Scripture:
Matthew 21:33-46 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The Parable of the Vineyard Owner
33 "Listen (A) to another parable: (B) There was a man, a landowner, who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a watchtower. (C) He leased it to tenant farmers and went away. (D) 34 When the grape harvest [a] drew near, he sent his slaves to the farmers to collect his fruit. 35 But the farmers took his slaves, beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. (E) 36 Again, he sent other slaves, more than the first group, and they did the same to them. 37 Finally, he sent his son to them. 'They will respect my son,' he said.
38 "But when the tenant farmers saw the son, they said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him and take his inheritance! (F) ' 39 So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40 Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?"
41 "He will completely destroy those terrible men," they told Him, "and lease his vineyard to other farmers who will give him his produce at the harvest." (G) [b]
42 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures:
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone. [c]
This came from the Lord
and is wonderful in our eyes ? (H) (I)
43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing its [d] fruit. 44 Whoever falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; (J) but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder!"] [e]
45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, (K) they knew He was speaking about them. 46 Although they were looking for a way to arrest Him, they feared the crowds, because they [f] regarded Him as a prophet. (L)
Footnotes:
Matthew 21:34 Lit the season of fruits
Matthew 21:41 Lit him the fruits in their seasons
Matthew 21:42 Lit the head of the corner
Matthew 21:43 The word its refers back to kingdom.
Matthew 21:44 Other mss omit this v.
Matthew 21:46 The crowds
Cross references:
Matthew 21:33 : Mk 12:1-12; Lk 20:9-19;
Matthew 21:33 : Mt 13:3, 34-36; 15:15; 22:1; 24:32;
Matthew 21:33 : Is 5:1-2; Lk 14:28;
Matthew 21:33 : Ps 80:8; Song 8:11-12; Mt 25:14;
Matthew 21:35 : 2Ch 24:21; Neh 9:26; Mt 5:12; 23:34;, 37; Ac 7:52; 1Th 2:15; Heb 11:36-37;
Matthew 21:38 : Ps 2:8; Heb 1:2;
Matthew 21:41 : Mt 8:11; Ac 13:46; 18:6; 28:28;
Matthew 21:42 : Ps 118:22-23; Ac 4:11; Rm 9:33; 1Pt 2:7;
Matthew 21:42 : Ps 118:22-23;
Matthew 21:44 : Is 8:14-15; Rm 9:32-33; 1Pt 2:8;
Matthew 21:45 : Mt 13:3;, 35; 15:15; 21:33; 22:1; 24:32;
Matthew 21:46 : Mt 26:4; Mk 11:18; Lk 19:47-48; Jn 7:25;, 30;, 44;
Reflection:
What is the point of the parable of the vineyard? Jesus’ story about an absentee landlord and his not-so-good tenants would have made sense to his audience. The hills of Galilee were lined with numerous vineyards, and it was quite common for the owners to let out their estates to tenants. Many did it for the sole purpose of collecting rent at the right time.Why did Jesus' story about wicked tenants cause offense to the scribes and Pharisees? It contained both a prophetic message and a warning. Isaiah had spoken of the house of Israel as "the vineyard of the Lord" (Isaiah 5:7). Jesus' listeners would likely understand this parable as referring to God's dealing with a stubborn and rebellious people.
This parable speaks to us today as well. It richly conveys some important truths about God and the way he deals with his people. First, it tells us of God's generosity and trust. The vineyard is well equipped with everything the tenants need. The owner went away and left the vineyard in the hands of the tenants. God, likewise trusts us enough to give us freedom to run life as we choose. This parable also tells us of God's patience and justice. Not once, but many times he forgives the tenants their debts. But while the tenants take advantage of the owner's patience, his judgment and justice prevail in the end.
Jesus foretold both his death and his ultimate triumph. He knew he would be rejected and be killed, but he also knew that would not be the end. After rejection would come glory -- the glory of resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father. The Lord blesses his people today with the gift of his kingdom. And he promises that we will bear much fruit if we abide in him (see John 15:1-11). He entrusts his gifts and grace to each of us and he gives us work to do in his vineyard — the body of Christ. He promises that our labor will not be in vain if we persevere with faith to the end (see 1 Cor. 15:58). We can expect trials and even persecution. But in the end we will see triumph. Do you labor for the Lord with joyful hope and with confidence in his victory?
Prayer For The Day:
"Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which you have given us; for all the pains and insults which you have borne for us. O most merciful redeemer, friend, and brother, may we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, for you own sake." (prayer of St. Richard of Chichester, 13th century)
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