and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding feast!” ’ But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise, and the rest grabbed his servants, and treated them shamefully, and killed them. When the king heard that, he was angry, and sent his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.
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Matthew 22:3-7 sits inside this longer paragraph.
Jesus answered and spoke to them again in parables, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who made a wedding feast for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding feast!” ’ But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise, and the rest grabbed his servants, and treated them shamefully, and killed them. When the king heard that, he was angry, and sent his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.
Parallel Translations
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and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come.
Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding feast!” ’
But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise,
and the rest grabbed his servants, and treated them shamefully, and killed them.
When the king heard that, he was angry, and sent his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.
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and sent forth his servantes to call them that were byd to the weddinge and they wolde not come.
Ageyne he sent forth other servauntes sayinge: Tell them which are bydden: beholde I have prepared my dynner myne oxen and my fatlinges are kylled and all thinges are redy come vnto the mariage.
But they made light of it and went their wayes: one to his ferme place another about his marchaundise
the remnaunt toke his seruantes and intreated them vngodly and slewe them.
When the kinge hearde that he was wroth and send forth his warryers and distroyed those murtherers and brent vp their cyte.
Show all 3 translations
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And sent foorth his seruants, to call them that were bidde to the wedding, but they woulde not come.
Againe hee sent foorth other seruants, saying. Tell them which are bidden, Beholde, I haue prepared my dinner: mine oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all thinges are readie: come vnto the mariage.
But they made light of it, and went their wayes, one to his farme, and another about his marchandise.
And the remnant tooke his seruants, and intreated them sharpely, and slewe them.
But when the King heard it, he was wroth, and sent foorth his warriers, and destroyed those murtherers, and burnt vp their citie.
Cross-references (89)
- Luke 19:27 (vv3, 7) But bring those enemies of mine who didn’t want me to reign over them here, and kill them before me.’ ”
- Revelation 22:17 (v3) The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” He who hears, let him say, “Come!” He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the…
- Luke 14:15-17 (v3) When one of those who sat at the table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is he who will feast in God’s Kingdom!” But he…
- Luke 14:18-20 (v5) They all as one began to make excuses. “The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please have me excused.’…
- John 5:40 (v3) Yet you will not come to me, that you may have life.
Show all 88 cross-references
- Acts 13:46 (v4) Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, and said, “It was necessary that God’s word should be spoken to you first. Since indeed you thrust it…
- Hebrews 2:3 (v5) how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation—which at the first having been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those…
- 1 Peter 4:17-18 (v7) For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. If it begins first with us, what will happen to those who don’t obey…
- Psalms 81:10-12 (v3) I am Yahweh, your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. But my people didn’t listen…
- Hosea 11:7 (v3) My people are determined to turn from me. Though they call to the Most High, he certainly won’t exalt them.
- Joel 2:25 (v7) I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the great locust, the grasshopper, and the caterpillar, my great army,…
- Matthew 3:2 (v3) “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”
- Matthew 21:36 (v4) Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they treated them the same way.
- Luke 21:24 (v7) They will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles,…
- John 6:50-57 (v4) This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, that anyone may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down out of…
- John 15:19-20 (v6) If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore…
- Romans 10:21 (v3) But about Israel he says, “All day long I stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”
- 1 John 2:15-16 (v5) Don’t love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him. For all that is in the…
- Genesis 19:14 (v5) Lot went out, and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters, and said, “Get up! Get out of this place, for Yahweh…
- Genesis 25:34 (v5) Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew. He ate and drank, rose up, and went his way. So Esau despised his birthright.
- Deuteronomy 28:49-68 (v7) Yahweh will bring a nation against you from far, from the end of the earth, as the eagle flies: a nation whose language you will not…
- 1 Samuel 9:13 (v3) As soon as you have come into the city, you will immediately find him, before he goes up to the high place to eat; for the people will not…
- Nehemiah 9:17 (v4) and refused to obey. They weren’t mindful of your wonders that you did among them, but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion…
- Psalms 68:11 (v3) The Lord announced the word. The ones who proclaim it are a great company.
