Sunday, October 04, 2026
Scriptures: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, Matthew 21:33-46
Caring for God’s vineyard
- Context
Last Sunday we talked about the confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders, the chief priests and elders. They questioned Jesus about who gave Him the authority to turn over the tables and seats of the sellers and buyers in the temple courtyard. The parable of the tenants is one of three parables Jesus used to expose their wickedness. It follows the parable of the two sons, where one son said no but later went to work in the vineyard, while the other said yes but never went. Jesus then asked which son actually did the father’s will.
- God planted the vineyard.
Jesus tells the parable of a landowner who planted a vineyard, prepared it, and entrusted it to tenants. The landowner represents God, and the vineyard represents what God has entrusted to His people. As Genesis 2:15 reminds us, God placed humanity in the garden “to work it and take care of it.” We are called to be stewards of God’s creation, not owners.
God made a covenant with Israel, gave them a land flowing with milk and honey, and asked them to worship Him alone and keep His commandments. They were also called to be a light to other nations, showing God’s ways of peace and justice. But the tenants were unfaithful: they worshiped other gods, disobeyed God’s law, and failed to lead others toward God’s truth.
- The landowner sent his servants
When harvest time came, the landowner sent his servants to collect his portion of the fruit. The tenants were expected to give the landowner his share because he had provided and prepared everything for the vineyard. But the longer they used the land, the more they began to act as if they owned it. The servants represent the prophets whom God sent to call Israel back to Him and remind them of His faithfulness. The prophets reminded the people how God delivered them from slavery in Egypt, provided manna in the wilderness, gave them victory over their enemies, and brought them back from exile in Babylon.
This can also happen to us. We may become tired, lose faith, turn away from God, or stop coming to church for many reasons. But no matter our reasons or excuses, God reminds us of all He has already done in our lives. Despite our weaknesses, God continues to work in us. Even when we fail to see our blessings, God is still blessing us. We are more blessed than we realize because God’s hand is with us every day. He shows us mercy despite our failures, guides us despite our plans, and helps us despite our problems.
But the tenants responded violently. They beat, stoned, and killed the servants the landowner sent to collect his fruit. God sent many prophets to call Israel back to Him, but the people rejected their message and, in some cases, killed the messengers. Zechariah was stoned (2 Chronicles 24:21), Jeremiah was beaten and imprisoned (Jeremiah 20:2), and other prophets also faced rejection (Nehemiah 9:26; Isaiah 6:9-10).
Finally, the landowner sent his son, expecting the tenants to respect him. The son represents Jesus, whom God sent to proclaim His love, call people to reconciliation, and show them how to live according to God’s will. But the tenants saw the Son as an opportunity to take the vineyard for themselves. They rejected and killed Him, taking Him outside the vineyard and crucifying Him.
Jesus then asked the religious leaders what the landowner would do when he returned. They answered that he would remove the wicked tenants and give the vineyard to others who would produce its fruit.
Jesus then quoted Psalm 118:22-23 about the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone. He was pointing to Himself as the foundation of God’s new people, the Church, with the apostles and prophets built upon that foundation.
- Caring for God’s vineyard
Jesus told this parable to the Pharisees and chief priests, who had rejected Him. We, however, have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, been baptized, and continue to grow in faith. So, what does this parable teach us today? I believe Jesus reminds us that we are now the tenants and stewards of God’s vineyard. As Jesus says in verse 43, the kingdom of God is given to those who will “produce its fruit.” God has entrusted His kingdom and its work to us, and He calls us to be faithful stewards.
God calls those who belong to His kingdom to bear fruit by doing His will. The vineyard has been entrusted to us, not for our ownership, but for faithful stewardship. God gives us time and opportunities to serve Him, so we must ask: What fruit am I producing with the life God has entrusted to me?
- Conclusion
Let us conclude with two ways we can bear fruit for God. First, show your faith through your actions. A kind word, a helping hand, forgiveness, compassion, reconciliation, or an invitation to church can bring someone closer to Christ. Second, do something. Reach out to someone, even when you are not sure what to say. Even a small act of love can make a lasting difference.
May God help us bear fruit that pleases Him, so that when He returns, He will find us faithful and welcome us into His kingdom. Amen.