What lessons can we learn from the servants' repeated mistreatment? The Setting: Matthew 21:36 “Again, he sent other servants, more than the first group. But the tenants did the same to them.” God’s Grace Shines Through Persistent Sending • The owner keeps sending servants instead of unleashing judgment—clear evidence of divine patience (cf. 2 Peter 3:9). • 2 Chronicles 36:15: “The LORD… sent word to them through His messengers, because He had compassion on His people.” • Lesson: God repeatedly reaches out, giving space to repent. Every ignored messenger magnifies His mercy. Human Rebellion Deepens When Grace Is Resisted • Each wave of servants is treated worse, exposing a hardening heart (Jeremiah 7:25-26). • Sin doesn’t stay static; rejection today breeds greater hostility tomorrow (Hebrews 3:12-13). • Lesson: Delayed obedience leads to deeper rebellion; saying “no” to truth makes the next “no” easier. Historical Pattern: Prophets Persecuted, Yet God Warned Anyway • Acts 7:52: “Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?” • Hebrews 11:36-37 lists floggings, chains, stonings—real mistreatment that Matthew 21:36 foreshadows. • Lesson: Scripture is historically reliable; the parable mirrors Israel’s documented response to God’s prophets. Escalating Guilt and Coming Accountability • Romans 2:4-5 shows kindness spurned turns into accumulating wrath. • Luke 12:48: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” Repeated warnings equal increased responsibility. • Lesson: Every ignored messenger heightens future judgment; accountability grows with opportunity. Foreshadowing the Ultimate Messenger—The Son • Matthew 21:37-39 immediately follows: the owner sends “his son.” • Hebrews 1:1-2: God’s final word is through His Son. • Lesson: Rejecting earlier servants previews rejecting Christ; embracing the Son begins with heeding the servants’ words. Call to Hear and Respond Today • Treasure every scriptural warning, sermon, and godly counsel as a visit from one of the “servants.” • Respond quickly; delayed response endangers the soul and wastes grace. • Honor God’s messengers—pastors, missionaries, faithful friends—knowing how costly it was (and is) to bring the message. Summary Snapshot 1. Persistent sending = God’s remarkable patience. 2. Persistent mistreatment = human heart hardening. 3. History confirms the pattern; Scripture records it in detail. 4. More warnings ignored = greater future judgment. 5. The mistreated servants point to the coming of the Son; accept Him while grace remains. |
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