37Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.
38"But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’
39So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
- P60
"Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. - P43
Jesus speaks to the religious leaders of Israel through the parable of the tenants. God has entrusted His people to certain leaders so that they might nurture them. However, when God sent His servants, the prophets, to His people, they were rejected, beaten, and killed. Finally, God sent His own Son, but He, too, was rejected and put to death. This is such a tragic and horrifying story yet we sometimes resemble the ungrateful leaders of Israel ourselves. - P62
We sometimes refuse to hear God’s words and resent anything that gets in the way of our selfish desires. Let us remember that we live in God’s grace, and may we quickly repent whenever we forget the true source of our blessings and privileges. - P62
m cheAlthough He is rejected by the religious leaders, Jesus is made thecornerstone. He is the most important and foundational figure of God‘skingdom. Those who oppose Him face judgment and destruction. Throughthe parable, Jesus conveys to the chief priests and Pharisees that the leaderswho have not recognized God‘s grace will have their authority revoked, andtheir privileges will be given to others who will work faithfully to bear fruitfor His kingdom. - P62
We see that stubbornness, pride, and rebellion againstGod strip us of the privileges we have received. May we be wary of suchsinfulness and instead be faithful to the mission God has entrusted to us,
bearing fruit and fully partaking in His kingdom work. - P62
Both Isaiah and Matthew remind us that Jesus is our standard. He helps usdiscern light from darkness and righteousness from unrighteousness. Healone is the cornerstone of our salvation, and we are to build upon Him forHis kingdom and for His glory. - P63
Dear God, thank You for calling me into the grace and blessing of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to live a fruitful life that honors and glorifies You as I work to build Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P63
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