One president and his delegation travelled to another country to meet the President of a powerful country. Since the country was going through war, the delegation dressed modestly, but not according to required protocol. The President of the powerful country and their cabinet members were offended. With a chain of other unpleasant happenings, the delegation from a war-torn country was expelled. In the Parable, the Lord shared that one man was in the wedding feast without the wedding garments that were customarily given to the guests. He was bound and cast into utter darkness. (Matthew 22:11-13)
Requirements: The king expected country citizens, who are invited to avail the offer of wedding garments and participate. However, the invited man did not wear it.
Another way: Did he enter the banquet by another way, scaling the walls or fences or sneaking inside? He would be considered a thief or robber. (John 10:1) The Lord Jesus Christ is the Only Way, and there is no other way to the Father. (John 14:6)
Ignorance: He could have been ignorant of the protocol. However, if he had seen others, he should have known that the wedding uniform was required. Neither ignorance of law nor ignorance of truth is an excuse. (Romans 1:20)
Arrogance: Some people are so proud of their ancestors, culture, philosophy, worldview, language, etc. Hence, they refuse the gospel.
Rebellion: Knowing that the wedding garment is required, this man wanted to see the consequences. Or wilfully defied the rule.
Purposeless: The invitation was to participate in the Wedding. The King has given the invitation. Son is getting married. The man neither knew the King, nor His Son. Instead of participating in the wedding and giving honour to the King for a benevolent invitation, and loving the son, for whom that was a momentous day, he was there without purpose. Father today invites people to respond to the Wedding of the Lamb. Those who reject and try to enter by another door will be cast out in utter darkness. (Revelation 19:6-9)
Do I have the garment of salvation? (Isaiah 61:10)