How should Matthew 21:39 influence our treatment of God's representatives? Setting the Scene “ ‘So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.’ ” (Matthew 21:39) Jesus’ parable exposes a tragic pattern: the landowner’s servants—and finally his son—are violently rejected by those entrusted with the vineyard. The verse crystallizes how the tenants treated the one who represented the owner: with contempt, hostility, and murder. That snapshot becomes a mirror in which we examine our own response to the people God sends today. The Warning in the Vineyard • God’s servants are often mistreated not because of personal faults but because they bear His authority (cf. 2 Chronicles 36:15-16). • Rejecting a messenger ultimately rejects the One who sent him. Jesus underlines this elsewhere: “Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me” (Luke 10:16). • Matthew 21:39 is therefore more than history—it is a cautionary signal against repeating the tenants’ sin. Recognizing Today’s Representatives • Pastors and elders who faithfully teach the Word (1 Timothy 5:17). • Missionaries, evangelists, and teachers taking the gospel to new fields (Romans 10:14-15). • Everyday believers speaking truth and encouragement in the Spirit (Ephesians 4:15-16). Biblical Principles for Honor and Respect • Esteem and love leaders “because of their work” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). • Obey and submit to shepherds who must give an account (Hebrews 13:17). • “Touch not My anointed ones; do My prophets no harm” (Psalm 105:15). • Even when correction is needed, handle disagreements with humility and gentleness (Galatians 6:1). Practical Ways to Apply • Pray regularly for pastors, missionaries, and Christian workers. • Speak words that build up rather than tear down (Ephesians 4:29). • Provide tangible support—hospitality, financial aid, encouragement notes (3 John 5-8). • Refuse to participate in gossip or slander against those serving the Lord (Proverbs 16:28). • When concerns arise, address them biblically and privately first (Matthew 18:15-16). Consequences of Rejection • The tenants lost the vineyard and faced judgment (Matthew 21:40-41). • Sow dishonor, reap spiritual barrenness; resist God’s servants, risk hardening the heart (Hebrews 3:15). Blessings of Reception • Honoring God’s representatives invites shared joy and reward (Philippians 4:17-19). • Churches flourish when shepherds lead with joy and members respond with willing hearts (Hebrews 13:17b). • Welcoming a messenger means welcoming Christ Himself (Matthew 10:40-41). Closing Reflection Matthew 21:39 urges us to reverse the tenants’ example. Rather than cast out and silence God’s envoys, we treat them with honor, support, and cooperation, recognizing that in serving them we are ultimately serving the Lord of the vineyard. |
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