In what ways does Matthew 21:40 encourage us to evaluate our spiritual fruitfulness? Setting the Stage “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” (Matthew 21:40) • Jesus has just told the parable of the vineyard: – Owner = God (Isaiah 5:1-7) – Vineyard = Israel, entrusted with truth and blessing – Tenants = religious leaders who refused rightful fruit • Verse 40 is a pointed, open-ended question meant to spark self-examination in every hearer, not just the original audience. What the Question Reveals • Accountability is certain—“when the owner…comes.” • Assessment is moral—“what will he do?” • Fruitfulness is measurable—God expects a yield, not excuses (v. 34). • Judgment is individual—each tenant answers for his own stewardship (Romans 14:12). Personal Fruit Inspection The Lord’s question invites us to ask: • Is gospel truth taking root in my heart (James 1:21-25)? • Am I producing visible, Spirit-born fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)? • Do my actions honor the Son rather than reject Him (John 15:5-8)? • Am I stewarding the resources God has loaned me—time, talents, possessions—for His kingdom (1 Peter 4:10)? Marks of Genuine Fruitfulness • Obedient love for Christ’s commands (John 14:23) • Growing holiness and repentance (1 John 1:9; 3:3) • Compassionate service to others (Matthew 25:35-40) • Bold witness to the gospel (Acts 1:8) • Generous giving that advances God’s work (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) Sobering Consequences of Fruitlessness • Loss of privilege—“The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit” (Matthew 21:43). • Severance from vine-life—“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away” (John 15:2). • Final judgment—likened to burned chaff and useless branches (Matthew 3:10-12; Hebrews 6:7-8). Cultivating Abundant Fruit • Abide daily in Christ through Scripture and prayer (John 15:4). • Yield to the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:16). • Confess sin quickly, staying in fellowship (1 John 1:7). • Gather with believers for mutual sharpening (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Serve and give where God plants you, trusting Him for the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-9). Living in Light of the Owner’s Return • Expectation—Jesus’ coming is nearer each day (James 5:7-9). • Diligence—“Make every effort to be found at peace, without spot or blemish” (2 Peter 3:14). • Joy—faithful stewards hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21). Matthew 21:40’s single question becomes a mirror: If the Owner arrived today, would He find the fruit He rightfully seeks in us? Let’s answer with lives that overflow in obedient, Spirit-borne harvest for His glory. |
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