- Psalms 86:5 (v4) For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you.
- Psalms 106:24-25 (v5) Yes, they despised the pleasant land. They didn’t believe his word, but murmured in their tents, and didn’t listen to Yahweh’s voice.
- Proverbs 1:7 (v5) The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
- Proverbs 1:24-25 (v5) Because I have called, and you have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention; but you have ignored all my…
- Proverbs 1:24-32 (v3) Because I have called, and you have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention; but you have ignored all my…
- Proverbs 9:1-2 (v4) Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars. She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her…
- Proverbs 9:1-3 (v3) Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars. She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her…
- Song of Solomon 5:1 (v4) I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride. I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have…
- Isaiah 13:2-5 (v7) Set up a banner on the bare mountain! Lift up your voice to them! Wave your hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles. I have…
- Isaiah 30:15 (v3) For thus said the Lord Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, “You will be saved in returning and rest. Your strength will be in quietness and in…
- Isaiah 55:1-2 (v3) “Hey! Come, everyone who thirsts, to the waters! Come, he who has no money, buy, and eat! Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and…
- Jeremiah 6:16-17 (v3) Yahweh says, “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, ‘Where is the good way?’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for…
- Jeremiah 25:4 (v3) Yahweh has sent to you all his servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them (but you have not listened or inclined your ear to…
- Jeremiah 35:15 (v3) I have sent also to you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, ‘Every one of you must return now from his…
- Jeremiah 51:20-23 (v7) “You are my battle ax and weapons of war. With you I will break the nations into pieces. With you I will destroy kingdoms. With you I will…
- Daniel 9:26 (v7) After the sixty-two weeks the Anointed One will be cut off, and will have nothing. The people of the prince who come will destroy the city…
- Hosea 11:2 (v3) They called to them, so they went from them. They sacrificed to the Baals, and burned incense to engraved images.
- Joel 2:11 (v7) Yahweh thunders his voice before his army; for his forces are very great; for he is strong who obeys his command; for the day of Yahweh is…
- Joel 3:2 (v7) I will gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will execute judgment on them there for my…
- Zephaniah 1:7 (v3) Be silent at the presence of the Lord Yahweh, for the day of Yahweh is at hand. For Yahweh has prepared a sacrifice. He has consecrated his…
- Matthew 5:10-12 (v6) Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. “Blessed are you when people…
- Matthew 10:6-7 (v3) Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’
- Matthew 10:12-18 (v6) As you enter into the household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace…
- Matthew 10:22-25 (v6) You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved. But when they persecute you in this city,…
- Matthew 13:22 (v5) What was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word,…
- Matthew 21:35-39 (v6) The farmers took his servants, beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they…
- Matthew 22:8 (v4) “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited weren’t worthy.
- Matthew 23:34-37 (v6) Therefore behold, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge…
- Matthew 23:37 (v3) “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children…
- Matthew 24:38-39 (v5) For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah…
- Mark 6:7-11 (v3) He called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He commanded…
- Luke 9:1-6 (v3) He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them out to preach God’s…
- Luke 10:1-16 (v4) Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him into every city and place where he…
- Luke 13:34 (v3) “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children…
- Luke 14:17 (v4) He sent out his servant at supper time to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, for everything is ready now.’
- Luke 15:28 (v3) But he was angry, and would not go in. Therefore his father came out, and begged him.
- Luke 17:26-32 (v5) As it was in the days of Noah, even so will it be also in the days of the Son of Man. They ate, they drank, they married, and they were…
- Luke 19:42-44 (v7) saying, “If you, even you, had known today the things which belong to your peace! But now, they are hidden from your eyes. For the days…
- Luke 21:21 (v7) Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let those who are in the middle of her depart. Let those who are in the country not…
- Luke 24:46-47 (v4) He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that…
- John 16:2-3 (v6) They will put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time comes that whoever kills you will think that he offers service to God. They will do…
- Acts 1:8 (v4) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and…
- Acts 2:13 (v5) Others, mocking, said, “They are filled with new wine.”
