The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ – G123 Parable of the Two Sons, Parable of the Vineyard Owner and the Wicked Tenants

267 views
Posted on by

Commentary on the Four Gospel Books
The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ
G123 Parable of the Two Sons,
Parable of the Vineyard Owner and the Wicked Tenants
Matthew 21:28–46; Mark 12:1–12; Luke 20:9–19

Download PDF:
https://od.lk/f/MV8zNTY5ODk3NjBf
https://od.lk/fl/MV8xODI0MzMzNl8

Please share this website with all your friends and family members. Thank you, and God bless.

All Scriptures quoted in this article are from the New King James Version (NKJV), unless otherwise noted (https://www.biblestudytools.com/nkjv/).

Matthew 21:28-46

28 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’

29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went.

30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go.

31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.

32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.

33 “Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country.

34 Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit.

35 And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another.

36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them.

37 Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’

38 But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’

39 So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him.

40 Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?”

41 They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.”

42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’?

43 “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.

44 And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”

45 Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.

46 But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.

Mark 12:1-12

1 Then He began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a place for the wine vat and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country.

2 Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that he might receive some of the fruit of the vineyard from the vinedressers.

3 And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed.

4 Again he sent them another servant, and at him they threw stones, wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully treated.

5 And again he sent another, and him they killed; and many others, beating some and killing some.

6 Therefore still having one son, his beloved, he also sent him to them last, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’

7 But those vinedressers said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’

8 So they took him and killed him and cast him out of the vineyard.

9 Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vinedressers, and give the vineyard to others.

10 Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.

11 This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’?”

12 And they sought to lay hands on Him, but feared the multitude, for they knew He had spoken the parable against them. So they left Him and went away.

Luke 20:9-19

9 Then He began to tell the people this parable: “A certain man planted a vineyard, leased it to vinedressers, and went into a far country for a long time.

10 Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that they might give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vinedressers beat him and sent him away empty-handed.

11 Again he sent another servant; and they beat him also, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed.

12 And again he sent a third; and they wounded him also and cast him out.

13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. Probably they will respect him when they see him.’

14 But when the vinedressers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.’

15 So they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do to them?

16 He will come and destroy those vinedressers and give the vineyard to others.” And when they heard it they said, “Certainly not!”

17 Then He looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone’?

18 “Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”

19 And the chief priests and the scribes that very hour sought to lay hands on Him, but they feared the people–for they knew He had spoken this parable against them.

In this lesson, we will together study the first two parables among the three parables that the Lord Jesus spoke consecutively. These parables were spoken by Him in the Temple courtyard after He refused to disclose His authority to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people of Israel. The first parable is about two sons. The second parable is about the owner of a vineyard and the wicked tenants.

Matthew 21:28-29

28 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’

29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went.

This parable is recorded only by Matthew, perhaps because he was an apostle of the Lord and was present when the Lord was speaking. Mark and Luke did not record this parable, likely because they were not present at that time and also did not hear it reported by witnesses.

“But what do you think?” are the words the Lord Jesus spoke directly to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people of Israel who were questioning Him about His authority.

This parable does not speak of two kinds of people in the world but of two kinds of people within the community of God’s people. At that time, the community of God’s people was the people of Israel who had a covenant with the God. They were called by Him the children of the Self-Existing and Eternal One:

“You are the children of the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 14:1a)

As children of the Self-Existing and Eternal One, the people of Israel were expected to obey and carry out the will of the Father in heaven.

The community of God’s people today is the universal Church, the assembly consisting of anyone who truly repents of sin and believes in the atoning death of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Church does not distinguish social status, class, or authority; does not distinguish skin color, language, gender, or age; and does not distinguish education, wealth, abilities, or talents, etc. The Church is the body of the Christ, and each of God’s people is a member in that body, completely equal before God.

The father represents the God. The two sons represent two kinds of responses to the call of the God among the people of Israel at that time. The call to go work in the vineyard represents the will and command of the God for each person. Specifically, at that time it was the call of the God to the people of Israel through John the Baptist that they should repent and prepare their hearts to receive the Christ.

The older son represents those who had an attitude of not obeying the call of the God but afterward repented and obeyed Him.

Matthew 21:30-32

30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go.

31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.

32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.

