But the rest, seizing his servants, mistreated and killed them.
Here Jesus describes the second group of invited guests, who not only ignored the king’s call, but also treated his servants—the prophets and apostles—with cruelty. Thus, the parable shows human rebellion against those sent by God, who had come to call them into true joy. The killing of the servants symbolizes the persecution of the prophets, as well as the pursuit and persecution of Jesus’ apostles by the Jews.