Matthew 22:5
But they made light of it, and went their wayes, one to his farme, another to his merchandize: Matthew 22:5 (KJV)
In order to better understand this verse, it is helpful to look at the broader context. In the preceding verses Jesus tells the parable of the wedding feast. A king prepared a wedding feast for his son and sent his servants to call those who were invited, but the invited guests refused to come. The king then sent his servants out to invite others from the streets, including the poor and those considered socially undesirable, to fill the wedding hall.
Focusing on verse 5, we see that the guests who were initially invited “made light of it” and went about their own business—one to his farm, another to his merchandise. In other words, they disregarded and dismissed the invitation, choosing to prioritize personal affairs instead. This response can be seen as a representation of the Jewish religious leaders’ rejection of Jesus’ message and ministry. Although they were the chosen people of God, they refused to accept Jesus as the long‑awaited Messiah and rejected His teachings, preoccupied with their own positions of power and authority, symbolized by the references to the farm and merchandise.
The parable teaches several lessons. First, it reveals the importance of responding to God’s invitation with humility and willingness. The initial guests’ refusal reflects an attitude of pride and self‑centredness and serves as a warning against neglecting or trivialising the opportunities God presents. Second, it demonstrates that God’s invitation is inclusive. When the first guests declined, the king invited others from various backgrounds, illustrating that God’s grace extends to all people regardless of social status or past. This highlights the universal call to follow Christ and partake in the kingdom of God.
Lastly, the parable foreshadows the consequences of rejecting God’s invitation. Subsequent verses describe the king’s response to those who ignored the invitation; the king, representing God, punished those who rejected His invitation, symbolising the judgment that awaits those who reject Jesus and His salvation.
