Why did the landowner send his son last in Matthew 21:37? Text “Finally he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.” (Matthew 21:37) Immediate Literary Context Matthew positions the parable of the wicked tenants (21:33-46) after Christ’s triumphal entry and temple cleansing, during confrontations with the religious leadership. The parable interprets Israel’s history and the leaders’ present hostility. The “last” sending of the son climaxes escalating rejection that began with servants (prophets) and now focuses on Jesus. Old Testament Vineyard Motif Isaiah 5:1-7 portrays Israel as Yahweh’s vineyard that yielded “wild grapes.” Jesus draws directly on that imagery; His audience would instantly recognize it. The vineyard owner’s progressive overtures echo God’s historic appeals through prophets (2 Chronicles 36:15-16). Hence the landowner’s final act has covenantal precedent: long-suffering grace culminating in an ultimate emissary. Progressive Revelation Culminating in the Son Hebrews 1:1-2 : “In the past God spoke to our fathers through the prophets … but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.” Christ is the decisive Word. The son is sent “last” because revelation reaches its telos (goal) in Him; nothing greater can follow (cf. John 1:14, 18). Authority Signaled by Order In ancient Mediterranean household law, sending an heir conveyed full representative authority (cf. Joseph in Genesis 41:40). By coming last, the son stands above servants; his presence legally obligates tenants to immediate submission. Refusing him is tantamount to open rebellion against the owner himself (Luke 20:13 parallels). Exposure of Tenant Guilt for Just Judgment Romans jurisprudence required clear proof of malice aforethought for capital crimes. The father’s final, most honored envoy removes any claim of ignorance. By rejecting the son, tenants self-indict; thus the impending judgment (“He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” v. 41) is shown righteous (Psalm 51:4). Long-Suffering Love and Final Appeal 2 Peter 3:9 notes that the Lord is “patient … not wanting anyone to perish.” The delay between servants and son mirrors divine patience across centuries. The order highlights love: even after repeated rejections God offers the highest relational gesture—His beloved Son (Mark 12:6). Christological Self-Disclosure By narrating Himself as “the son,” Jesus unveils His divine filiation and foresees His own death outside the vineyard (v. 39). The sequence Son-after-servants stresses His uniqueness (Matthew 3:17) and prefigures resurrection vindication (stone rejected becoming cornerstone, v. 42; Psalm 118:22-23). Salvific Purpose John 3:16-17 ties the Father’s sending of the Son to world salvation. The “last” sending signals fulfillment of redemption history (Galatians 4:4-5). The cross results not from accident but from deliberate redemptive strategy announced within the parable. Eschatological and Covenant Shift Matthew 21:43 forecasts the kingdom given to “a people who will produce its fruit.” The son’s rejection precipitates covenantal realignment, opening blessing to all nations (Isaiah 49:6; Acts 13:46-48). The ordering (servants, then son) demarcates the end of the old stewardship and inauguration of the new. Original Hearers’ Conscience Jewish leaders knew their lineage of persecuted prophets (Matthew 23:29-31). By placing the son last, Jesus forces them to see themselves at the narrative’s decisive moment, provoking either repentance or further hardness (cf. Acts 2:37). Archaeological Corroboration First-century winepresses unearthed at Ein Yael and Khirbet Qana match Jesus’ description of a hedge, tower, and press (v. 33), grounding the parable in tangible Galilean viticulture, enhancing historical verisimilitude. Modern Application Repeated gospel proclamation mirrors the servants; Scripture now confronts each listener with the Son. Delay in response only magnifies culpability. Acceptance yields restored tenancy—bearing fruit under the rightful heir (John 15:1-8). Conclusion The landowner sent his son last to climax progressive revelation, manifest covenant love, confer unquestionable authority, expose rebellious hearts, secure grounds for just judgment, and fulfill the redemptive plan culminating in Christ’s death and resurrection. Any further revelation is unnecessary because the Son embodies the fullness of the Father’s message and mission. |
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