Matthew 21:36 (KJV) says, "Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise."

This verse is part of a parable told by Jesus known as the Parable of the Wicked Tenants. In this parable, Jesus uses a story to teach a spiritual truth. The owner of a vineyard represents God, the vineyard represents Israel, the tenants represent the religious leaders, and the servants represent the prophets sent by God to call the people of Israel to repentance.

The verse before Matthew 21:36 recounts how the owner of the vineyard sent his servants to the tenants to collect the fruits of the vineyard. However, the tenants mistreated the servants, beating one, killing another, and stoning a third. This verse continues the story by describing how the owner then decided to send more servants to the tenants, but they mistreated them in the same way as the first.

The context of this parable is important for understanding its meaning. Jesus tells this parable to the chief priests and elders in the temple, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. He uses this story to rebuke them for their rejection of the prophets who had been sent by God and their impending rejection of him as the Messiah. Jesus is warning the religious leaders that they are about to reject and kill him, just as their ancestors had mistreated and killed the prophets.

The parable of the wicked tenants serves as a warning to the religious leaders of Jesus' time and also carries a broader message for all people. It shows the consequences of rejecting and mistreating the messengers of God and, ultimately, rejecting God himself. The religious leaders failed to recognize God's authority, killing his prophets and, ultimately, his Son, Jesus Christ. The parable also points to the coming judgment upon those who reject God's messengers.

The theme of the parable is the rejection of God's messengers and the consequences of such rejection. It also emphasizes the faithfulness of God in sending multiple messengers with the hope that the people would respond positively. The parable illustrates the patient and merciful nature of God, who continues to reach out to His people, even in the face of rejection and mistreatment.

The symbolism in this verse is rich and carries significant meaning. The owner of the vineyard represents God, the vineyard represents Israel, and the tenants represent the religious leaders. The servants represent the prophets sent by God to call the people of Israel to repentance. The mistreatment of the servants by the tenants symbolizes the rejection and persecution of the prophets by the religious leaders of Israel.

The parable of the wicked tenants also foreshadows the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The sending of more servants by the owner parallels God's patience and persistence in reaching out to His people, despite their rejection and mistreatment of His messengers. Ultimately, the parable points to the coming judgment upon those who reject God's messengers, including Jesus himself.

In conclusion, Matthew 21:36, as part of the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, serves as a warning to the religious leaders of Jesus' time and carries a broader message for all people. It conveys the consequences of rejecting God's messengers and emphasizes the faithfulness of God in reaching out to His people. The symbolism in this verse highlights the rejection and mistreatment of the prophets and ultimately points to the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This parable reminds us of the importance of recognizing and responding to God's messengers and the serious implications of rejecting God Himself.