- Acts 4:1-3 (v6) As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them, being upset because they taught the…
- Acts 5:40-41 (v6) They agreed with him. Summoning the apostles, they beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. They…
- Acts 7:51-57 (v6) “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so you do. Which of the…
- Acts 8:1 (v6) Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all…
- Acts 11:19-20 (v4) They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch,…
- Acts 13:45 (v3) But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed.
- Acts 24:25 (v5) As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your way for this time,…
- Acts 28:17-31 (v4) After three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, “I, brothers,…
- Romans 2:4 (v5) Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
- Romans 8:6 (v5) For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace;
- Romans 8:32 (v4) He who didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things?
- 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 (v4) Purge out the old yeast, that you may be a new lump, even as you are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed in…
- 1 Thessalonians 2:14-15 (v6) For you, brothers, became imitators of the assemblies of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus; for you also suffered the same things from…
- 1 Thessalonians 2:16 (v7) forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, to fill up their sins always. But wrath has come on them to the uttermost.
- 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (v5) But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and…
- 2 Timothy 3:4 (v5) traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
- Isaiah 10:5-7 (v7) Alas Assyrian, the rod of my anger, the staff in whose hand is my indignation! I will send him against a profane nation, and against the…
- Zechariah 14:1-2 (v7) Behold, a day of Yahweh comes, when your plunder will be divided within you. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and…
- Matthew 21:34 (v3) When the season for the fruit came near, he sent his servants to the farmers, to receive his fruit.
- Matthew 21:40-41 (v7) When therefore the lord of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?” They told him, “He will miserably destroy those miserable…
- Hebrews 12:25 (v3) See that you don’t refuse him who speaks. For if they didn’t escape when they refused him who warned on the earth, how much more will we…
88 distinct cross-references across this passage (89 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (19 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv4, 7 The word here used is commonly used in sacrifices,…
The word here used is commonly used in sacrifices, and is by translation used for other feasts also: for feasts and banquets were wont to be begun with sacrifices.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv3–7 3 And sent forth his servants to call them…
3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
Ver. 3. They would, not come] They proved recusants, and this rendered them unworthy of eternal life, Act 13:46. God’s ministers sent to call them, must turn them over to him, with a Non convertentur, uncovertable person, and let him deal with them.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv3–7 And sent forth his servants,.... The ministers of the…
And sent forth his servants,.... The ministers of the Gospel, who are the servants of the most high God, of his choosing and ordaining, of his calling and sending, and of his qualifying and employing, and who voluntarily and cheerfully serve him; and may intend John the Baptist, and the twelve apostles of Christ, who were sent
to call them that were bidden to the wedding; "those that were called", as in Sa1 9:13 by whom are meant the Jews, who were the "bidden", or "called ones"; called of God, and therefore styled "Israel my called" Isa 48:12 and by the Targum interpreted "my bidden". They were called by the name of God, and called the people of God, and the children of God, and were the children of the kingdom; and were called to many valuable and external privileges; and had previous notice of the Gospel dispensation by the prophecies concerning Christ, and the blessings of his grace under the former dispensation; and by the ordinances and sacrifices of it, which in a very significant manner set him forth to that people; and now were called to embrace him, to receive his doctrines, and submit to his ordinances, by the ministry of John the Baptist, and the disciples of Christ. It seems, it was sometimes customary to give two invitations to a feast, or to send a second time to the persons bidden to the feast (i); to which the allusion is here;
