But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "paid no attention" and the subsequent description of going to their farm or business reveal a subtle but critical distinction: their offense wasn't overt hostility, but a profound neglect rooted in self-absorption. They didn't argue or refuse outright; they simply prioritized their own immediate, earthly interests over the king's gracious invitation, treating it as utterly inconsequential.
But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just told a parable about a king who throws a wedding feast for his son and sends out invitations. The first set of invitees, representing the Jewish leaders, not only refuse to come but even mistreat the king's messengers. This verse describes their dismissive reaction: they paid no attention to the invitation, preferring to go back to their own farms and businesses, completely disregarding the royal summons.
Have you ever felt too busy to pray or read your Bible? This verse speaks to that feeling, but it goes deeper than just being occupied.
The guests in this parable didn't just have full schedules; they actively 'made light' of the king's invitation. This wasn't mere forgetfulness; it was a conscious disregard, treating the invitation as unimportant.
A Choice to Devalue
The original language suggests they 'neglected' or 'paid no attention' – not because they were physically unable, but because they chose to prioritize other things. Their farms and businesses became more valuable in their eyes than the honor of attending the royal wedding feast.
The Real Reason We Miss Out
This highlights a critical truth: often, the reason we miss out on God's blessings isn't a lack of opportunity, but a lack of valuing what He offers. When we consistently put worldly pursuits before spiritual ones, we're essentially saying, 'My stuff is more important than Your call.'
The parable mentions 'his own farm' and 'his merchandise.' What does this emphasis on personal ownership reveal about the guests' hearts?
The guests weren't just going to a farm or some business; they were going to their own farm and their own merchandise. This possessive language points to a deep-seated egoism – a focus on personal interests above all else.
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The Trap of Self-Sufficiency
This 'my own' mentality is a subtle trap. It suggests a contentment with what we have or a drive to acquire more, which makes us feel we don't need the King's invitation. We become so engrossed in managing our own little kingdoms that we have no desire or time for His grand feast.
What We Cherish, We Serve
Ultimately, what we claim as 'our own' and pour our energy into reveals what we truly cherish. When our 'own' things take precedence over responding to God's call, it highlights a deep imbalance in our affections and loyalties.
This parable reflects the ongoing rejection of God's invitation to salvation by many, particularly the Jewish leaders, who were more preoccupied with their earthly possessions and status than with spiritual matters.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus preaches, teaches, and performs miracles throughout Galilee and Judea, culminating in his arrival in Jerusalem for Passover.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Final Week in Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem, teaching in the Temple and engaging in debates with religious leaders, setting the stage for his final parables.
c. 30 AD
The Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and resurrected, events that profoundly impact his followers and the future of the early church.
c. 40s-60s AD
Early Spread of the Gospel
The apostles and early followers of Jesus begin to spread the message of the Gospel to both Jewish and Gentile communities.
c. 70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem
The Roman army destroys Jerusalem and the Second Temple, a catastrophic event that marks a major turning point for Judaism and the early Christian movement.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Matthew 22:5 by listing similar excuses of people prioritizing their worldly possessions and newly acquired status over attending a feast, highlighting a common human tendency to neglect spiritual invitations for earthly pursuits.
Proverbs 28:9This verse directly addresses the spiritual consequences of ignoring God's call, stating that prayers are an abomination when one turns away from hearing the law, which strongly parallels the disrespect shown in Matthew 22:5 towards the king's invitation.
Hebrews 10:26This passage warns against deliberately continuing in sin after receiving the knowledge of truth, which resonates with the willful disregard shown by those who 'paid no attention' to the invitation in Matthew 22:5, indicating a profound spiritual danger.
Ecclesiastes 11:9This verse challenges young people to remember their Creator in their youth, implying that focusing solely on earthly pleasures and activities ('farm,' 'business') leads to regret, much like the invited guests in Matthew 22:5 who ultimately missed out on the king's feast.
barnesMatthew 22:5: "But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:"
But they made light of it - Treated it with contempt, as a thing of no consequence - an exact representation of the conduct of sinners in regard to the gospel. One to his farm - So people are engaged so much in their worldly employment that they pretend they have no time to attend to religion. The world is, in their view, of more value than God. Merchandise - Traffic; trading.
henryMatthew 22:1-14: "And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,"
22:1-14 The provision made for perishing souls in the gospel, is represented by a royal feast made by a king, with eastern liberality, on the marriage of his son. Our merciful God has not only provided food, but a royal feast, for the perishing souls of his rebellious creatures. There is enough and to spare, of every thing that can add to our present comfort and everlasting happiness, in the salvation of his…
The phrase "paid no attention" and the subsequent description of going to their farm or business reveal a subtle but critical distinction: their offense wasn't overt hostility, but a profound neglect rooted in self-absorption. They didn't argue or refuse outright; they simply prioritized their own immediate, earthly interests over the king's gracious invitation, treating it as utterly inconsequential.
Jesus has just told a parable about a king who throws a wedding feast for his son and sends out invitations. The first set of invitees, representing the Jewish leaders, not only refuse to come but even mistreat the king's messengers. This verse describes their dismissive reaction: they paid no attention to the invitation, preferring to go back to their own farms and businesses, completely disregarding the royal summons.
Jesus has just told a parable about a king who throws a wedding feast for his son and sends out invitations. The first set of invitees, representing the Jewish leaders, not only refuse to come but even mistreat the king's messengers. This verse describes their dismissive reaction: they paid no attention to the invitation, preferring to go back to their own farms and businesses, completely disregarding the royal summons.
"But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business," — The phrase "paid no attention" and the subsequent description of going to their farm or business reveal a subtle but critical distinction: their offense wasn't overt hostility, but a profound neglect…
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Last reviewed October 2026