Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 22:12

"and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless." — Matthew 22:12 (ASV)

The King addressed him kindly enough. He said to him, “Friend.” Perhaps, after all, the man did not intend to insult the King; therefore, the King called him “Friend.” He pretended to be a friend; therefore, the King addressed him as such.

Still, it was a grave outrage that he had committed, and he had to account for it. The King asked, “How did you come here not having a wedding garment?”

Was it by accident or design? Did the keeper of the wardrobe not tell you about the garments provided for all my guests? Did you not feel like a speckled bird as you saw all your companions in wedding array, while your own attire ill-suited this festal hall?

If you are an enemy, how did you come in here? Was there no other place in which to defy me than in my own palace? Was there no other time for this insult than my Son’s wedding day? What do you have to say as an explanation or excuse for your strange conduct?

Notice how personal the question is. The King addresses him as though he had been the only one present.

And he was speechless. He had a fair opportunity to excuse himself if he could, but he was awed by the King’s majesty and convicted by his own conscience.

No evidence needed to be given against him. He stood before the whole company, self-condemned, guilty of open and undeniable disloyalty. The original text says, “He was muzzled.”

He may have talked glibly enough before the King came in, but he had not a word to say afterwards. What an eloquent silence that was!

Why did he not even then fall on his knees and seek forgiveness for his daring crime? Alas! Pride made him incapable of repentance. He would not yield even at the last moment.

There is no defense for a man who is in the Church of Christ but whose heart is not right towards God. The King still comes in to see the guests who have accepted His royal invitation to His Son’s wedding. Woe to any whom He finds without the wedding garment!

He could give no reply; the king's presence awed him into silence.