So when reading the King James and studying a verse of Scripture, it is always helpful to read through at least one time ignoring all of the italicized words.

To understand the meaning of the words and phrases of the original Scriptures (in this case Greek) we must look at the italicized additions and the possible variety of English meanings. (Reference sources frequently used for this are "Strongs Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible", "Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary", and "The Greek New Testament").

First, we need to look at this verse in the original Greek to see exactly what Jesus meant. The word translated into English as 'called' is the Greek word, 'kletos', Strongs #2822, and a better rendering of this word into English is 'invited'.

Rephrase 1: Jesus said, "For many are invited, but few chosen."

We also need to look at the original Greek of the word 'chosen' , which is 'eklektos' , Strongs #1588, which is an adjective often translated as: 'elect' , or 'the elect'. A more proper English translation is 'chosen, selected, have chosen'. Vine's uses, "to choose for oneself" as the root meaning of this word.

Rephrase 2: Jesus said, "For many are invited, but few have chosen."

Now that we have dissected the grammer of this verse, in order to get a proper and complete understanding of Jesus' teaching, we must now put it into context with it's surrounding Scripture. Matthew 22:14 is the final statement or a 'summation' in what's known as the parable of 'The Wedding Dinner'> given by Jesus. (Matthew 22:1-14)

Putting this parable into modern terms, Jesus said:

'The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king' who was planning the marriage/wedding for his son. The king sent out his servants to call on (personally invite) them who were invited to the wedding. The first batch of guests, first chosen, did not even RSVP but ingnored the invitation.

The king tried again 'and sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are invited, Behold, I have prepared my dinner.' The king proceeds to give the menu which for today would be equivalent to prime rib, lobster and caviar. With this enticement, there would surely be a herd of guests breaking down the doors trying to get into the palace dining room.

This time those first invited 'made light of it and went their ways'; to 'make light' of something is to treat with disrespect or to mock. Again the RSVP to this personal invitation along with the enticement of great food was disrespected. And a few, 'remnant' killed the messengers from the king - the servants who brought the personal invitation.

Well the king became quite angry that his servants were killed, so he sent his armies, destroyed those who murdered his servants, and burned up their city.

After all this, the king said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but they which were first invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the highways (to search the land), and as many as you find, invite them to the marriage.'

So those servants went out and 'gathered together all and as many as they found, both bad and good'. So now the wedding was furnished with guests.

Now picture a grand gala royal wedding that today the guests would be wearing tuxedos and gowns, 'the wedding garments'. The king came in to see the guests, and 'he saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment'. And the king said to the man in street clothes, 'Friend', how did you get in here without the proper clothes, a wedding garment? 'He was speechless', without excuse for his disrespectful attire.

"Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 22:13)

Recall now the comparison that Jesus made as He began this parable, "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king which made a marriage for his son." (Matthew 22:2)

Summary: The King invited many to the wedding dinner but they disrespected the offer, mocked the King and killed his servants. The King then presents an open invitation actively seeking any and all who would come. Yet even among these there are those who disrespect the King and do not properly prepare themselves for entering into His palace and banquet.

SPIRITUAL LAW

Rephrase 3: "For many are invited by God but few have chosen to come properly prepared and attired to enter into His Kingdom."

Jesus used parables to help us understand the dynamic spiritual principals involved in what is referred to as 'spiritual law' (ex. Romans 8:2).

Just as we are bound to the aspects of physical law here on this earth (like gravity) we are equally affected by the principals of spiritual law.

By using parables, Jesus beautifully illustrates to us the spiritual principles in a way which we can understand them and apply them.

Application: In the Old Testament, God presented His invitation but was disrespected by His chosen people. So now, in the New Testament, God presents an open invitation to all, actively seeking after those who would come. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

The tragedy is that even among those who accept God's invitation and His free gift (Jesus), that even among those who call themselves Christian, there will be found those who will be unprepared to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. God's decree is that they will be cast into outer darkness, along with the rest of those who did not accept His invitation.

Being a Christian is not a label, it is not an issue of race, gender or social class, it's a way of life in preparation unto life everlasting.