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Book of Matthew - Chapter 21 - Verse 34

21:34
And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.

Meaning

This verse refers to a parable told by Jesus in the Bible, found in the book of Matthew. In this parable, Jesus is using a metaphor to explain the relationship between God and the people of Israel. The owner of a vineyard represents God, the vineyard signifies Israel, and the fruit represents the righteousness and good works that God expects from His people. The servants in the parable symbolize the prophets that God sends to guide and instruct the Israelites in how to live according to His will. Despite the repeated messages and warnings from the prophets, the people fail to produce the expected fruits of righteousness. Instead, they mistreat and even kill the messengers that God sends to them. This parable serves as a warning to the people of Israel, and by extension, to all believers, to heed the messages of God's messengers and to live lives that bear good fruit for His kingdom. It is a call to recognize and respond to God's expectations for His people, showing obedience and faithfulness in all things.

Theological Overview

Within the theological interpretation of this verse, the act of sending servants to collect the fruits from the husbandmen can be seen as a metaphor for God's ongoing pursuit of His people to bear spiritual fruit. The husbandmen represent humanity, while the fruits symbolize the righteous deeds and spiritual growth that God expects from His followers. By sending His servants, God is showing His desire for a relationship with us and His willingness to invest time and effort in nurturing our spiritual development. This verse challenges believers to reflect on their own lives and consider whether they are producing the fruits of faith, love, and obedience that God desires. Through word studies, the term "fruit" can be linked to the concept of spiritual productivity and abundance, suggesting that God intends for His people to bear fruit that glorifies Him and blesses others. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of God's continuous grace and mercy towards His creation, urging us to respond with lives that bear fruit worthy of our calling.

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