Biblical Reference:
The parable of the man without a wedding garment is found in the Gospel of Matthew 22:1-14. This parable is part of a series of teachings by Jesus, often referred to as the Parables of the Kingdom, which illustrate the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Context and Setting:
The parable is set within the context of a wedding feast prepared by a king for his son. The king sends out invitations to the banquet, but those initially invited refuse to come. In response, the king extends the invitation to anyone found on the streets, both good and bad, filling the wedding hall with guests.

The Parable:
In Matthew 22:11-13 , Jesus narrates: "But when the king came in to see the guests, he spotted a man who was not dressed in wedding clothes. 'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' But the man was speechless. Then the king told the servants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"

Interpretation:
The parable is rich with symbolism and has been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian history. The king represents God, and the wedding feast symbolizes the Kingdom of Heaven. The initial guests who refuse the invitation are often seen as the Jewish leaders and people who rejected Jesus as the Messiah. The subsequent invitation to all, regardless of status, signifies the opening of the Kingdom to the Gentiles and all who would accept the call.

The man without a wedding garment represents those who outwardly respond to the invitation of the Gospel but do not genuinely embrace the righteousness required by God. In ancient times, wedding garments were often provided by the host, symbolizing that the necessary attire for the feast was available to all who accepted the invitation. The absence of the garment indicates a lack of preparation or respect for the occasion, reflecting a heart that has not been transformed by the grace of God.

Theological Significance:
The parable underscores the necessity of righteousness and holiness in the life of a believer. It emphasizes that mere association with the Christian community or outward acceptance of the Gospel is insufficient without a true transformation of the heart. The wedding garment is often interpreted as the righteousness of Christ, which believers must "put on" through faith and obedience.

The severe consequence faced by the man—being cast into outer darkness—serves as a sobering reminder of the judgment awaiting those who fail to meet the standards of the Kingdom. It highlights the seriousness of God's invitation and the responsibility of each individual to respond appropriately.

Application:
This parable calls believers to self-examination, urging them to consider whether they are truly clothed in the righteousness of Christ. It challenges the faithful to live lives that reflect the holiness and purity required by God, not relying on their own merits but on the grace provided through Jesus Christ. The parable also serves as a reminder of the inclusivity of the Gospel invitation, extended to all, yet requiring a genuine response of faith and transformation.