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Matthew 21:33-46
Jesus tells a parable of a landowner who planted a vineyard and hired vinedressers to tend it as he went to a far away country. When the harvest drew near, the landowner sent servants to gather some of the crop for him to sample, but he vinedressers “beat one, killed one, and stoned another” (Matthew 21:35, NKJV). The landowner then sent his son expecting respect for his son, but they killed him in an attempt to gain his inheritance.
Jesus asked the chief priests, elders, and Pharisees what they expected that the landowner would do to the vinedressers. They replied in Matthew 21:41, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus then brings this parable to light for His hearers as He quotes Psalm 118:22-23 declaring,
“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
This was the LORD’s doing,
And it is marvelous in our eyes”?
Jesus then states in Matthew 21:43-44, “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” When the chief priest and the Pharisees realized that Jesus had spoken the parable against them, they did not repent as Jesus taught them in Matthew 21:28-32 but became angry at Him and wanted to “lay hands on Him” (Matthew 21:46), however, they refrained because they were afraid of the multitudes that believed in Jesus.
This is an example of those who refuse to repent of sin.
This is an example of the arrogance, pride, and self-centeredness that Satan uses to control man.
Pride, arrogance, and self-centeredness are the main things that are reflective of the devil and the sinful nature that he uses to keep man away from the gift that God offers to all who will believe in Him. God requires us to develop humility, obedience, and reliance on the salvation that He offers us in His One and only Son Jesus. It is a requirement that is fulfilled by opening our hearts to Jesus and inviting Him into our lives to dwell through His Holy Spirit. It is a pathway to eternal life and forgiveness – in Christ – and He offers this gift to you today if you will put your faith in Him.
Dear LORD,
We are a prideful people, and it is hard for us to let go of our arrogance and self-centeredness, but we know that we can only accomplish this through putting our faith in Jesus, the Savior of the world (John 3:16-17; Romans 10:9-10). Please let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.