By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
If I Reject Jesus?
Matthew 21:33–45
The Son Sent (33–37)
In this parable Jesus is reflecting Isaiah 5. In Isaiah, God uses the allusion of a vineyard to represent Israel and Jesus continues this symbolism. God is the one who planted the vineyard just like God established the nation of Israel. God gave the land of Canaan to His chosen people and provided caretakers — the priests — to help shepherd the people.
However, these religious leaders of Israel turned from God and went their own ways, following the gods of the people in whose land they now lived. Jesus compares the religious leaders of Israel to the farmers who are supposed to take care of the crops.
However, in the Old Testament, the religious leaders rejected the prophets of God time and time again, often resulting in the demise of the prophet. Finally, God decided the time was right to send His own Son to collect His due.
At this juncture in human history, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to the people of Israel.
The Son Rejected (38–39)
Instead of embracing the Son’s rightful rule and authority, the “farmers” decided to kill Him, effectively taking hold of the vineyard for themselves. This is an obvious allusion to what the Pharisees and teachers of the law were going to do to Jesus.
For Christians today, it seems alarming to reject the Son of God, but for these religious leaders, their authority was based off of their rules and teachings. To accept Christ’s teachings meant these Pharisees would lose their place of leadership and authority.
For the Pharisees their position was based upon their obedience to the law — but not only the law in the Old Testament, but also their interpretation of the law. Their additions made the Old Testament law even harder to follow, a point which Jesus criticizes in the Gospels.
Regardless of the Pharisees’ attitudes, Jesus points out salvation is not found in obedience to the law but in belief in Christ. This salvation by grace rejects a salvation of works and makes salvation available to everyone regardless of their position in society.
This is still good news for people today. Acceptance by God is not based upon what we can do for God but what God can do for us. All we have to do is accept this gift.
The Son Vindicated (40–45)
The Pharisees and teachers of the law had no choice but to answer Jesus’ question and draw from it Jesus’ intended conclusions. They knew that those who rejected the rightful authority of the vineyard had to be punished, and they understood Jesus was using this parable against them.
However, they refused to give up their authority for God’s rightful authority. Instead of choosing Jesus’ rightful reign, they decided to kill Him and end the threat.
From our vantage point we can see the mistake in the Pharisees’ thinking. But we need to be careful we do not do the same thing.
It is easy for us to get caught up in the things of this world — our jobs, money, families — and reject the things of God. It is one thing to call Jesus “Lord,” it is another to make Him Lord.
Be careful not to fall into the trap of the Pharisees’ thinking. If Jesus is calling you to do something, obey — don’t reject His leading.
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