NOTES for Mat 22:1-14
We see two possible responses from those invited. The case of those who assaulted the servants carrying the invitations seems clear: they themselves, and in a disgraceful manner, rejected the opportunity to attend the feast. But if we think about it, the peaceful people who put their current affairs, so important and urgent, first also insulted the one who invited them. They did not beat the messengers sent to them and therefore were not subjected to the same harsh punishment as the murderers, but neither can they be admitted later to the place they failed to enter at the proper time. By choosing their own affairs, they ended up placing themselves on the same side as the enemies of the host of the feast.
Entirely different guests are invited in their place, apparently quite by chance. By our usual reasoning, it is completely unclear why the host needed to invite these particular people. But let us consider: was their appearance at the feast really accidental? Those who found themselves there were all very different. Yet even against their varied background, the host immediately noticed a man who was improperly dressed. If so, this means that the other guests, though seemingly gathered at random, had managed to put on festive clothing in time. Thus they proved ready to respond to the host's call.
No one compels us to abandon our customary occupations. But if they become more important to us than what the Lord offers us, we risk losing His treasure, while doing our own affairs no good either.