Matthew 21:40

“When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?”

Context: This verse is part of a parable told by Jesus known as the Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen or the Parable of the Tenants. It is found in the context of Jesus’ teachings and interactions with the chief priests and elders in the temple. The parable is meant to convey a spiritual truth to the religious leaders and the people who were present.

To understand the verse better, it’s important to look at the broader context of the parable. In Matthew 21:33-39, Jesus tells the story of a landowner who planted a vineyard, set a hedge around it, dug a winepress, and built a tower. He then leased it out to some husbandmen (or tenants) and went away.

When the time for harvest came, the landowner sent his servants to collect the fruit from the vineyard. However, the tenants mistreated the servants, beating and killing them. The landowner then sent more servants, but the same mistreatment and violence occurred. Finally, the landowner decides to send his own son, thinking that the tenants would respect and honour him. However, the tenants see the son as an opportunity to claim the inheritance for themselves. They plot against him, seize him, and kill him outside the vineyard.

After narrating the parable, Jesus asks the religious leaders a question in Matthew 21:40, “When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?” Here, Jesus is asking the chief priests and elders to reflect on the actions of the landowner in the story and consider what the landowner’s response would be.

The religious leaders understood that Jesus was referring to them as the tenants and that the landowner represents God. The servants sent by the landowner symbolise the prophets who were sent to the people of Israel in the past. The son represents Jesus himself, who was sent as the Messiah and the ultimate revelation of God’s will.

In Matthew 21:41-44, Jesus provides the answer to his question: “They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.” In this response, the chief priests and elders acknowledge that the landowner will bring judgement upon the wicked tenants and give the vineyard to others who will produce fruit.

Jesus concludes the parable by stating that the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, indicating that he is the rejected one who will become the foundation of God’s new work.

In summary, Matthew 21:40 is a pivotal verse in the Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen. It emphasises the impending judgement upon those who reject God’s messengers and his ultimate Son, Jesus Christ. The verse prompts self-reflection and challenges listeners to consider their response to God’s call and the consequences of their actions.

Note: The interpretation provided here is based on the context and understanding of the parable within the biblical narrative. Different biblical scholars and commentators may offer additional insights and perspectives on this passage.