What does Matthew 21:38 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 21:38 tells us about the reaction of the husbandmen (tenants of a vineyard) when they see the son of the landowner approaching.

In the verse, rather than respecting his authority as the heir of the vineyard, the tenants conspire to kill him, hoping to take his inheritance.

On the literal level, the verse depicts a planned act of murder and theft.

However, the deeper meaning of this verse is allegorical and refers to the rejection of Jesus Christ by the religious leaders of Israel, who are represented by the husbandmen.

Jesus is signified as the "son" and heir, the true messenger of God.

The vineyard is a symbol of Israel, God's chosen people, and the inheritance signifies the Kingdom of God.

The son's murder attempts by the tenants display the ultimate rejection of God's son, which will culminate in Jesus' crucifixion.

Historical Context

Matthew 21:38 is part of the Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen, which Jesus tells during the last week of his life, known as the Passion Week.

The historical context is Jesus' series of confrontations with the Jewish religious authorities in Jerusalem.

The parable is a direct critique of those leaders and their stewardship of Israel.

During this time, messianic expectations were high, and religious leaders wielded significant influence.

Jesus presenting himself as the son and heir was a significant challenge to their authority and beliefs.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse offers insights into the concept of messiahship in Christianity, it affirms Jesus as the son and heir of God.

This parable also addresses the issue of divine judgment.

The husbandmen who sought to seize the inheritance represent those who reject God's authority and fail to produce the fruits of the Kingdom.

The parable predicts the transfer of God's promise from one group (Israel) to another (the Church), showing the inclusivity of God’s salvation plan.

Some theologians may view the parable as addressing religious leadership and responsibility, with God entrusting leaders to guide His people faithfully.

Practical Applications

This verse has practical applications concerning stewardship and responsibility. It can be seen as an encouragement to act faithfully in one's duties and to recognize and respect legitimate authority.

This verse can also warn against greed and envy, illustrating the perils of allowing such traits to lead to wrongful actions.

Cross-References

• Matthew 21:33-41: These verses encompass the whole Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen, containing the prelude and the conclusion to Matthew 21:38.
• Mark 12:1-9, Luke 20:9-16: Parallel accounts of the Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen in the other Synoptic Gospels.
• Isaiah 5:1-7: The Song of the Vineyard, which similarly uses the imagery of a vineyard to represent Israel and discusses the people's failure to bring forth justice.
• Psalm 118:22-23: Refers to the stone which the builders rejected becoming the cornerstone, a prophecy often associated with Jesus.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include:

• "husbandmen" (γεωργοί - geōrgoi): implying tenants or farmers working the land.
• "son" (υἱός - huios): often used to denote a filial relationship, but also to indicate one who possesses the nature of something (in this case, the divine nature).
• "heir" (κληρονόμος - klēronomos): someone who inherits or is legally entitled to inherit, often used in the New Testament to describe believers inheriting the Kingdom of God.
• "kill" (ἀποκτείνω - apokteinō): meaning to kill or put to death, often used to describe the murder of prophets and, significantly, Jesus.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This parable parallels some ancient myths where the rightful heir is opposed, often violently.

In various cultures, stories exist of usurpers attempting to steal the throne or inheritance from the legitimate heir.

Religiously, the motif of a rejected prophet or son can also be found in Islamic teachings where prophets are rejected by their people, and in Judaism where prophets such as Jeremiah face persecution.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific community does not generally engage with scriptural passages directly, as scientific method requires empirical evidence and testability.

However, the concept of inheritance could be considered alongside genetic inheritance and Darwinian principles of survival and competition, though these are distinct from the cultural and legal aspects of inheritance depicted in the verse.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians offer commentaries on Matthew 21:38. Generally, they interpret the parable as a direct challenge to the religious leaders of the time, an indictment of their failure to lead the people of Israel to produce the fruits of righteousness.

Commentators often note Jesus' boldness in the face of inevitable conflict and his role as the cornerstone of faith. Contemporary commentators might focus on the social justice elements of the parable, calling for faithful and equitable stewardship in society.

Some also draw attention to the eschatological dimensions, seeing this exchange as foretelling the coming transfer of the Kingdom to the church.