus shares the parable of the wedding feast. A king prepares a wedding for his son and sends out invitations. Many are invited, yet not all respond appropriately. One man even enters without the proper garment, and he is removed. Jesus ends this parable with a sobering statement:
“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14, KJV)
This parable made me stop and think deeply about what it truly means to be the Bride of Christ.
Preparing for the Groom
Just as an earthly bride prepares for her groom, we are called to prepare our hearts for Christ. Preparation does not happen by accident. It requires time, devotion, and relationship. We would never commit our lives to a man we do not know, yet many people claim Christ while barely spending time with Him.
A relationship with Jesus requires:
Time in the Word
Consistent prayer
Obedience
A desire to know His heart
Christianity was never meant to be casual. Following Christ means allowing Him to transform us.
The Wedding Garment
In the parable, the man without the wedding garment was not rejected because he lacked an invitation. He was rejected because he was unprepared. The garment matters.
Scripture tells us:
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.” (Revelation 19:7, KJV)
Our garment represents righteousness. It is not about perfection, but it is about surrender. We are clothed not in our own goodness, but in obedience and repentance. We cannot enter the Kingdom on our own terms.
Standing Apart From the World
Many people say they are Christians, but being a Christian means being a follower of Christ. That means our lives should look different.
We cannot claim Christ while continuing unchanged lifestyles that reflect the world. Living however we want, engaging in constant partying, gossip, profanity, unkindness, or only praying when we need something is not discipleship. It is convenience.
I often tell my children that as followers of Christ, we are called to stand out and stand apart. Scripture reminds us:
“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2, KJV)
Transformation is evidence of relationship.
An Invitation With a Response
God extends the invitation, but we must respond rightly. The call goes out to many, yet not all are willing to prepare. Not all are willing to change. Not all desire obedience.
Jesus made it clear that the Kingdom of God is holy, intentional, and relational. We are invited, but we must come prepared.
So the question becomes:
Are we preparing as the Bride, or are we assuming the invitation alone is enough?
May we be women who know our Groom, walk with Him daily, and clothe ourselves in righteousness as we wait for His return.
“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14, KJV)
-Minister Nancy Phillips
