Matthew 21:33-41 Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and dig a wine press in it… I. THEIR MERCIES. 1. They were in the vineyard — Israel — and in no heathen land. No small mercy that we live in a Christian country. 2. They were husbandmen — men of office and influence, entrusted with an honourable work under a wise and good master. A great mercy to be not only in the vineyard, but called to work for God there. 3. They were paid for their work. 4. Though unfaithful, they had been long borne with. Divine forbearance a great mercy. 5. Special messengers were sent to them from time to time to stimulate and encourage them, etc. II. THEIR CONDUCT. 1. They neglected their work. 2. They missed the purport of their office, which was spiritual. 3. They had killed the messengers. 4. At last they filled up the measure of their iniquity by killing the heir. Being servants, they had come to regard themselves as the owners and lords of God's heritage. Under their husbandry the vineyard had become a scene of moral ruin. III. THEIR PUNISHMENT. 1. God, though merciful, was not unobservant of their conduct. 2. He had often inflicted minor and temporal punishments on themselves and the nation. 3. Now they were to be wholly extinguished. 4. The punishment was unexpected; they despised its cause. 5. It was complete. They lost their place and nation, and were scattered abroad.Learn — 1. To consider and value God's mercies (Psalm 106:12-14; Romans 12:1). 2. To study our reception and use of them. 3. To reflect specially on the greatest of all (2 Corinthians 9:15). 4. To remember that we too must give account. (J. C. Gray.) Parallel Verses KJV: Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: |
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