This refusal pictures the rejection of the gospel by the Jews, particularly by their leaders (see on ch. 21:38; COL 307). Jesus later expressed the same thought in the words, “ye would not” (see ch. 23:37). Even now the leaders of Israel were not only refusing to enter in themselves, but seeking also by every means to prevent others from entering in (see on ch. 23:13).

 See on v. 2.

In this parable, the Jews. The alliteration present in the Greek phrase may be rendered, “to call the called [ones].”

 The original invitation to the Jews had been given by the prophets of OT times (see on Matt. 21:34; Luke 14:16). This, the first call of the parable and the second invitation to the Jews, was given by John the Baptist, and by Jesus and His disciples (see on Luke 14:17).

 Note that the guests had already been invited or “bidden.” To this present day it is customary in Oriental lands to honor guests by dispatching personal messengers to remind them of an invitation they have already accepted (see on Luke 14:17).