Matthew 21:37 – “Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse marks a turning point in Jesus’ parable of the tenants. After the landowner’s servants are repeatedly mistreated and killed, he sends his son, believing the tenants will respect him. The son represents a final and ultimate appeal, symbolizing the landowner’s trust and love. The tenants’ response, as the story unfolds, reveals the depth of their rebellion and disregard for the landowner’s authority.
The son in the parable points to Jesus Christ, God’s ultimate messenger. While God sent many prophets to call His people to repentance, He sent His Son as the final and most significant revelation of His love and authority. This verse highlights both God’s patience and the seriousness of rejecting His Son.
Historical Context
The religious leaders listening to this parable would have been familiar with the long history of Israel’s rejection of God’s prophets. Figures like Elijah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah faced persecution for delivering God’s message. The “son” in this story adds a new level of urgency and significance, pointing directly to Jesus as the Son of God.
At this point in Jesus’ ministry, the religious leaders were already plotting to kill Him (Matthew 21:46). This parable not only exposes their intentions but also reveals the gravity of rejecting Jesus, the one sent by God to save His people.
Theological Implications
Matthew 21:37 underscores God’s incredible patience and love. Despite humanity’s repeated rejection of His messengers, God sent His Son as the ultimate demonstration of His grace and desire for reconciliation. This verse shows that Jesus is central to God’s plan of salvation and that rejecting Him is a rejection of God Himself.
It also serves as a warning about the consequences of rejecting God’s Son. The tenants’ rebellion reflects the seriousness of refusing to recognize Jesus’ authority and the gift of salvation He offers.
Literary Analysis
This verse serves as a climactic moment in the parable, heightening the tension between the landowner and the tenants. The phrase “Last of all” emphasizes the finality of the landowner’s decision to send his son, signifying that this is his ultimate attempt to reach the tenants.
The landowner’s statement, “They will respect my son,” reflects a hopeful yet tragic expectation, as the audience knows the tenants’ response will not match the landowner’s trust. This contrast adds to the emotional weight of the story and highlights the depth of the tenants’ rebellion.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This verse underscores God’s ultimate act of love in sending His Son for the salvation of the world. - Hebrews 1:1-2: “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.”
This passage highlights Jesus as God’s ultimate revelation and the fulfillment of His message. - Isaiah 5:4: “What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it?”
This verse parallels the landowner’s decision to send his son, showing God’s complete investment in His people.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Matthew 21:37 is a reminder of the centrality of Jesus in God’s plan of salvation. It challenges us to reflect on how we respond to Jesus’ authority and His message. Do we accept Him as the Son of God, or do we resist His call to repentance and faith?
This verse also encourages us to trust in God’s love, knowing that He sent His Son as the ultimate expression of His desire to save and restore us. It calls us to live in gratitude and obedience, recognizing the significance of what God has done for us through Jesus.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse highlights God’s extraordinary love and patience. Despite repeated rejection, God’s decision to send His Son shows His deep desire for reconciliation with His people. His love is not conditional but is offered even to those who resist and rebel against Him. This act of sending His Son demonstrates the lengths to which God is willing to go to save humanity.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Matthew 21:37 directly points to Jesus as the Son of God, sent as the ultimate messenger and Savior. It foreshadows His rejection and crucifixion, emphasizing the gravity of humanity’s response to Him. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises, and this verse underscores His unique role as the one through whom salvation is offered to the world.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to reflect on your response to Jesus and His authority in your life?
- What does this passage teach you about God’s patience and His desire for reconciliation with His people?
- How can you live in a way that reflects gratitude for God’s ultimate act of love in sending His Son?
- Are there areas in your life where you struggle to fully accept or trust Jesus as the Son of God?
- How can you share the message of God’s love and the significance of Jesus with others who may not yet know Him?
Matthew 21:37 reminds us of God’s great love and patience, demonstrated in the sending of His Son. It challenges us to respond to Jesus with faith, gratitude, and obedience, recognizing Him as the ultimate revelation of God’s grace and the key to our salvation.