The Parable of the Tenants, Matthew 21:33–46

The Owner Is Coming — What Fruit Will He Find

Many people today, like the tenants in the parable, forget that everything we have belongs to God. We live as if we are the owners — of our time, our gifts, our possessions, even our lives — yet we are only stewards. God expects us to bear fruit that honors Him: love, obedience, kindness, and faithfulness.The problem is that, just like the tenants, we often reject God’s voice. We ignore His Word, resist His correction, and pursue our own desires. 

We want the blessings of the vineyard but not the authority of the Landowner.There is a deep need for repentance, humility, and obedience. We must recognize that we are accountable to God for how we live and how we use what He has entrusted to us. The parable calls every believer to return to God, to receive His Son with honor, and to bear fruit that glorifies Him.

Parable Summary

Jesus tells a story of a landowner who planted a vineyard, built a wall around it, dug a winepress, and constructed a watchtower. Then he rented it to some tenants and went away to another country.When harvest time came, the landowner sent his servants to collect his share of the fruit. But the tenants beat one, killed another, and stoned another.

He sent more servants, and they received the same treatment.

Finally, he sent his own son, thinking they would respect him.

But the tenants said, “This is the heir; come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.”

So, they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Jesus then asked, “When the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”

The people replied, “He will bring those wretches to a miserable end and rent the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop.”

_{Meaning of the Characters}

• The Landowner represents God, who has provided everything for His people.
• The Vineyard represents Israel, whom God chose and cared for (Isaiah 5:1–7).
• The Tenants (Farmers) represent the Pharisees and religious leaders, who were entrusted with leading God’s people.
• The Servants represent the prophets God sent — like Jeremiah and Isaiah — who were persecuted and killed.
• The Son represents Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was sent but rejected, crucified, and killed outside Jerusalem.

_{Lessons from the Parable}

_{1. God Has Entrusted Us with Everything}

God has given us all we need in life — our families, jobs, talents, and resources. Like the vineyard that belonged to the landowner, everything we have belongs to God. We are not owners but stewards. The question we must ask ourselves is:

• Am I a faithful steward of what God has given me?
• Do I use my time, money, and abilities for God’s glory?
• Am I living in a way that honors Him?

Many people live carelessly, indulging in sin and using God’s blessings for selfish desires. But God calls us to bear the fruit of righteousness, justice, and love.

^{2. God Calls Us to Bear Fruit}

_{Just as the vineyard was expected to produce fruit, God expects His people to produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).Sadly, many outwardly appear holy but live in sin privately. Justice is often twisted for the rich and powerful, while the poor are oppressed. Corruption fills our systems, and selfishness replaces love for our neighbors. But God desires that His people bear good fruit and reflect His character in the world.}

_{3. We Must Listen to God’s Messengers}

The tenants rejected the landowner’s servants — just as many today reject God’s Word and His messengers. Every time we hear the Word of God but fail to obey it, we act like those tenants. God still speaks through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and our conscience. Let us not ignore His voice. Instead, let us walk in obedience, love, and service.

_{4. Beware of Spiritual Pride}

The religious leaders rejected Jesus because of pride and love for power (John 11:46–47). They refused to humble themselves before the truth. Their rejection opened the door for the Gentiles, who received the Gospel by faith.God’s kingdom is open to all who repent and believe in Jesus Christ. But those who reject Him will face judgment. The landowner was patient with the tenants — but his patience had a limit. Likewise, God’s patience is great, but one day He will judge those who rebel and reject His Son.

Conclusion

God’s vineyard is still alive today — and He’s still looking for faithful tenants. The question is, what kind of tenants are we? Will we reject His Word and live for ourselves, or will we honor the Owner by bearing fruit that pleases Him? Every blessing we have — our breath, time, gifts, and opportunities — belongs to God. He has trusted us with His vineyard and waits to see what we will do with it. His patience is great, but it’s not endless. One day, the Owner will return to ask for fruit. Let’s not be like the tenants who rejected the Son, but like those who welcome Him with open hearts.

Let’s give God what belongs to Him — our obedience, our love, and our lives.