The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-05-07
Matt. XXI, lila.

and blended together in this passage.
The language ought to have been intelli-
BILE to those versed in Scripture.
REPOSE.-The parable next represents
the manner in which those invited re-
sponded. At first they refused to come,
"They would not come (verse 81. There
was no plea or excuse but an absolute re-
lection of the invitation. But as other
servants went out to argue the case with
them (verse u, by showing what rich
provision had been made, the guests
stubbornly resisted one part OF them
treated the invitation with contempt and
went about their ordinary business Cverse
81. Another part, annoyed by the call,
abused the servants and then slew them
(verse Cd. 1t H. evident that there is n
two-fold reference here. The conduct of
the Jews Classed under three heads
those who at first reject the Gospel, those
who despise 1t, those who would cruelty
it's ministers-is primarily set forth There
IL also the plain allusion to the manner
in which the message of Divine love is
received by large masses of men in every
age and land. what multitudes have
turned a deaf ear to the voice of the min
lister. What multitudes more have scorned
the message and become absorbed in
sccuarites. Alas too frequently the am
bassador has been shamefully insulted.
PI'NISHMENT.-Th offended king is
represented as entering into judgment
with those who had sighted his invita-
ton and murdered his servants (verse -.
They are destroyed ana their city burned
by the kings armies. If the alusion here
is primarily to the Jewish nation. as most
commentators believe, the expression is
very appropriate dan. tx, 26. For, an
der Titus, the Romans as the eXcutiOners
of Gods judgments, destroyed the city OF
Jerusalem, according to Josephus, and
more than one million of its people per-
ished. This was predicted by Jesus Matt.
xiv, q. 1t is probable, however that a
broader reference was intcnded-to show
that God is II being of justice as well as
of love. and that man cannot reject His
gracious offers with impunity prov. !, 25I.
Through all ages individuals and nations
should remember that the time of God y
favor may be succeeded by the time Of
His dispeasure and wrath. Rejected
mercy brings swift Judgment psalm
tx, 1D
EXTENSION-The first guests invited
to the wedding feast having rejected the
invitation and suffered the consequences
| of their evil deeds, the king resorts to
| extreme measures to obtain those who
| would attend Whereas, he had at first
| chosen a select number, these deemed TO
be worthy, in the last case he commanded
! his servants to invite any whom they
| might find in the highways Oversees and
| %. As a result of this more extensive and
| generous call, the feast was furnished
with guests (verse l0l. This part of the
| parable Is intended to represent the eX.
| panson of Gods mercy under the new
| covenant. The Jews were the chosen peo
pie appointed to bear to the world &
message from God, for to that purpose
was Abraham called Gen. xii, -. Prim
arily all the promises pertaining to thu
| Messiah were addressed to them Osa. tx
81. Hence, when Jesus came. and tn,
kingdom of grace was set up under Him
the Jews were first invited Matt. XIV, ?D
But as they rejected Him the invitation
was given to the Gcntiles Jesus intend
ed here to declare, what after came 4
pass that the Jewish nation, being de
stroyed for it's obduracy, would be sue
ceeded by those who would he invited
from the masses of the heather worl,
II (Acts xiii 49,