The younger son represents those who have an attitude of outwardly obeying the God with their lips but whose hearts do not truly submit. From ancient times, God’s Word has clearly spoken:

“Therefore the Lord said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men.”” (Isaiah 29:13)

“Sir” in the original Greek is “κύριε” (kyrie), meaning “Lord.” This form of address was a way to show respect toward a guest, husband, master, and especially the father in the culture of the people of Israel. In the parable, the Lord Jesus deliberately uses this form of address to highlight the hypocrisy of certain Israelites: outwardly their words show utmost reverence for the God (“Lord”), yet their hearts and actual actions do not obey Him. Such disobedience is the inevitable result of a heart lacking genuine respect. Exemplifying this second type of son are the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders, who confronted the Lord Jesus and sought to trap Him.

Through the Lord Jesus’ words, we clearly see that those in society whom the people of Israel despised—tax collectors and prostitutes—though they initially did not accept John the Baptist’s preaching, later believed. They are the ones admitted into the Heavenly Kingdom, ahead of the religious authorities in Judaism. The Lord Jesus also made it clear that the religious authorities, even when seeing the tax collectors and prostitutes repent, themselves had not repented up to that point.

We see a reversal of value in the spiritual realm. Only those who sincerely repent of their sins and do the will of the God will enter His kingdom, even if they are despised and rejected by society. All those who hold high status, fame, or office in religious organizations bearing the name of the Lord but lack a heart of repentance and obedience to the God cannot enter the Heavenly Kingdom.

The chief priests, the scribes, and the elders who were questioning the Lord Jesus were people who understood the preaching and call of John the Baptist. They had witnessed firsthand the mighty works performed by the Lord Jesus. Yet they hardened their hearts, did not repent, did not believe in the Christ, and even sought to persecute Him to protect their reputation and material interests.

Today, office in the Church, theological knowledge, or long-standing service reputation—all of these are worthless if they do not come from a heart that is continually repentant, humble, and eager to obey the Lord each day.

Today, the God is also calling His people to be ready for the coming of the Christ:

“”Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.” (Joel 2:12-13)

Romans 13:11-14

11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.

14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)

“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.” (1 Thesssalonians 5:4-6)

The parable of the two sons poses a direct question to each of us: Which son am I like? Am I ignoring all the convicting calls of the Holy Spirit in my spirit or through my brothers and sisters in the faith? Am I living by faith in the grace of the Christ, continually keeping myself holy and walking according to God’s Word? Am I being a shining example in living according to God’s Word for my family, for the Church, and for those who do not yet believe in the Lord in my local community?

Matthew 21:33

33 “Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country.

Mark 12:1

1 Then He began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a place for the wine vat and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country.

Luke 20:9

9 Then He began to tell the people this parable: “A certain man planted a vineyard, leased it to vinedressers, and went into a far country for a long time.

The parable of the owner of the vineyard and the wicked tenants represents the attitude of the people of Israel toward the God.

The owner of the vineyard represents the God.

The wicked tenants represent the leaders among the people of Israel, from the kings to the priests and the elders.

The servants of the vineyard owner represent the prophets of the God.

The first son of the vineyard owner represents the Lord Jesus, the Only Son of the God.

The other tenants who will later be hired to work the vineyard represent the apostles, pastors, and elders during the Church era.

The vineyard initially represents the people of Israel, God’s chosen people and inheritance, fully loved and prepared by the God (Isaiah 5:1–7), with the expectation that they would bear righteous fruit. The unfaithful stewardship of Israel’s leaders led to this privilege being transferred to the apostles, pastors, and elders in the Church. The vineyard is also expanded to include all nations, the new people, and the holy lineage of the God (1 Peter 2:9–10).

The construction of a fence around the vineyard was for protection, representing the commandments and the law, clear boundaries set to guard and set apart God’s people from pagan practices and sins.

The digging of a winepress pit represents the provision of means for production, symbolizing the means for producing spiritual fruit: the Temple system, the sacrifices during the Old Testament era, and above all, God’s Word and Truth to transform His people. In the Church era, this also represents the presence of the Holy Spirit in each of God’s people, along with the granting of His spiritual gifts.

The building of a watchtower represents the provision of protection, symbolizing the God’s continual presence, safeguarding, and care.

The vineyard owner being away for a long time represents:

  • The God’s grace and patience, as He gives those entrusted with responsibility the necessary time and space to fulfill their duties.

