What does Matthew 21:39 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 21:39 narrates a part of a parable Jesus told - the Parable of the Tenants.

In this verse, the tenants seize the son of the vineyard owner, throw him out of the vineyard, and kill him.

This is the climax of the parable, illustrating the widespread rejection and ultimate execution of the vineyard owner's son.

Literally, the verse demonstrates the lawlessness and audacity of the tenants to harm the heir to the property they were only meant to manage.

Symbolically, the son represents Jesus Christ himself, and the action of the tenants represents the rejection and crucifixion Jesus would face at the hands of the religious leaders of His time.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Matthew was written to a primarily Jewish audience, likely between A.D. 80 and 90.

At a time when the early Christians were separating from mainstream Judaism, this parable served to show the religious leaders (Pharisees and Sadducees) that their rejection of Jesus was a rejection of God's Son.

The vineyard is a common Old Testament metaphor for Israel, and the tenants would have been understood as the leaders of Israel who were entrusted with the care of God's people.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological viewpoint, this verse is significant for its Christological implications.

It points to Jesus as the Son of God whose rejection by His own people was foreseen in this parable.

By extension, this narrative can be interpreted as reflecting on the nature of God's judgment: those who reject the Son lose the privilege of being custodians of God's kingdom.

Different Christian denominations agree on the fundamental Christological interpretation but might place differing emphases on the outcomes for those who reject Jesus.

Practical Applications

The verse highlights the consequences of rejecting God's messengers and, by extension, God Himself.

In practical day-to-day living, individuals can reflect on how they treat the messages or 'messengers' that challenge their understanding of spiritual truths.

It underscores the importance of stewardship, the responsibility of managing resources, people, or roles that one has been entrusted with, and the potential consequences of abusing that trust.

Cross-References

• Matthew 21:37-38: "But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.

But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance."

• Isaiah 5:1-7: This passage in Isaiah is the source of the vineyard metaphor, describing Israel as God's vineyard that produces wild grapes instead of good fruit.
• Hebrews 13:12: "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate."

Language Study

The original Greek language of this verse gives a particular emphasis to the actions of the tenants.

Words like "ἐξέβαλον" (exebalon, "cast out") and "ἀπέκτειναν" (apekteinan, "slew" or "killed") carry strong violent connotations.

Analyzing these words throws light on the severity of the tenants' actions and the rejection and violence done to the son, building the intensity of the story to its grim conclusion.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, parables and myths often conveyed moral and spiritual truths.

The Parable of the Tenants might be loosely compared to myths from other cultures that caution against defying the gods or lawful authority.

For example, in Greek mythology, acts of hubris against the divine order are met with severe consequences.

Culturally, the concept of an heir being rejected and killed can be paralleled in many tragic tales of succession and betrayal.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly touch on any scientific disciplines.

However, in a broad sense, the scientific understanding of stewardship and resource management could be seen as a very distant parallel to the responsibilities of the tenants.

Modern agriculture and land management emphasize sustainable practices, reflecting how current understanding reinforces the importance of managing resources (akin to a vineyard) well for future generations (symbolic of the owner's son).

commentaries

Biblical commentators have interpreted Matthew 21:39 as a direct indictment against the religious leaders responsible for Jesus' death.

For instance, William Barclay observes that the parable was a stark warning to the leaders of Israel, and Matthew Henry's commentary expands on the judgment that would befall them for their actions.

While John Calvin focuses on God's mercy in continually sending messengers despite repeated rejections.

Contemporary scholars see in this parable not only a retrospective view on Jesus' death but also a warning for all who have responsibilities in God’s kingdom, whether those be leaders in the church or individual believers.