(Synoptics: Matthew 22:1-14)This parable is only recorded by Matthew. It is given in the last week of Christ’s earthly life, and contains strong warnings to those who make light of the kingdom of heaven, and refuse God’s invitation.
The banquet represents conversion to God. Nothing is to be compared to Christian conversion. There is no disappointment in the present or the future. We are totally forgiven of all sins, past, present, and future. Salvation is free. You are not charged for any of the wonderful blessing you receive for eternity. It is the banquet of the King of kings, which represents spiritual life – eternal and free. What tastes we will experience! – things we had never tasted before.
Is this the same as Luke’s parable of the great supper in Luke 14:16? No, it is not the same, but is broadly the same illustration with key differences. Matthew has a king, Luke has a man; here is a marriage feast, there is a supper; here is a kings’ son, there is a rich householder; in Matthew the invitation is made light of, in Luke excuses are given; here those invited murder the servants, there they simply refuse to come. In both cases an invitation to a wonderful occasion is given. In both cases the initial insulting response is followed by a further invitation to ensure the that justice is done to the occasion.