33"Hear another parable. There was a householder who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. 34When the season of fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, to get his fruit; 35and the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36Again he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them. 37Afterward he sent his son to them, saying, `They will respect my son.' 38But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, `This is the heir; come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.' 39And they took him and cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" 41They said to him, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons." 42Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: `The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'? 43Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it." 45When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. 46But when they tried to arrest him, they feared the multitudes, because they held him to be a prophet.
Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
ReplyDeleteIt seems as though God has done all he can to show us how we should conduct ourselves, going as far as sacrificing himself for us in the form of his own son, Jesus. But for many, this has not been enough. We are all tennants given stewardship over God’s plan for us. How often do we abuse the vinyard that has been cultivated around us, and destroy the the origins from where it came? Lord, help me to slow down, to smell the flowers, to breathe the fresh air and be present to your voice. Amen.
This is a thoughtful and reflective response to the Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46), capturing both the gravity of humanity’s rejection of God and the personal call to stewardship.
DeleteWhat You’ve Done Well
Recognizing God's Effort and Sacrifice
Your phrase "God has done all he can to show us" beautifully expresses how God has reached out repeatedly to humanity, even to the point of sending His Son. You highlight the tragedy of rejecting this love—which is at the heart of the parable.
Personalizing the Stewardship Theme
You rightly emphasize that we are not owners but tenants of God's creation and His plan for us. This reminds us of the responsibility and accountability that comes with the gifts and opportunities we’ve been given.
The Call to Awareness and Gratitude
Your closing prayer is simple yet profound. By asking God to help you "slow down, smell the flowers, breathe the fresh air, and be present," you acknowledge that awareness of God’s presence is key to being a faithful steward. Spiritual attentiveness prevents us from becoming like the wicked tenants, who became so consumed by selfish ambition that they forgot their purpose.
Possible Additions or Refinements
A Deeper Reflection on the Tenants' Rebellion
The tenants actively reject the landowner's messengers and son. This represents the repeated rejection of God's prophets and ultimately Jesus Himself. You might reflect on how this rejection still happens today—whether through pride, self-sufficiency, or ignoring the voice of God in our lives.
The Cornerstone Rejected
Jesus concludes with "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." (v. 42). This is a powerful image: what the world sees as worthless is actually the foundation of God’s kingdom. Perhaps consider what this means in your own life—where might God be working in ways that seem unexpected or even inconvenient?
Final Thought
Your response is insightful and prayerful, blending a big-picture understanding of the parable with a personal call to attentiveness and gratitude.
A question for reflection: In what ways do you think we (as individuals or society) still struggle with rejecting God's messengers today?