In this second parable to the religious leaders, Jesus presents an easily understood scenario from Israel’s prophetic writings (33-41). We find a patient and humble landowner of a fruitful, well cared for vineyard, seeking to collect his fruit. We then meet the tenants, whose self-centered worldview causes them to respond with increasing violence and delusion, as if they could own the vineyard. The religious leaders fully understand the parable, and give the right answer (41). Perhaps they thought of themselves as the landowner’s agents, dealing with “upstarts” hijacking their temple. But the point isn’t the struggle over ownership. The parable is about the response to the coming of the Son (37-38).

Jesus quotes to them Psalm 118:22-23 (42), and uses their own answer to pronounce judgment on them (43-44). The people and children blessed his coming (9; Ps 118:25-26), showing the right response to the cornerstone. But they hardened their hearts further (45-46). Let’s not harden our hearts, but welcome the Son, humble ourselves before the cornerstone Jesus our Savior. As we do so, we are free to participate joyfully with Jesus, producing the fruit of the kingdom in our world.
Application: Father, thank you for sending Jesus so humbly and gently. Soften hard hearts toward Jesus. Help us welcome him humbly, and joyfully participate in your kingdom work today.
One Word: Receive Jesus as the Cornerstone