Connect Matthew 21:37 with John 3:16 regarding God's ultimate sacrifice. The Vineyard Parable and the Father’s Heart • Context: Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants (Matthew 21:33-46) to expose Israel’s leaders’ rejection of God’s messengers. • Key verse: Matthew 21:37 — “Finally, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.” • The landowner represents God; the vineyard, Israel; the servants, the prophets; the son, Jesus. • “Finally” shows every prior appeal has been exhausted. Sending the son is the climactic step, revealing both the owner’s patience and the stakes involved. Heightening the Offer: The Son Arrives • Progressive revelation: – Prophets came with warnings (2 Chronicles 36:15-16). – Last of all, God sends His Son—no higher ambassador exists (Hebrews 1:1-2). • Expectation: “They will respect my son.” The Father’s hope underscores the depth of His goodwill toward rebels. • Cost: The owner risks the irretrievable loss of the one most precious to him; likewise, God sends His “beloved Son” (Mark 1:11). John 3:16—Divine Love in Action John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” • “Gave” parallels “sent” in Matthew 21:37; both verbs highlight intentional, sacrificial initiative. • Scope of love: “the world” includes the very rebels who would kill the Son (Romans 5:8). • Purpose: rescue from perishing and secure eternal life. The outcome the tenants refused is freely offered to all who believe. Scripture Echoes of the Ultimate Sacrifice • Isaiah 53:6 — The Lord lays our iniquity on the Servant. • Galatians 4:4-5 — God sent His Son “born of a woman… to redeem.” • 1 John 4:9-10 — God’s love revealed “in that He sent His one and only Son… as an atoning sacrifice.” • Romans 8:32 — “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all…” Living in Light of the Gift • Assurance: If God has given His Son, nothing can separate believers from His love (Romans 8:38-39). • Gratitude: Worship flows naturally when the magnitude of the sacrifice is grasped (Revelation 5:9-10). • Proclamation: The same love that reached us must be shared (2 Corinthians 5:20). |