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and they would not come: which shows the insolence and ingratitude of men, their natural aversion to the Gospel, and the ordinances of it; the depravity of the will of man, with respect to things spiritual and evangelical; the insufficiency of outward means, to work with effect, upon the minds of men; and the necessity there is of efficacious and unfrustrable grace to bring men to believe in Christ, cordially to receive his truths, and be subject to his commands. There is a two fold call by the ministry the word; the one is internal, and that is, when the word comes not in word only, but in power; is the power of God unto salvation, and the savour of life unto life; for by the Gospel are the elect of God called to the obtaining of the glory of Christ; Th2 2:14. This call is of grace; it springs from the free grace and favour of God, and it is effected by the mighty power of his grace; and it is to special blessings of grace; it is a fruit of God's everlasting love, and an evidence of it; and is according to the eternal purpose of God, which is never frustrated: it is a call to the enjoyment of spiritual blessings, as peace, pardon, righteousness, and everlasting happiness; by it men are called to light and liberty, to the grace of Christ, and communion with him; to all the privileges of God's house here, and eternal glory hereafter; to which he that calls them, gives them a right and meetness, and infallibly brings them to it: and therefore it is styled an heavenly calling, and the high calling of God in Christ; for this call is ever effectual, and the ends of it are always answered; it is unchangeable, irreversible, and never repented of. But besides this, there is a bare external call to the sons of men, through the preaching of the word; which is not to make their peace with God, a thing impossible to be done by them, and which is contrary to the Gospel, and reflects dishonour on Christ, the peacemaker; nor to get an interest in him, which, wherever possessed, is given, and not gotten; nor to regenerate themselves; this is the work of the Spirit of God, and in which men are as passive, as the infant in its natural generation, conception, and birth; nor to the exercise of evangelical grace, as faith, love, &c. which are not in them, and no man can exercise that which he has not, nor should he be called to it; nor to any spiritual vital act, since men are dead in trespasses and sins, and cannot put forth any: but this call in the word, is to the natural duties of religion, as to hear, read, and pray; to attend on the word, to wait at Wisdom's gates, and watch at the posts of her door, and so lie in the way of being effectually called by the grace of God; but this call may be where election does not go before, and where sanctification does not follow, and where there may be no salvation, Mat 20:16 and is often slighted, neglected, and of no effect, which is the case here.
(i) via. Joseph. apud Grotium in loc.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv3, 4, 5, 7 Them that were invited - Namely, the Jews.
Them that were invited - Namely, the Jews.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv4, 7 Verse 4. Fatlings] τα σιτιστα Properly, fatted rams, or…
Verse 4. Fatlings] τα σιτιστα Properly, fatted rams, or wethers. 2Sa 6:13; 1Ch 15:26.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv4, 6, 7 Mat 22:4-5. Again, he sent forth other servants —…
Mat 22:4-5. Again, he sent forth other servants — The apostles and others, on whom the Holy Ghost descended on the day of pentecost, and who thereby received a fresh commission to call the Jews to repentance; saying, Tell them which were bidden, I have prepared my dinner, &c. — After Christ’s resurrection and ascension, the apostles were sent forth to inform the Jews that the divine mission of Christ was confirmed by his resurrection; that sin was expiated by his death, and justification, peace with God, the influences of his Spirit, and all the other blessings of the gospel, procured for all who would accept them in the way of repentance, faith, and new obedience. But they made light of it — Namely, of the invitation to the marriage-feast, and of the feast itself to which they were invited; that is, the privileges and blessings of the gospel of Christ. They viewed them as unimportant, and treated them with indifference and neglect. And yet they who did so were members of God’s visible church, and professors of the true religion: they had been intrusted for ages with his oracles, which foretold the coming of the Messiah, described his character and office, his marriage with his church, and the marriage-feast. And they professed to believe in these oracles, and to expect and desire his coming. Observe, reader, making light of Christ, and of the salvation wrought out by him, is the chief cause of the ruin of many professors of religion. Multitudes perish eternally through mere carelessness, who have not any direct aversion to, or enmity against spiritual things, but a prevailing indifference and unconcern about them. And went their ways, one to his farm, &c. — Here we have the reason why they made light of the marriage-feast: they had other things to mind, in which they took more delight, and which they thought it more concerned them to mind. Thus it is still; the business and profit of worldly employments prove with many a great hinderance to their embracing the blessings of the gospel. One must mind what he has; another gain what he wants. The country people have their farms to look after, and the town’s people must attend to their shops and trade, and must buy and sell and get gain. And it must be granted that both farmers and tradesfolk must be diligent in business; but not so as to be thereby prevented from making religion their main business. Licitis perimus omnes, said the ancients. We all perish by lawful things, namely, when unlawfully used; when we are so careful and troubled about many things, as to neglect the one thing needful.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv3–7 And sent forth his servants - These represent the…
And sent forth his servants - These represent the messengers that God has sent to invite people to his kingdom.