  • A test of the faithfulness of the managers: will they work for the benefit of the owner when He is not physically present?

  • The long, drawn-out period in history during which the God appeared patient in the face of His people’s rebellion—sending many prophets and ultimately His own Only Son—demonstrating utmost patience to call them to repentance.

Today, the vineyard represents the Lord’s Church. The tenants represent the pastors and elders in the Church. They have the responsibility to use God’s Word to teach His people, enabling them to become living and holy sacrifices offered to God. Some pastors and elders will be faithful to the Lord, fulfilling their calling. Others, however, will be wicked, stealing God’s glory, treating the local Church as their own to exalt themselves and profit from God’s people.

Matthew 21:34-36

34 Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit.

35 And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another.

36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them.

Mark 12:2-5

2 Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that he might receive some of the fruit of the vineyard from the vinedressers.

3 And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed.

4 Again he sent them another servant, and at him they threw stones, wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully treated.

5 And again he sent another, and him they killed; and many others, beating some and killing some.

Luke 20:10-12

10 Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that they might give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vinedressers beat him and sent him away empty-handed.

11 Again he sent another servant; and they beat him also, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed.

12 And again he sent a third; and they wounded him also and cast him out.

The harvest season in the parable represents the time for the people of Israel to receive the Messiah, that is, the Christ.

The servants of the vineyard owner are the prophets sent by the God to prepare the hearts of the people of Israel for the coming of the Christ. According to the history recorded in Scripture, the following prophets were beaten and killed by the leaders of Israel:

  • Prophet Zechariah: “Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood above the people, and said to them, “Thus says God: ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the Lord, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the Lord, He also has forsaken you.'” So they conspired against him, and at the command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the Lord. Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but killed his son; and as he died, he said, “The Lord look on it, and repay!”” (2 Chronicles 24:20-22)

  • Prophet Jeremiah: “Now it happened, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the Lord had commanded him to speak to all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people seized him, saying, “You will surely die! Why have you prophesied in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate, without an inhabitant’?” And all the people were gathered against Jeremiah in the house of the Lord” (Jeremiah 26:8-9). According to Jewish tradition, he was stoned to death in Egypt.

  • Prophet Uriah: “Now there was also a man who prophesied in the name of the Lord, Urijah the son of Shemaiah of Kirjath Jearim, who prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah. And when Jehoiakim the king, with all his mighty men and all the princes, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death; but when Urijah heard it, he was afraid and fled, and went to Egypt. Then Jehoiakim the king sent men to Egypt: Elnathan the son of Achbor, and other men who went with him to Egypt. And they brought Urijah from Egypt and brought him to Jehoiakim the king, who killed him with the sword and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people.” (Jeremiah 26:20-23)

  • Other prophets during the time of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel: “For so it was, while Jezebel massacred the prophets of the Lord, that Obadiah had taken one hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty to a cave, and had fed them with bread and water.)” (1 Kings 18:4). “So he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”” (1 Kings 19:10, 14).

  • Additionally, according to Jewish tradition: Prophet Isaiah was sawn in half during the reign of King Manasseh (possibly alluded to in Hebrews 11:37: “they were sawn in two”). Prophet Amos was struck on the head with a staff by King Amaziah or his son and died. Prophet Micah was imprisoned by King Ahab and may have later been killed.

  • John the Baptist: Shortly before the Lord Jesus told this parable, John the Baptist had been beheaded by King Herod Antipas.

The entire Old Testament was a preparation and pointed toward “the fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4). The prophets not only warned of judgment but also announced the coming of the Messiah. The harvest time represents the moment when the God comes to gather the “fruit” of faith and obedience that He has been expecting.

The history of the people of Israel—from 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Jeremiah to Jewish tradition regarding Isaiah, Amos, and Micah—illuminates the statement: “And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another.” (Matthew 21:35). The Lord Jesus’ words were not an exaggeration but an accurate description of history. They also show that these were not isolated incidents but a recurring pattern throughout Israel’s history, culminating in the death of John the Baptist. He was not only a prophet but the final and greatest prophet of the Old Testament, directly pointing to the Messiah to present Him to all Israel (Matthew 11:9–11). He called Him “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The death of John the Baptist was the most recent and vivid evidence, right before the eyes of the leaders listening to the Lord Jesus, showing that they were continuing the pattern of killing the prophets of their ancestors.

