Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 22:3

"and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the marriage feast: and they would not come." — Matthew 22:3 (ASV)

Sent forth his servants — As in the parable of the Vineyard (Matthew 21:33–46), the servants represent the collective work of the prophets up to the time of John the Baptist. The refusal of guests invited to such a great honor may seem, at first, so contrary to human nature that it lacks dramatic probability.

We must remember, however, that this refusal would be quite natural for subjects who were rebellious and disloyal at heart; this is precisely the character the parable was intended to portray. The summons, it should be noted, first came to those who had long before been “invited” to the wedding.

The proclamation of the kingdom was addressed to the Jews, who, as such, had always been the children of the kingdom.