To call them that were bidden - That is, to give notice to those who had before been invited that the feast was ready. It appears that there were two invitations - one considerably previous to the time of the feast, that they might have opportunity to prepare for it, and the other to give notice of the precise time when they were expected.
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The wedding - The marriage-feast. The same word in the original as in Mat 22:2.
They would not come - They might have come if they had chosen, but they would not. So all the difficulty that sinners ever labour under in regard to salvation is in the will. It is a fixed determination not to come and be saved. See the notes at Joh 5:45.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv3, 5, 6, 7 His servants. John the Baptist and Christ himself, who…
His servants. John the Baptist and Christ himself, who took the form of a servant, to call such as had been formerly invited to the nuptials that were to be celebrated in his time. The Jews were invited by Moses and the prophets, and were instructed to believe that the Messias would celebrate the happy feast. On the predetermined day, they were again called by his servants, saying: Do penance; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand: come to the feast, i.e. become members of his Church, by believing in Christ. (Jansenius) --- In the same manner, St. John Chrysostom says that the Jews had been invited by the voice of the prophets, and afterwards by the Baptist, who declared to all, that Christ should increase, but that he himself should decrease. At length, they were invited by the Son in person, crying aloud to them: come to me all you that labour, and are heavily laden, and I will refresh you. (Matthew xi. 28.) And again: if any man thirst, let him come to me and drink. (St. John vii. 37.) --- and not by his words only, but by his actions also did he call them; and after his resurrection, by the ministry of Peter and the rest of the apostles (hom. lxx,) he informed the invited Jews that the banquet was ready; because the Christian religion being now established, the way to eternal happiness was laid open to mankind.
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv3–7 and sent forth his servants--representing all preachers of the…
and sent forth his servants--representing all preachers of the Gospel.
to call them that were bidden--here meaning the Jews, who were "bidden," from the first choice of them onwards through every summons addressed to them by the prophets to hold themselves in readiness for the appearing of their King.
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to the wedding--or the marriage festivities, when the preparations were all concluded.
and they would not come--as the issue of the whole ministry of the Baptist, our Lord Himself, and His apostles thereafter, too sadly showed.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv3–7 3. Sent forth his servants — This verse describes…
3. Sent forth his servants — This verse describes the preaching of the Gospel before the death of Christ, namely, by the apostles and seventy.
Call them that were bidden — In Eastern countries a double call is given to guests at an entertainment: the first to allow them chance to prepare, and the second to inform them that the time has arrived, and all is ready. So these guests now to be called had all been bidden. The very plan of the Gospel bids every man to come; and then the ministry go forth to call those whom the Gospel has bidden.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv3, 7 3. sent forth his servants] This was in accordance…
3. sent forth his servants] This was in accordance with Eastern custom. Cp. Est_5:8; Est_6:14.
servants] Or slaves. In Mat_22:13 a different Greek word is used for “servants.”
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv3–7 (3) Sent forth his servants.—As in the parable of…
(3) Sent forth his servants.—As in the parable of the Vineyard (Mat_21:33-46), the servants represent the aggregate work of the prophets up to the time of the Baptist. The refusal of guests invited to what seems to us so great an honour may seem, at first sight, so contrary to human nature as to be wanting in the element of dramatic probability. That refusal, however, would be natural enough, we must remember, in subjects who were in heart rebellious and disloyal; and it is precisely that character which the parable was intended to portray. The summons, it may be noted, came in the first instance to those who had long ago been “bidden” to the wedding. The proclamation of the kingdom was addressed to the Jews, who, as such, had all along been children of the kingdom.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv3–7 Sent forth his servants. In the East, the original…
Sent forth his servants. In the East, the original invitation to a solemn festivity is followed by reminders as the day approaches. (comp. Est_5:8 Est_6:14) The servants here are John the Baptist, the twelve apostles, the seventy, who first preached the gospel to the Jewish people. Them that were bidden. The Jews had already been invited to come in; to them already belonged "the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants... and the promises". (Rom_9:1) These early missionaries were sent to bring such things to their remembrance, and to bid them obey the call. They would not (ouk hyelon) come. Their reasons for refusal are not given here a fact which differentiates this parable from that of the great supper. A general disinclination or aversion is denoted; no actual outrage is perpetrated as yet, but the invited guests are ripening for this stage, in that they despise the King"s Son, and believe not in his Divine mission. This backwardness and obduracy recall Christ"s lamentation, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem!". (Luk_13:34, Luk_13:35)
HOMILIES BY R. TUCK Ver. 3. Man"s ill-grounded wilfulness.