The parable of the Lord Jesus is not a vague fictional story. It is a summary of the history of His people. What He said about the past (the prophets being killed) is true, which guarantees that His prophecy about the future (the Son will be killed, the vineyard will be given to others) will also be fulfilled.

The sin of the leaders was not ignorance. They had the history of the prophets to warn them, the preaching of John the Baptist, and the preaching and the miracles of the Lord Jesus to convince them, yet they still chose the path of their ancestors: eliminating the God’s messengers to protect their own power and interests.

This parable is a warning for every generation of leaders among God’s people. The spirit of the “wicked tenants” continues to exist whenever those in office begin to view the “vineyard” (the Church) as their own property rather than God’s and seek to remove any voice—whether God’s Word in Scripture or faithful servants of the Lord—that threatens their control.

Matthew 21:37-39

37 Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’

38 But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’

39 So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him.

Mark 12:6-8

6 Therefore still having one son, his beloved, he also sent him to them last, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’

7 But those vinedressers said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’

8 So they took him and killed him and cast him out of the vineyard.

Luke 20:13-15

13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. Probably they will respect him when they see him.’

14 But when the vinedressers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.’

15 So they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do to them?

The vineyard owner’s statement, “They will respect my son,” shows the God demonstrating the reasonableness that the Jewish leaders ought to have had in respecting His Only Son. They had ample evidence to know that the Lord Jesus was the Christ—through John the Baptist’s preaching, through the Lord Jesus’ own teaching, and through the countless miracles He performed. No prophet before Him had performed as many miracles as the Lord Jesus. Yet they chose the most unreasonable action: to kill the “Son of God.” This act highlights their wickedness.

Even though the God knew beforehand that they would kill His Only Son, He still sent the Lord Jesus to them, giving them one final opportunity to reconcile with Him.

The wicked tenants in the parable sought to kill the heir of the vineyard to seize it for themselves. They knew what they were doing and deliberately acted with ingratitude and evil.

The leaders of Israel, when they killed God’s prophets, also knew what they were doing. They sought to protect their power and illicit interests rather than repent and submit to the God.

The Jewish leaders at the time of the Lord Jesus, when they chose to kill Him, also knew what they were doing. They were merely seeking to protect their reputation, authority, and interests within Judaism.

All of them—from the kings of the Old Testament to the chief priests, scribes, and elders of the people of Israel in the time of the Lord Jesus—disregarded reason, God’s commandments, and His law. They chose to kill those who exposed their sins and called them to repentance.

Today, if pastors and elders in local Churches abuse the Lord’s Church to exalt themselves and gain profit, they are exhibiting the very spirit of the “wicked tenants” in the parable. According to the principles of Scripture, such sin is of a serious nature, comparable to the spirit of rejecting and opposing the Christ that the Holy Spirit warned against in Philippians 3:18 and Hebrews 6:6. Such individuals not only commit personal sin but also use the holy office and people of Christ to deny His rightful authority, placing themselves as master instead of servant, and publicly dishonoring His name before the world. This action repeats the spirit of betrayal exhibited by those who rejected the prophets and killed the very Son of God.

However, this assessment is not intended for us to pass hopeless judgment but to clearly recognize the danger of abusing office in the Church. At the same time, it serves as a warning and a call to repentance for those who have fallen into such sin. We leave the final judgment to the God, who knows every heart and is the righteous Judge.

This assessment urges the Church to be faithful in shepherding, correcting, and, when necessary, disciplining with love and transparency (according to Matthew 18:15–17; 1 Corinthians 5:11–13; 1 Timothy 5:19–20) to protect the flock and maintain the purity of the body of Christ. Nevertheless, we must not forget that the grace and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ still have the power to cleanse all sins, including the sin of abusing the Lord’s Church, if there is genuine repentance.

Matthew 21:40-41

40 Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?”

41 They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.”

Mark 12:9

9 Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vinedressers, and give the vineyard to others.

Luke 20:16

16 He will come and destroy those vinedressers and give the vineyard to others.” And when they heard it they said, “Certainly not!”

“When the owner of the vineyard comes” refers to the time when the God executes judgment on the negligent leaders of the people of Israel.

