Matthew 21:33-46, Parable of the Wicked Tenants . "But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, 'This is the heir. The Parable of the Wicked Tenants: An Exposition of Matthew 21:33-46. 42 Jesus said to them, âHave you never read in the scriptures: âThe very stone which the builders rejectedhas become the head of the corner;this was the Lordâs doing,and it is marvelous in our eyesâ? Clearly, the parable is based on Isaiah 5:1–7; thus, the vineyard of Matthew 21:33 is the old covenant community. Consider this day the fruit you are producing in the form of good works of service, progress in sanctification, discipleship, and other such things. Sign up here! Matthew 21:33-43,45-46. Even to the original hearers, this might have sounded like an odd story. Basketweave Black/Burgandy Bonded Leather, RSV Ignatius Catholic Study Bible New Testament 2nd Edition. The Parable of the Wicked Tenants. 10 When the time came, he sent a servant [ a ] to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. For permissions, view our Copyright Policy. Jesus is very obviously talking about Himself. 12 And he sent still … 37–39). The tenants in this parable were supposed to yield what was due in the harvest of their crops as part of the contract. Fix that problem! The tenants represent the people of Israel especially the religious leaders such as the priests, the Levites, the scribes, and so forth. Come harvest, they'd send someone to collect … Jesus does not say that the vineyard is uprooted; rather, the vineyard’s tenants, those responsible for its upkeep and care, are judged (v. 43). It is true that He often had to take them aside to explain what the parable meant because they were hard of hearing. Then there is the son that the owner sent to collect the rent. Thoughts on the Gospel – The Parable of the wicked Tenants Jesus told the great priests and elders of the people a good parable for tenants who refused to give the crop to the master of the vineyard. In spite of our continual rejection of him, God never gives up on us. He chose to bless the world through Abraham’s family, the people of Israel. Donate Now. A homily adapted from one written by Father Michael Marsh. Clearly, the parable is based on Isaiah 5:1–7; thus, the vineyard of Matthew 21:33 is the old covenant community. … The Parable of the Wicked Tenants 9 And he began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. The parables of Jesus were often spoken to hide the truth from His enemies and reveal it to the disciples and those who held to Jesus teaching. ¾“he will return to his vineyard, to judge its wicked tenants.” • “The parable, allegory and all, functions as an urgent summons which attempts to break open the worldview of the present tenants … Jesus does not say that the vineyard is uprooted; rather, the vineyard’s tenants, those responsible for its upkeep and care, are judged (v. 43). Your gift enables our worldwide outreach. In fulfillment of Psalm 118:22, the rejected Son is the “cornerstone” — the stone at the corner that joins two walls together. Used by permission. To follow up the challenge of the Jewish leaders to Jesus about the source of His authority, He tells a parable about some wicked tenants of a vineyard, who had wrongfully assumed ownership of that which was not their own. 10 When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants in order that they might give him his share of the produce of the vineyard; but the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Every professing Christian should read today’s passage as a warning. As the “stone,” He will crush all opposition to the kingdom of God. The Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:28-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19) may not be as commonly known as other parables Jesus told, but it is one of the most eye-opening. It was commonplace in the first century for a wealthy investor to buy property for a farm or vineyard and then leave it in the care of tenants. Jews like the twelve disciples are also included. 'They will respect my son,' he said. 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