The reference to “the resurrection of the righteous” (14:14) leads one guest into a reverie on the blessing of being part of the eschatological banquet (14:15). Jesus responds by telling the parable of the great banquet (14:15–24), puncturing the man’s sentimentality and bringing him back to reality. The kingdom of God is like a banquet, but the people invited make excuses so that they do not have to participate. The excuses (14:18–20) given show that these are people for whom material goods and family take priority. Their rejection at this point is…
Baker Publishing Group, The Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary, by Gary M. Burge