That judgment was fulfilled in AD 70, when Jerusalem and God’s Temple were destroyed by the Roman army. The Sanhedrin and the priestly class of Judaism were dissolved. The “vineyard” was then opened to all nations, with the apostles, Gospel preachers, pastors, teachers of God’s Word, and elders in the Church becoming the new “tenants.” Many faithfully served in their office, many even sacrificing their lives, so that God’s “vineyard” would continue to produce abundant and precious “wine.”

According to Luke, many of those who heard the parable said, “Certainly not!”

Those who spoke may have been the chief priests and Pharisees (including scribes and elders), because Matthew 21:45 indicates that they knew the Lord Jesus was speaking about them. But it could also have been some of the general crowd.

They understood the meaning of the parable, yet they did not believe that the God could remove the leadership of the priestly class in Judaism. They believed their positions were permanent, secured by the lineage of Abraham and the Temple rituals. They did not believe that the God could take away the privileges of His chosen people, Israel, and extend His grace to the Gentiles. To them, the idea that the God’s covenant and promises could leave Israel by bloodline to reach the nations was a terrible offense to their theology and national pride. They thought they could resist the God’s will by killing His Only Son and still retain their privileges. They believed they could kill the heir and seize the inheritance (Luke 20:14).

But history has proven that the Lord Jesus’ words in the parable came true. The Jewish leaders handed Jesus over to the Roman authorities, resulting in His crucifixion. It was also through Roman power that the God destroyed them and their descendants in AD 70. And to this day, the “vineyard” has been expanded to all nations, with new tenants drawn from every people.

Matthew 21:42

42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’?

Mark 12:10-11

10 Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.

11 This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’?”

Luke 20:17

17 Then He looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone’?

The words in Psalm 118:22–23, as quoted by the Lord Jesus, are:

“The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.”

In ancient construction, stones were quarried and transported to the building site. The builders had to evaluate each stone to decide where it should be placed. The “cornerstone” was the most important stone. It was set at the foundation corner or the top corner, connecting two walls and giving stability to the structure. It had to have perfect shape and size.

The reason a stone might be initially rejected but later used as the cornerstone is that the builders judged it unsuitable—perhaps its shape was unusual or its dimensions were off. They set it aside, but later, when building the corner of the structure, they discovered that the previously rejected stone fit perfectly. Only that stone could serve as the cornerstone.

It is also possible that, according to the original design, the stone was unsuitable, but when the construction plan changed, it became the perfect fit.

There is a Jewish legend about the construction of King Solomon’s Temple: the builders received a large stone from the quarry but did not know where to place it because of its unusual shape. They set it aside for the seven years of construction. Near the end, when a special cornerstone was needed, they remembered the forgotten stone and found that it fit perfectly. Once it was placed, the entire structure was completed and made stable [1].

The prophecy in Psalm 118:22, which uses the image of a rejected stone becoming the cornerstone, points to the Lord Jesus.

The leaders among the people of Israel rejected the Lord Jesus because:

  • He was born into a poor carpenter’s family, without status or power.

  • He did not follow their traditions.

  • He rebuked them (Matthew 23).

  • He associated with sinners: tax collectors and prostitutes.

They considered Him unfit, even dangerous, because He could undermine their authority among the people of Israel, so they sought to eliminate Him. In fact, they handed Him over to the Roman authorities, who crucified Him.

Yet the Lord Jesus rose again and became the cornerstone for God’s work of salvation for all humanity and also the cornerstone of the Church.

Psalm 118:23 affirms that this is the work of the Self-Existing and Eternal One, and it is marvelous in the eyes of God’s people. The one who was crucified like a sinner became the Savior. The one rejected by the leaders became the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” The one who was killed became the source of resurrection and eternal life.

Without the cornerstone, a structure is prone to collapse. The two walls are not firmly joined, and the whole building loses balance. Without the Lord Jesus, there is no salvation, no Church, no secure connection between the Old Testament and the New Testament, and no connection between God and humanity. All human efforts to reach God apart from Him are in vain.

Matthew 21:43-44

43 “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.

44 And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”

Luke 20:18

18 “Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”

The Kingdom of Heaven was first preached to the people of Israel, but only a few believed. The leaders in Israel not only rejected it but also participated in the killing of the Christ. Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven would be taken away from them and given to a new people. Spiritual leadership would no longer remain in the hands of the rulers of Judaism but would pass to the apostles, pastors, and elders in a new people. These new people are the Church, including anyone who believes the Gospel, regardless of nation. These new people are the holy lineage of humanity referred to in Malachi 2:15.

