Matthew 21:35

Took his servants. Matthew speaks of various groups of servants, some of the first of whom were murdered (see vs. 35, 36). Mark has one servant sent upon each occasion, some being killed (see ch. 12:3-5). Luke also has one servant on each occasion, with none of the servants mentioned as being killed (see ch. 20:10-12). The number of servants and the particular fate each suffered are obviously not essential to the parable (see p. 204). A little later this very day Jesus spoke in literal language of the treatment the Jews accorded the messengers God had sent (see Matt. 23:29-37). For specific illustrations of the fate of various prophets, see 1 Kings 18:13; 22:24-27; 2 Kings 6:31; 2 Chron. 24:19-22; 36:15, 16; Neh. 9:26; Jer. 37:15; see also Acts 7:52. The tenants of the vineyard not only refused to pay rent; they insulted the owner of the vineyard by mistreating his representatives and by acting as if they themselves were its rightful owners.