Matthew 22:3

‘And sent forth his servants to call those who were bidden to the marriage feast, and they would not come.'

The king then sends out the original invitations. It was quite normal in those days for a general invitation to be issued, which would be followed by a later invitation indicating date and time when the guests would often accompany the messenger back (compare Esther 5:11 with Matthew 6:14). Important people had to be given the opportunity to prepare themselves for such an occasion. However, in this case the invitees reply immediately with a curt refusal. They might acknowledge the king but they are not prepared to acknowledge his son as their ruler. It was an indication to the king that he should change his mind about appointing His Son. Note that these first messengers were not ill-treated in any way. The invitees were still hoping to keep on good terms with the king. We can compare this first refusal with the initial refusal of the son in Matthew 21:29. The king does not react immediately. Time was to be given for repentance.

We may see in these messengers the prophets who pointed forward to the Coming One (the King's Son), and indeed all whom God uses to call men to come under His Kingly Rule.