2. But the Jews were not yet cast off, without further admonition and entreaty. “Again He sent forth other servants, saying, tell them who are bidden, behold I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready; come unto the marriage” feast. But “they made light of it,” and offered a variety of groundless excuses. This may chiefly refer to the fuller manifestation of the gospel, after the resurrection and ascension of our blessed Lord; for the parable, as we shall more clearly perceive in the sequel, is partly of a prophetic nature; and intended to represent to the Jews their persevering spirit of obstinacy, and the punishment which would ensue; that some of them at least, when the fulness of the time should come, might be struck with the force of this predictive representation, and be converted to the “truth as it is in Jesus.” Every thing requisite for the sumptuous feast was liberally provided: in the days of the apostles, abundant indeed was the confirmation of the truth and doctrines of the gospel; bright the manifestation of heavenly glory, that was shed abroad upon it. Then were strikingly fulfilled the words of their prophet Joel; “I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh—also upon the servants and the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit.” {236} Accordingly the gifts of the Holy Ghost—were openly poured forth, and mighty were the deeds done and the words spoken by His servants, under the operation of His marvellous power: the old dispensation was fully brought to bear upon the new: it was shewn how the character of Jesus corresponded, in His birth and life and death and resurrection and ascension, as well as in His offices of Priest and Mediator and King, with various prophecies and types exhibited in the ancient scriptures. The benefits and blessings of the christian dispensation were more particularly and largely set forth: the feast was fully displayed before them, in all its rich and magnificent abundance. Many were then induced to enter into the guest chamber, and partake of the heavenly repast; but many more, the Jewish nation at large, made light of it, and went their way. And not only so: not only was the invitation unheeded and despised; but the remnant, that is, some who were not content with disobeying the call, “took his servants, and entreated them spitefully and slew them;” persecuted the disciples even unto death.