Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 22:5

"But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise;" — Matthew 22:5 (ASV)

The majority of the Jewish people paid little heed to apostolic preaching; they made light of it, considering it less important than the worldly affairs in which their hearts were engrossed. In making light of the Gospel, they were truly making light of the great King Himself, treading underfoot the Son of God and insulting the Spirit of grace.

The doctrine of the cross was a stumbling block to them. The spiritual kingdom of the crucified Nazarene was despicable in their eyes; “they made light of it.”

And they went their ways. They did not go in the way the King would have had them go. They despised His way and went their separate ways—one to his farm, another to his merchandise. “His farm” and “his merchandise” are set in contrast to the King’s dinner: “my oxen and my fatlings.” The rebel seemed to say, “Let the King do as he likes with his oxen and his fatlings; I am going to look after my farm or attend to my merchandise.” Carnal men love carnal things and “make light of” spiritual blessings.

Alas, that the descendants of Abraham, the friend of God, should have thus become as earth-bound as those whom the Jews contemptuously called “sinners of the Gentiles”!