What is the meaning of Matthew 21:37? Finally • The word “finally” signals the climax of a long, gracious sequence. For generations the landowner (God) had sent servants (prophets) to His vineyard (Israel), but they were beaten, stoned, or killed (Matthew 21:34–36; cf. 2 Chronicles 36:15–16). • Hebrews 1:1–2 echoes this crescendo: “In the past God spoke to our fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.” • The timing underscores God’s patience and the completeness of His revelation. Nothing more authoritative or loving could be given after the Son. he sent his son to them • “Sent” highlights purposeful mission. John 3:16 describes the motive: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” • Galatians 4:4–5 affirms the historical reality: “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son… to redeem.” • Romans 8:32 reinforces the cost: “He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all…” • This sending is literal, not symbolic; Jesus truly entered human history, walked Israel’s soil, and confronted the tenants face-to-face. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said • The owner’s words reveal reasonable expectation: if the servants were rejected, surely the son’s unique status would elicit honor. Luke 20:13, the parallel account, adds, “perhaps they will respect him.” • God’s offer of respect is real—even to those who had repeatedly rebelled. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us He is “patient… not wanting anyone to perish.” • Tragically, prophecy also knew the outcome: Isaiah 53:3 speaks of the Messiah as “despised and rejected,” and John 1:11 notes, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.” • Yet the invitation stands: recognizing the Son leads to fruitfulness and fellowship; rejecting Him brings judgment, as the parable’s conclusion makes clear (Matthew 21:41, 43). summary Matthew 21:37 reveals the pinnacle of God’s outreach. After every prophetic plea, God “finally” sends His beloved Son, a literal, personal visitation of divine grace. The expectation of respect exposes the tenants’ coming guilt and magnifies the Father’s love. By receiving the Son we honor the Owner and enter His harvest; by refusing Him we forfeit the kingdom entrusted to us. |
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