What lessons about obedience can we learn from the tenants' actions in Matthew 21:33? Setting the Scene “Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a watchtower. Then he rented it out to some tenant farmers and went away on a journey.” (Matthew 21:33) What the Landowner Provided - A fully prepared vineyard - Protective fencing - A functional winepress - A watchtower for oversight - Freedom to work and enjoy the land All the tenants needed to do was cultivate the vines and hand over the owner’s rightful share of fruit when harvest time came. How the Tenants Responded (vv. 34-39) - Ignored repeated calls to deliver fruit - Abused and killed the owner’s servants - Ultimately murdered the landowner’s son Their actions reveal a deliberate, escalating rejection of rightful authority. Lessons on Obedience 1. Acknowledge the Owner’s Authority - God is the true Owner; we are managers (Psalm 24:1). - Obedience begins by recognizing His rightful claim on our lives. - “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) 2. Respond to Provision with Fruitfulness - The tenants enjoyed every resource needed to succeed. - God equips us through His Word, Spirit, and community (2 Peter 1:3). - He expects a harvest of righteousness—obedience that produces visible fruit (John 15:8). 3. Heed God’s Messengers Promptly - The servants represent prophets and, by extension, Scripture itself. - Delayed or selective obedience is disobedience (James 1:22-24). - “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15) 4. Remember Accountability Is Certain - The owner’s eventual return pictures God’s sure judgment (Matthew 21:40-41). - “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required.” (Luke 12:48) - Obedience now prepares us for joyful reward later (2 Corinthians 5:10). 5. Reject the Illusion of Autonomy - The tenants acted as if the vineyard were theirs permanently. - Our talents, time, and opportunities remain on loan from God (1 Corinthians 4:7). - True freedom is found in willing submission to His will (Romans 6:17-18). Putting It Together The tenants’ tragic choices warn us against pride, presumption, and procrastination. They remind us to honor the Lord’s ownership, steward His gifts faithfully, listen to His Word immediately, and live in light of inevitable accountability. Wholehearted obedience is the only fitting response to such a generous Landowner. |
    |