What is the meaning of Matthew 21:34? When the harvest time drew near “ ‘When the harvest time drew near …’ ” (Matthew 21:34) • Harvest signals the long-anticipated moment of accountability. Just as the owner expected grapes, the Lord expects tangible righteousness from those He has blessed (Isaiah 5:1-7). • In parables, harvest often points to the culmination of God’s dealings, whether with Israel or at the end of the age (Matthew 13:39; Revelation 14:15). • Time had run its course. Centuries of patience now moved toward a decisive inspection, echoing Paul’s reminder that we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7-9). He sent his servants “ …he sent his servants …” • The servants picture the prophets God faithfully dispatched to His people (Jeremiah 7:25; 2 Chronicles 36:15-16). • Their mission came from the owner, not themselves. Like Hebrews 1:1 notes, God “spoke to our fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways.” • The repeated sending in the larger parable (Matthew 21:35-36) underlines divine persistence in grace before judgment. To the tenants “ …to the tenants …” • The tenants stand for Israel’s religious leaders, stewards of God’s vineyard (Matthew 21:45; Luke 20:9). • Stewardship implies responsibility. Paul later says the Jews were entrusted with “the very words of God” (Romans 3:1-2). • Instead of humble caretakers, they acted as possessors, forgetting the vineyard still belonged to its Lord (Psalm 24:1). To collect his share of the fruit “ …to collect his share of the fruit.” • Fruit represents the obedience, justice, and faith the covenant required (Isaiah 5:7; Micah 6:8). John the Baptist echoed this demand: “Produce fruit worthy of repentance” (Matthew 3:8). • The owner sought only “his share,” highlighting God’s rightful claim while leaving ample blessing for the tenants—an echo of the tithe principle (Leviticus 27:30). • Jesus later says, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:8). Lack of fruit would lead to the vineyard being given to others who will yield it (Matthew 21:43). summary Matthew 21:34 shows the gracious yet firm expectation of God: at the appointed time He sends His messengers to those entrusted with His gifts, seeking the righteous fruit that rightly belongs to Him. The verse underscores divine patience, human responsibility, and the certainty of accountability, urging every steward of God’s blessings to bear the fruit that glorifies the true Owner. |
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