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"And they would not come." There is nothing more to be said about it. They had no reasons. They offered no apologies, and no excuses. They were just wilful, stubborn, stupid; they had taken up with some unreasoning and unreasonable prejudice, and they "would not come." Dods points out that the "object of this parable is still the same (as of the previous parables), to set in a vivid light the guilt of the Jewish leaders in rejecting Christ, and the punishment which in consequence was to fall upon them." Our Lord had used a similar figure of a feast before, but then he represented those who declined the invitation as having more or less reasonable excuses. One was engaged over a farm, one over his oxen, and one over his marriage; and they were not disposed to put these aside in order to fulfil their engagements with their host. But here there are no excuses, only sheer wilfulness, which is ready to run even into rebellion and insult (see ver. 6).
I THE OPPOSITION OF THE MERELY WILFUL. Every parent knows the extreme difficulty of training a stubborn child. You cannot reason with him; you cannot persuade him. It does no good to chastise him. Many a parent is at his wits" end to know what to do with a wilful child. And what could any one hope to do with those stubborn Jerusalem officials, who had made up their minds that Jesus was an impostor, and so would heed no evidences, listen to no arguments, and yield to no persuasions? They too were invited to the gospel feast. They loudly professed their readiness to respond whenever God called. The call came; Christ brought it, and then up went their backs; "they would not come." If you trouble them with any importunity, they will turn dangerous, and insult the messengers; as these officials afterwards did Stephen, Peter, James, and Paul, All Christian workers understand the hopelessness of dealing with the stubborn and wilful. No force seems to reach them. Labour is in vain. Opposition may be overcome. Unintelligent wilfulness is hopeless.
II THE TREATMENT OF THE MERELY WILFUL. They have to be let alone, and left to suffer, and to learn by suffering. It is a hard school, and it must be a hard school, in which such persons have to learn. Our Lord even intimates that there must be a specially awakening severity of dealing with them, because that stubbornness is not mere natural disposition; it is a product of self-conceit, pride, and prejudice. It is sin, and must be punished. R.T.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v5 But they made light of it.
Mat_22:5
But they made light of it.
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Making light of Christ
I. What it is that the sinners make light of.
1. Of the messenger who brings them the news that the marriage supper is prepared.
2. These people despise the feast.
3. They make light of the Kings Son.
4. They make light also of the King.
5. Thou art making light of the great solemnities of eternity.
II. How is it that men make light of it?
1. When men go to hear and yet do not attend.
2. When they attend to something else with it.
3. Who makes a profession of religion, but does not live up to it.
III. Why they make light of it.
1. Because ignorant.
2. Because of pride.
3. Because they did not believe the messenger.
4. Because they were so worldly.
5. Because altogether thoughtless.
6. Out of sheer presumption.
7. Because of the commonness of the gospel. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Indifference to the gospel invitation
I. The causes.
1. Ignorance.
2. Insensibility.
3. Indisposition.
4. Worldly-mindedness.
5. All these excuses were derived from things that were lawful in themselves.
II. Substantiate the proofs. Must not bring such a charge without the clearest evidence; that you make light of the gospel proved-
