This verse, Matthew 21:39, is part of the Parable of the Wicked Tenants that Jesus tells. To understand it, we need to understand the allegory:
The Landowner: Represents God
The Vineyard: Represents Israel or God's Kingdom
The Tenants: Represent the religious leaders of Israel (specifically, those who were in charge of leading God's people)
The Servants: Represent the prophets sent by God
The Son: Represents Jesus Christ
In the parable, the landowner sends servants (prophets) to collect his share of the harvest, but the tenants beat, stone, and kill them. Finally, the landowner sends his own son, thinking they will respect him. But the tenants, seeing an opportunity to seize the inheritance for themselves, plot together to kill the son.
Therefore, the verse "So they took him, and threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him" means:
"They took him": The religious leaders seized Jesus.
"Threw him out of the vineyard": This likely alludes to Jesus' crucifixion outside the city walls of Jerusalem.
"And killed him": The religious leaders had Jesus crucified.
The meaning and significance of this verse are multi-layered:
1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: It foreshadows Jesus' death at the hands of the religious leaders.
2. Rejection of God's Son: It illustrates the ultimate rejection of God's own Son by those entrusted with leading His people.
3. Greed and Selfishness: It highlights the tenants' desire for power and control over God's inheritance.
4. Consequences of Disobedience: The parable warns of the consequences of rejecting God's messengers and His Son. The end of the parable makes it clear that the landowner will punish the wicked tenants and give the vineyard to others who will produce fruit.
In essence, this single verse is a powerful summary of the betrayal, rejection, and crucifixion of Jesus, revealing the wickedness and the ultimate consequences of rejecting God's authority.
This verse, Matthew 21:39, is part of the Parable of the Wicked Tenants that Jesus tells. To understand it, we need to understand the allegory:
The Landowner: Represents God
The Vineyard: Represents Israel or God's Kingdom
The Tenants: Represent the religious leaders of Israel (specifically, those who were in charge of leading God's people)
The Servants: Represent the prophets sent by God
The Son: Represents Jesus Christ
In the parable, the landowner sends servants (prophets) to collect his share of the harvest, but the tenants beat, stone, and kill them. Finally, the landowner sends his own son, thinking they will respect him. But the tenants, seeing an opportunity to seize the inheritance for themselves, plot together to kill the son.
Therefore, the verse "So they took him, and threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him" means:
"They took him": The religious leaders seized Jesus.
"Threw him out of the vineyard": This likely alludes to Jesus' crucifixion outside the city walls of Jerusalem.
"And killed him": The religious leaders had Jesus crucified.
The meaning and significance of this verse are multi-layered:
1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: It foreshadows Jesus' death at the hands of the religious leaders.
2. Rejection of God's Son: It illustrates the ultimate rejection of God's own Son by those entrusted with leading His people.
3. Greed and Selfishness: It highlights the tenants' desire for power and control over God's inheritance.
4. Consequences of Disobedience: The parable warns of the consequences of rejecting God's messengers and His Son. The end of the parable makes it clear that the landowner will punish the wicked tenants and give the vineyard to others who will produce fruit.
In essence, this single verse is a powerful summary of the betrayal, rejection, and crucifixion of Jesus, revealing the wickedness and the ultimate consequences of rejecting God's authority.