The Parable of the Tenants (127 downloads)
Matthew 21:23-46
Key Verse 21:43 “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.”
- What question did the chief priests and elders ask Jesus and why (23; cf. Matthew 21:12,15)? What was Jesus’ counter-question, and why couldn’t they answer (24-27)? Why did Jesus talk about John’s baptism?
- Which of the two sons did what the father asked? Who do the father and his two sons represent? (31-32) How is this parable an illustration of obeying God’s command as the way to enter the kingdom of God?
- Who is the owner of the vineyard and who are the tenants? (33-34; cf. Isaiah 5:1-7) Why did the tenants treat the owner’s servants violently and refuse to give any fruit? (35)
- Even after the mistreatment of his servants, why did the owner send his son? Why did the tenants kill the son? (38-39) What will be the ultimate consequences for the tenants? (40-41,43)
- Why does Jesus quote Psalm 118:22-23 here? (42) How does Jesus apply this psalm to himself and to the religious leaders? (43-46)
- What does being tenants in God’s vineyard tell us about who we are? What fruit can we offer to God? (cf. Matthew 3:8, 9:13)