Before we jump into the parable today, take a second to go back and read Matthew 21:23-27. Throughout most of His ministry, Jesus attempted to stay under the radar and out of the limelight. In the final days, however, Jesus stepped onto center stage. He walked into the temple in Jerusalem during the Feast of the Passover, likely the largest single gathering place of the Jewish people, and started flipping tables. Literally throwing tables over and forcing people out of the temple who were using their position to take advantage of others. Does that kind of intensity match the Jesus you typically picture?

As if that wasn’t enough to cause a stir, the next day Jesus goes back to the temple and begins teaching whoever will listen. No doubt everyone had their eyes on Him, including the Pharisees. Jesus had captured the attention of the people, and the religious elite felt their power and influence over the masses waning so they questioned, “By what authority are you doing these things?”

The parable that follows in Matthew 21:33-46 is a response to their question of authority. Jesus is not attempting to explain His authority. He already told them in verse 27, “Neither will I tell you then by what authority I do these things.” Rather this is a lesson on all authority, and here is the big lesson – all authority is given.

The people of God had been given temporary authority, and with it, they sought personal gain. They killed the prophets of God who tried to correct and guide Israel. They were set to crucify Jesus, the Son of God, who was sent to offer salvation and rescue to the Jewish nation. What was their just punishment? Matthew 21:43 says, “Therefore I tell you; the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.”

All authority is given because everything is given by God. We should all be willing to put ourselves in the place of these tenants. Everything we have is a gift from God because He holds all things in His hand. We have to understand, however, that it is a temporary gift. Nothing we have, including our breath, will last forever. You have been leased time, talents, abilities, and resources. What are you doing with what God has given you?

Reflections:

• Have you given someone the authority to speak into your life when correction or guidance may be needed? How do you respond to corrections? Are you quick to accept or do you respond in anger?
• It is heartbreaking to understand that the religious leaders understood that Jesus was talking about them and yet rejected Him even still (v.45-46). Is there something Jesus is addressing in you?

Family Application: Parable of the Landowner

Author: Amy Stampley

• In this story, we see a landowner who builds a vineyard and rents it out to a vine grower. He is giving this vine grower the opportunity to use his land to earn money. When it comes time to collect the money from the grower, the landowner sends messengers to collect it, and the vine grower treats the messengers badly, even killing one of them. Finally, the landowner sends his own son to collect the money thinking they will respect him, but again they reject the son and throw him out of the vineyard and kill him, also.
• This story parallels how Jesus is treated. God sends us His own Son. He is rejected, beaten, and ultimately dies on the cross for our sins. He is patient and gives us second chances, but even after all the chances, some people still choose to sin and reject Him. Jesus is the cornerstone on which everything else is built. As we come to know Jesus, we realize that all of our faith must rest on Him.
• Have you ever made a mistake and needed a second chance? Aren’t you so thankful that Jesus does not give up on us after we sin the first time? Ask Him what He wants you to do to show your faith in following Him.
• Prayer: Dear God, thank You for giving us second chances. We fail You so many times, but we are so thankful that You allowed Your only Son to die for our sins. We love You so much and want to make You proud in all the things we do. Amen.