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Book of Matthew - Chapter 21 - Verse 35

21:35
And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.

Meaning

This verse, found in the book of Matthew, tells the parable of the landowner who sent his servants to collect his share of the fruits from the vineyard. The husbandmen, who represent the religious leaders of the time, mistreat and even kill the servants sent by the landowner, symbolizing the rejection of God's messengers by the Jewish religious authorities. This parable is a cautionary tale about the consequences of not honoring God's authority and rejecting His prophets. It serves as a warning to those who are in positions of power and authority to be humble and faithful stewards of the gifts and responsibilities entrusted to them by God. The ultimate message of this passage is the importance of recognizing and respecting God's authority in our lives, and the severe consequences that can result from rejecting His will and His messengers.

Theological Overview

This verse, found in the gospel of Matthew, highlights a parable told by Jesus about a landowner who sends servants to collect produce from his vineyard, only to have them mistreated and killed by the tenants. The theological interpretation of this passage often focuses on the symbolism of the vineyard as representing God’s people, the servants as the prophets and messengers of God, and the tenant farmers as the religious leaders of the time who rejected and persecuted those sent by God. This parable is a warning to those who reject God’s messengers and a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and pride. It also serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the importance of heeding the word of God. The word study of this verse reveals the severity of the tenants' actions – beating, killing, and stoning the servants – which underscores the rejection and violence often faced by those who proclaim God’s message. This verse serves as a powerful illustration of the theme of rejection and persecution that runs throughout the Bible, challenging readers to reflect on their own response to God’s messengers.

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