Jesus frequently describes the kingdom of God as a feast. In Palestine invitations to a feast would have been sent out well in advance but the time of the meal would not be announced. Then on the day of the feast, servants were sent out to summon the already invited guest. To accept the invitation beforehand and then to refuse it when the day came was an insult.
Many Jews had what they thought was a clear picture of what would happen when the Messiah came. One of these was a picture of a Messianic banquet. On that day God would give a great feast for His own people. It's this banquet that the man in verse 15 is thinking.
But Jesus interrupts him with a parable.
Throughout all their history the Jews had looked forward to the coming of the messiah. But when the Messiah came they refused His invitation. So God invited some new guest. The Gentiles, the outcast, the sinners. Jews would never have dreamed that outsiders would find a place at God's table.
By the way, did you catch their excuses. I'm too busy at work. I have a new hobby. I'm hanging out with new people. Or I have a new farm, I have these new oxen, I just got married.
What excuses do you use to avoid your place at God's table?
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