1. From your thoughts.
2. From your words.
3. From your actions.
4. From your anxieties.
III. Expose this evil.
1. Consider the conduct of other beings. The devil, angels, saints do not make light of it.
2. Consider the truth of the subject.
3. The importance of the subject.
4. The guilt you contract.
IV. Rejoice in the cure of this indefference. (W. Jay.)
Trifling with the gospel
I. With whom do they trifle?
II. With what do men trifle?
1. With the soul.
2. With Jesus Christ.
3. With eternity.
IV. Under what circumstances do men thus dare to trifle?
1. While you thus trifle all beside you are in earnest.
2. While you thus trifle opportunities are passing away. (T. Raffles, D. D.)
Levity: Subjects often made light of
I. Life, with the faculties and powers we possess.
II. Time, with the opportunities which it offers.
III. Duty, with self-denial which it involves.
IV. Sin, with the misery which it entails.
V. Salvation, with the joys which it brings.
VI. Death, with the uncertainty which attends it. VII. Judgment, with the solemnity that surrounds it. (Seeds and Saplings.)
Making light of salvation
I. Men are apt to remember and affectionately think of things they highly esteem; but as for those which they disregard, they can easily forget them, and live daily without a single thought of them.
II. The things that men value will be the theme of frequent conversation.
III. Things only talked about, and not reduced to practice, are made light of.
IV. We take pains and labour to secure the things we value.
V. Things that men highly esteem deeply and tenderly affect them.
VI. Our estimate of things may he discovered by the diligence and earnestness of our endeavours after them.
VII. That which we highly value we think it impossible to buy too dearly.
VIII. Those things we highly value we shall help our friends to obtain.
1. Those who make light of the Saviour, make light of Him who did not make light of them.
2. They make light of matters of the greatest excellency and importance.
3. Consider whose salvation it is you make light of-your own.
4. This sin is aggravated by professing to believe that gospel you make light of.
5. Consider what things those are which you prefer to the neglect of these.
6. Making light of Christ and salvation is a certain evidence of no interest in them.
7. The time is hastening when none will make light of these things. (President Davies.)
Levity
1. They made light of their advantages.
2. They made light of their opportunities.
3. They made light of human life.
4. They made light of duty.
5. They made light of sin.
6. They made light of the gospel. (Dean Vaughan.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain On vv3–7 3. Sent forth his servants to call them that…
3. Sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding. It was the custom among the ancients for the guests to be twice invited; or rather first invited, that they might prepare themselves, and then summoned a short time before the banquet, that they might be there at the proper time. The first invitation to the Jews was given by the prophets, down to John the Baptist; the second afterwards by the apostles and other disciples in succession.
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v7 Fulfilled as to Jerusalem A.D. 70. Luk 21:20-24.
burned
Fulfilled as to Jerusalem A.D. 70. Luk 21:20-24.
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v5 The rejection:
The rejection:
v. 5. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm,
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another to his merchandise.
v. 6. And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
v. 7. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth; and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
Here was a case of studied insolence and insult. They were indifferent to the urgent call, they paid absolutely no attention to it, in the majority of cases. They turned away and devoted themselves to their own private affairs, the landholder to his farm, the merchant to his store. But a few of the invited guests were not satisfied with merely indicating their disapproval of the king and their contempt for the wedding-feast in this fashion. They vented their spite on the messengers. Having laid hold on them, they treated them with every mark of contempt, and finally killed them. These were acts of open rebellion, naturally followed by war. Deeply angered, the king sent out his armies and punished the murderers by taking their life in turn and by burning their town. The refusal to come to the wedding-feast, together with the acts of violence against the servants, constituted acts of gross disobedience, which were justly punished in this way.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv4–5 Connecting Statement:
Connecting Statement:
Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: Parables)
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servants, saying, 'Tell them who are invited
This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Also, this can be stated in active form. AT: "servants, ordering them to tell those whom he invited" (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations and Active or Passive)
See
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
My oxen and fattened calves have been killed
It is implied that the animals are cooked and ready to eat. This can be stated in active form. AT: "My servants have killed and cooked my oxen and my fattened calves" (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)
My oxen and fattened calves
"My best oxen and calves for eating"
translationWords
king
cow
cow
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv3, 7 22:3-5 Those who were invited refers to the nation…
22:3-5 Those who were invited refers to the nation of Israel, who ignored God’s servants, the prophets (see study note on Matt 21:33-46).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.