Matthew 21:33

Matthew 21:33

This is the onset of the third parable in this chapter. A householder plants a vineyard, builds defenses, digs a wine press, and entrusts it to tenants before going on a journey. The careful imagery communicates stewardship: God has planted and guarded his people and entrusted them with responsibility. The landlord’s departure signals the era of waiting for fruit—the expectation that those who benefit from God’s provision will produce a harvest of righteousness. The parable sets a setting of anticipation and authority: a just steward awaits fruit, but spends time away, leaving the tenants in charge. The tension begins with the time of fruit drawing near and the arrival of the landlord’s messengers to collect the due fruit.

The parable centers on accountability and divine patience. It reveals the stubbornness and violence of humanity when entrusted with responsibility. The tenants’ behavior—beating, killing, and stoning the messenger—exposes the danger of resisting God’s messengers and, ultimately, God himself. The parable foreshadows the rejection of Jesus and the ensuing judgment. It also shifts the focus from divine initiative to human stewardship, emphasizing that people are responsible for producing and sharing the fruits of God’s kingdom.

We, too, are tenants of God’s vineyard. Consider what fruits God expects today: acts of love, justice, mercy, and the proclamation of good news. Are we producing and sharing fruit, or are we content with inaction or harm toward others? Practical steps: assess your daily life for fruit-bearing—personal holiness, generosity, service, and evangelism. Invite accountability, and be willing to adjust plans that hinder fruit production. Revisit your approach to relationships, work, and community involvement to ensure they reflect God’s kingdom values.

Cross-References: Isaiah 5:1-7; Luke 20:9-16; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19; Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:1-8