Matthew 21:39 – “So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus continues the parable of the tenants, describing the ultimate act of rebellion: the tenants kill the landowner’s son. They take him outside the vineyard and murder him, fully rejecting the authority of the landowner and attempting to claim the vineyard for themselves. This act symbolizes the religious leaders’ rejection of Jesus, leading to His crucifixion.
By portraying the son as being thrown out of the vineyard, Jesus foreshadows His own death outside Jerusalem. The tenants’ actions reveal the depth of their rebellion and greed, as they believe they can take the inheritance by eliminating the rightful heir.
Historical Context
This parable directly addressed the religious leaders of Israel, who were rejecting Jesus’ authority. By this point in Jesus’ ministry, they were actively seeking ways to kill Him (Matthew 21:46). The act of taking the son outside the vineyard parallels the way Jesus would be taken outside the city of Jerusalem to be crucified (Hebrews 13:12).
In the Old Testament, prophets who spoke out against the sins of Israel were often rejected or killed (e.g., Jeremiah and Zechariah). Jesus connects this historical pattern to His own rejection, pointing to the leaders’ failure to recognize Him as the Son of God.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the severity of rejecting Jesus, the Son of God. It underscores humanity’s rebellion against God and the lengths to which people will go to maintain control and resist His authority. The tenants’ murder of the son represents humanity’s ultimate rejection of God’s love and provision through Christ.
At the same time, this verse points to God’s sovereignty and His plan of redemption. Even though the son is killed, his death becomes the means through which God accomplishes His purpose, offering salvation to all who believe in Jesus.
Literary Analysis
Matthew 21:39 is the climax of the parable, showing the tenants’ complete rejection of the landowner’s authority. The progression of violence—from mistreating the servants to killing the son—reflects the escalating rebellion of the tenants. The phrase “threw him out of the vineyard” emphasizes the deliberate and calculated nature of their actions.
The imagery of the vineyard, a symbol of God’s Kingdom, contrasts with the tenants’ wickedness, highlighting the tragedy of their rebellion and the son’s unjust death.
Biblical Cross-References
- Hebrews 13:12: “And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.”
This verse connects Jesus’ crucifixion outside Jerusalem to the son being thrown out of the vineyard. - Isaiah 53:3: “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.”
Isaiah’s prophecy reflects the rejection and suffering of the Son of God. - Acts 2:23: “This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.”
This verse highlights God’s sovereignty in using Jesus’ death to accomplish His plan of salvation.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Matthew 21:39 serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of rejecting Jesus. It challenges us to examine our hearts and consider whether we fully recognize His authority in our lives. The tenants’ actions warn against the dangers of pride, greed, and rebellion, which can lead us away from God’s truth.
This verse also encourages us to live in gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus, who willingly endured rejection and death to bring us salvation. It calls us to honor Him as the rightful heir of God’s Kingdom and to live in obedience to His will.
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 son’s death demonstrates the depth of God’s love and His desire to reconcile humanity to Himself. God’s love is not diminished by humanity’s rebellion; instead, it is magnified through His sacrificial plan to save us.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Matthew 21:39 directly foreshadows Jesus’ crucifixion. Just as the tenants rejected and killed the son, the religious leaders would reject and crucify Jesus. This verse points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption, emphasizing His role as the sacrificial Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
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 the seriousness of rejecting God’s call and His Son?
- How can you live in gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus, recognizing the cost of your salvation?
- Are there areas in your life where you might be resisting God’s authority or holding on to control?
- How can you share the message of Jesus’ love and sacrifice with those who may not yet recognize Him as Lord?
Matthew 21:39 reminds us of the depth of humanity’s rebellion and the magnitude of God’s love. It calls us to honor Jesus as the Son of God, to live in obedience to His will, and to share the message of His sacrifice and redemption with the world.