“The one who falls on the stone” is someone who stumbles because of the Christ, refusing to accept His teachings because they do not conform to their own will or personal preference. Such people will be harmed by rejecting and not believing in the Christ.

The image of the stone falling on a person and crushing them illustrates the final judgment by Christ on anyone who opposes Him. He will judge them strictly. The phrase “crush them to dust” echoes the Scripture in Malachi 4:3: “You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet. On the day that I do this,” Says the Lord of hosts.”

It is difficult for us to imagine the final punishment for those who oppose the Lord, but it is certain that it will be terrifying and exceedingly painful. Pain comes from realizing that one has forfeited the opportunity to receive God’s love and grace. Pain comes from the clear understanding that a life of indulgence in sin leads to utter destruction, which is utterly meaningless and tragic.

Matthew 21:45-46

45 Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.

46 But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.

Mark 12:12

12 And they sought to lay hands on Him, but feared the multitude, for they knew He had spoken the parable against them. So they left Him and went away.

Luke 20:19

19 And the chief priests and the scribes that very hour sought to lay hands on Him, but they feared the people–for they knew He had spoken this parable against them.

Matthew uses the term “Pharisees” to include the scribes, while Luke specifically uses “scribes” to emphasize their role, implying that they were people who thoroughly understood God’s Word, as they copied and interpreted it. The term “chief priests” refers generally to the high priest Annas, who had been deposed by the Roman authorities, and was the father-in-law of the current high priest Caiaphas (also appointed by the Romans). Both were actively involved in opposing the Lord Jesus Christ.

It can be said that the Jewish authorities at that time both feared and hated the Lord Jesus. They feared that He would overthrow their authority, because His teaching and the miracles He performed impressed the crowds and led them to recognize Him as a prophet of the God. They hated Him because He openly rebuked and criticized their wrongdoing and hypocrisy before the people, even within the Temple precincts, considered their territory. They also feared that too many people following Him might become a movement against the Roman authorities, leading to Jerusalem being attacked by the Roman army. Therefore, their actions to seek the Lord Jesus’ death were not solely from personal envy, but also from a pragmatic calculation to protect the religious-political system they controlled, according to the reasoning “one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish,” as the high priest Caiaphas declared (John 11:50).

“Sought to lay hands on Him” does not merely mean trying to arrest Him; in the case of the Lord Jesus, it also meant seeking to kill Him. However, they could not openly arrest Him because they feared the people would riot against them. Just two days earlier, when the Lord Jesus rode into the city on a donkey, the crowds had hailed Him, welcoming Him as a king.

The important point is that they fully understood the meaning of the parables. They knew that the Lord Jesus regarded them as the hypocritical son, lacking reverence for the Father, as the wicked and ungrateful tenants who stole the owner’s property. This was a grave insult and humiliation that they could not overlook. Instead of humbling themselves to repent and believe that the Lord Jesus was the Christ, they were determined to find a way to destroy Him.

Thus, the journey of the Lord Jesus to the cross was not only the result of a cold political conspiracy but also a story of the confrontation between pure truth and power corrupted by sin.

We conclude this lesson here.

May the Holy Spirit guide us into all the truths of God’s Word (John 16:13). May the Word of God sanctify us (John 17:17). May the Faithful *God of Peace Himself sanctify our spirit, soul, and body entirely, without blame (1 Thessalonians 5:23), at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Beloved Savior. Amen!

Timothy Christian Huynh
Priscilla Christian Huynh
12/06/2025

Notes:

[1] https://preachthewordatheartland.com/2024/09/30/the-rejected-cornerstone/

About Using “*God”, “the God” and “holy spirit”

Wherever the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts of the Bible use a definite article with a noun to denote GOD, we translate it into English as *God or “the God” to refer to God the Father. We understand that “God,” without a definite article, was used as a collective noun for all and any of the three Persons of the Godhead. And “God,” with a definite article, was used to refer to God the Father.

In the Greek manuscripts of the New Testament, the term “holy spirit” (πνευματι αγιω) without the definite article “the” (το) is used to denote the power of God, which is given by God the Holy Spirit. “The Holy Spirit” (το πνευματι το αγιω) is God, and “holy spirit” (πνευματι αγιω) is the power that comes from God.