The Parable of the Tenants

Already in the Old Testament, God called the chosen people his vineyard (Isa. 5: 7). He sent his prophets to them, reminding them that it was a vineyard dear to his heart, that he would do everything for her to be fruitful for good works, and to profit from it. He entrusted this vineyard to his representatives. It was these “high priests and elders of the people” who were to keep the vineyard and improve it. However, they forgot that they were only tenants of this vineyard, not its masters.

Jesus Christ disliked such people. Therefore, on one occasion – it was before his ransom death – he said the following parable to their address: A particular farmer planted a vineyard and then rented it to the vineyards. They pledged to keep her and give the amount of the crop. When the time of the gathering was approaching, the landlord sent to his servants’ vineyards to take over his work. But the vine-growers seized his servants; “One was beaten, the other was slain, the other was stoned” (Mt 21:35). The economist again sent other servants with a similar goal, but they did the same with them. Finally, he sent his Son to them because he thought they would respect him. When the vine-growers saw him, they said, “That’s the heir. Come, let us kill him, and his heritage will be ours” (Mt 21:38). So they dragged him out of the vineyard and killed him.

From the parable, it clearly shows who is talking about it. With this parable, he wanted to remind the high priests and elders that this was done by the prophets whom God had sent to His people. When he spoke of the Son of a householder, he thought of himself. He had seen how they would deal with him when they crucified him beyond the walls of Jerusalem. But what will be God’s judgment? “He will destroy the wicked without mercy, and let the vineyard be rented to other vine-growers who will give him a crop for a while” (Mt 21:41). The Jews have rejected Jesus and his teaching, so they will not be punished. Their capital, which was the backbone of their pride and arrogance, will be severely destroyed. The words of Christ about Jerusalem were literally fulfilled in 70 AD. In the New Testament, the Church of Christ in all nations is the vineyard of God that will bear the fruit of the kingdom of God by faithfully fulfilling God’s will, living according to Christ’s new commandment of love. This is emphasized by Jesus after the parable: “You will be married to the kingdom of God and give to a nation that will yield fruit” (Mt 21,43).

In Egypt, there is an ancient pyramid, which is the tomb of the tribe Cheops, built about 2600 BC. The ruins of a large pagan temple were discovered. According to the inscriptions on the walls, it was concluded that it was the temple of the God of all good. The inhabitants of the city worshiped more of the God of all evil, and apparently, the God of good by an earthquake destroyed the temple, killing the population.

The parable of the tenants of the vineyard speaks of the heavenly Lord, the Lord of heaven and earth, who, in his goodness, loved the people of Israel. He compared him to a vineyard from which he expected a holy crop. He sent his servants to them, and finally, his Son. But they refused his invitation. Therefore, they turn to the Gentiles and invite them to the Kingdom of God. St. Matthew shows it in three parables” of two sons (21, 28-33); on evil vine-growers (Mt 21: 33-36), and on the marriage of the king’s Son (Mt 22: 1-14). It would be too simple and comfortable to shift all responsibility to the then Israeli religious leaders. The Gospel is God’s message for all time. The parable is a warning even today. In the New Testament, the administrator of God’s vineyard is the Church. The Son of God also asks for a time to deliver crops.

One of the heroes of B. Marshall’s rumor speaks with bitter humor: “God’s vineyard? – rather God’s quarries! …” Let these words never apply to us! Even the New Testament people are subject to the same rule of law: the fruit of justice and love will be demanded of him. Let us think about it and try not to be God’s vineyard, a useful vineyard, and bear fruit of good deeds in time, despite our weaknesses and shortcomings. True Christianity is expressed by the best responsible deeds. Let us also try to change it according to the proven principle – less talk and more deeds.