Matthew 21:33-46
Q.1. To whom was Jesus addressing His parable? Did they know to whom this story was directed? What was the message of the parable? Who responded to Christ’s question? – (Mt.21:33-41)
God chose Israel to produce fruit for Him. In short, they were to be God-like, just as we are to be Christ-like. The Jews would be keenly aware that Jesus was applying the parable from Isa.5:1-6 to them – For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel and the men of Judah His delightful plant (Isa.5:7). As in that parable, the nation was accused of failing to produce the desired fruit. This time, Jesus applied aspects of the story to the prophets … and to Himself, as He predicted – 37 … the owner sent his son to them, saying, They will respect my son.' 38 But when the vine-growers saw the son, they said among themselves,This is the heir; come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ 39 They took him, and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him (Mt.21:37-39). Jesus then asked – When the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vine-growers? (Mt.21:40). The leaders, in blindness, gave the correct answer – … He will bring those wretches to a wretched end and will rent out the vineyard to other vine-growers who will pay him the proceeds at the proper seasons (Mt.21:41). “There are none so blind as those who will not see.”
Q.2. How did the rejection of Jesus confirm the Scriptures? What change did Jesus predict would happen after His removal? Did the chief priests and Pharisees get the message? What held them back from arresting Jesus? – (Mt.21:42-46)
Jesus knew what was to happen and quoted the Psalm – … `The stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief corner stone; This came about from the Lord, and it is marvellous in our eyes’ (Mt.21:42 c.f. Ps.118:22-23). His rejection would not be the end of the Messiah, although it would mark the end of the nation of Israel’s role of representing God – Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people, producing the fruit of it (Mt.21:43). There would be no kingdom for these usurpers. The chief priests and Pharisees understood that Jesus was speaking about them. However, His popularity amongst the crowds held them back from arresting Him (Mt.21:45-46).