Matthew 21:38 – “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus continues the parable of the tenants, describing how the tenants recognize the landowner’s son as the rightful heir. Instead of respecting him, they conspire to kill him, thinking they can take his inheritance for themselves. This response shows the tenants’ complete rejection of the landowner’s authority and their greed and rebellion.
The tenants’ actions symbolize the religious leaders’ rejection of Jesus. Despite knowing His identity and witnessing His works, they plotted to kill Him, driven by their desire to maintain power and control. Their response highlights the severity of sin and the human heart’s resistance to God’s authority.
Historical Context
In ancient Jewish society, inheritance laws stated that if an heir died without successors, the land could pass to others, including tenants who might claim ownership. The tenants’ plan reflects their greed and their belief that killing the son would allow them to take control of the vineyard.
Jesus was speaking directly to the religious leaders who were already plotting to kill Him (Matthew 21:46). By identifying the son as the rightful heir, Jesus highlights His divine authority as the Son of God. The leaders’ actions mirror the tenants’ rebellion, as they refused to submit to God’s authority and rejected His ultimate messenger.
Theological Implications
Matthew 21:38 reveals the depth of human sin and rebellion against God. The tenants’ plot to kill the son reflects the rejection of God’s authority and the lengths to which people will go to maintain their own power and control. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts and consider whether we are resisting God’s authority in any area of our lives.
At the same time, the verse underscores the gravity of rejecting Jesus, the Son of God. It reminds us that our response to Jesus determines our relationship with God and has eternal consequences.
Literary Analysis
This verse intensifies the tension in the parable, highlighting the tenants’ deliberate and calculated rebellion. Their recognition of the son as the heir adds to the weight of their actions, showing that their rejection is not out of ignorance but willful defiance.
The phrase “Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance” reflects a collective decision, emphasizing the tenants’ unity in their rebellion. This decision mirrors the religious leaders’ plotting against Jesus, reinforcing the parable’s connection to real events in Jesus’ ministry.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 2:2-3: “The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, ‘Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.’”
This psalm reflects humanity’s rebellion against God and His chosen one. - John 11:47-48: “Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. ‘What are we accomplishing?’ they asked. ‘Here is this man performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.’”
This passage shows the religious leaders’ plot to kill Jesus, driven by fear and self-preservation. - Acts 4:11: “Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’”
This verse emphasizes Jesus’ rejection by the leaders and His ultimate role in God’s plan.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Matthew 21:38 serves as a warning against rejecting God’s authority and clinging to our own desires. It challenges us to reflect on areas where we might be resisting God’s will and to submit fully to His authority. The verse also reminds us of the seriousness of rejecting Jesus, calling us to trust Him as the rightful heir and King.
This passage encourages us to stand firm in our faith, recognizing Jesus as the foundation of our relationship with God and the source of our salvation.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love through His willingness to send His Son, even knowing He would be rejected and killed. The landowner’s decision to send the son demonstrates God’s deep desire for reconciliation with humanity. Despite the rebellion of the tenants, God’s love remains steadfast, offering hope and redemption through Jesus.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Matthew 21:38 points directly to Jesus as the Son of God and the rightful heir to God’s Kingdom. The tenants’ rejection of the son foreshadows Jesus’ crucifixion, where He was rejected and killed by the very people He came to save. This verse highlights Jesus’ unique role as the one through whom God’s Kingdom is established and the ultimate revelation of God’s authority and love.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where you resist God’s authority or try to hold on to control?
- How does this verse challenge you to examine your response to Jesus as the rightful heir and King?
- What does this passage teach you about the seriousness of rejecting Jesus and the consequences of that decision?
- How does the landowner’s willingness to send his son encourage you to trust in God’s love and patience?
- In what ways can you share the message of Jesus’ authority and sacrifice with those who may not yet recognize Him as Lord?
Matthew 21:38 challenges us to recognize Jesus as the rightful heir of God’s Kingdom and to respond with faith and obedience. It reminds us of the depth of human rebellion and the magnitude of God’s love, calling us to trust in Jesus as our Savior and King.