The answer is: Many are called but few are chosen

Matthew 20 vs 16 and 22 vs 14

In the teachings of Jesus, the phrase "many are called, but few are chosen" encapsulates an intriguing and layered message about divine invitation and human response. It's found in the Gospel of Matthew, part of a parable-driven discourse that engages listeners in a profound yet relatable way.

This phrase emerges from two key passages highlighting God's expansive call through the story of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) and the parable of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:1-14). In both narratives, the emphasis is on the invitation extended to all but the response—whether they accept or reject that invitation—determines their status. This reflects the universal call of love and grace, yet an implied reminder of the commitment required to “choose” to accept that grace.

Interesting trivia includes the fact that the concept of the "chosen" differentially applies across various biblical passages. In the Old Testament, God regularly revealed His chosen people as the Israelites, showcasing a longstanding tradition of covenant selectedness. Moreover, during Jesus' time, the tension boiled over between elite expectations of salvation versus the compassionate outreach to outsiders—a reconciliatory approach defended by Jesus himself.

Each parable here invites us to question the nature of our own responses to invitations—challenging, without demanding reliance on any singular doctrinal ideology while encouraging self-examination, commitment, and the heterogeneous embrace of community. Clearly, the heart of these teachings resonates echoingly through centuries, urging involvement in a life fully lived through connection, love, and grace.