“But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.”– Matthew 21:37 (KJV)
“Finally, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.”– Matthew 21:37 (NLT)
“In the end, he sent his son, thinking, ‘They will surely respect my son.’– Matthew 21:37 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 21:37 Mean?
This verse is a portion of a parable that Jesus shared about a landowner and his vineyard. The story illustrates the relationship between God and His people. The landowner represents God, who has entrusted His people, represented by the tenants of the vineyard, to care for His creation. The landowner expected the tenants to produce fruit – a metaphor for the good works and faithfulness He desires from us. When we think about the son being sent, it represents Jesus Christ, God’s ultimate gift to humanity. It demonstrates God’s hope for reconciliation with His people even after they have rejected His earlier messengers.
When the landowner sends his son, it is an expression of profound love and trust. God had already sent prophets to guide His people, but they were often ignored, mistreated, or even killed. Yet, God’s choice to send His son as a final messenger highlights His yearning for a relationship with His people. This reflects His heartfelt desire that every person would come to know Him and His goodness. Jesus’s coming was to fulfill the promise of salvation, demonstrating that God does not want anyone to perish but for all to have eternal life (John 3:16).
Matthew 21:37 Explanation and Commentary
In examining this verse, it is crucial to understand the heart of the message. Sending a son in biblical times often signified the highest form of authority and love. Even today, most of us can relate to the idea that we protect our children fiercely because they are the ones we love most dearly. As parents, we wish for our children to be honored and respected. God’s sending of Jesus as His son symbolizes the love, commitment, and hope God has for humanity.
This verse is set against the backdrop of Jesus teaching in parables, which were stories used to convey truths about God’s kingdom. The people listening to this parable were likely familiar with the customs of landowners and grape harvests. As they heard the story unfold, they would realize that the landowner, heedless of the rejection of his servants, took an unprecedented step by sending his beloved son. We should see this as a representation of grace—God continuously extending His hand toward us, even in our moments of doubt and rebellion.
In addition, the idea that the tenants would reverence the son is a poignant reminder that Jesus called for respect, not just admiration. Truly reverencing someone means to acknowledge their incredible worth and authority. When we consider Christ, He is worthy of our utmost honor and respect. His life and sacrifice aimed to bridge the gap between humanity and God, providing the means for redemption through His love. Every day, we ought to reflect on how we treat this incredible gift of Jesus in our lives. Are we embracing Him fully? Are we honoring His influence? Are we producing the fruits He has called us to display?
It is also significant to recognize that not everyone responded positively to Jesus, just as not all the tenants respected the son in this parable. Some people rejected Jesus outright. This reminds us of our responsibility to respond to God’s gifts. Each of us is called to accept His son and seek a personal relationship with Him, illustrating the relationship we can have with God.
Context of Matthew 21:37
To understand Matthew 21:37 fully, it is essential to look at the broader context of the chapter. This part of the text is found in a series of confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders of the time. The parable of the wicked tenants in Matthew 21 is directed toward the chief priests and Pharisees who were challenging Jesus’s authority.
Earlier in Matthew 21, we see Jesus entering Jerusalem in an event now known as the Triumphal Entry, where the crowds recognized Him as a king. This is a significant moment leading up to His crucifixion, as the atmosphere is charged with expectation and conflict. When Jesus shares this parable, He is not just discussing a vineyard; He is addressing the very heart of Israel’s leaders who failed to honor God’s calls through the prophets. Each one of them, including their final rejection of the Son, turns their back on God’s intentions for their nation.
This encourages us to evaluate how we are responding to God in our own lives. Just as the religious leaders were given opportunities to change, we too receive countless opportunities from God—through His Word, prayer, and the community of believers. Matthew 21:37 encourages us to seize those moments and recognize the grace extended to us willingly by God’s hand.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 21:37
Let’s dissect this verse piece by piece to fully grasp its implications. The phrase “last of all” highlights the culmination of attempts made by the landowner, indicating urgency and the profound significance of the action. God created us with the intention of relationship, and sending His Son was the ultimate step He took towards reconciliation. It was an act of sacrificial love, signifying His utmost effort to restore communion with humanity.
Next, we notice the phrase “he sent unto them his son.” Sending a son means that the landowner was deeply invested in the outcome of the vineyard. Similarly, we find comfort in knowing that God sends His Spirit to guide us, helping us perceive His will for our lives. It is a poignant reminder that God desires closeness and intimacy with us through Christ.
Finally, consider the phrase, “They will reverence my son.” On the surface, it implies hope and optimism from the landowner that the tenants will come to their senses and respect the authority of the son. Yet, it also illustrates a potential for sorrow, as the landowner ultimately faced rejection. This part of the verse prompts us to contemplate our choices, underscoring the gravity of how we respond to God’s call.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 21:37
The teachings of Matthew 21:37 offer valuable lessons for us today. One of the primary takeaways is the importance of recognizing the tremendous love God has for us. Each time we dismiss or ignore His voice, we are missing the benefits of accepting His teachings, grace, and blessings. We must learn to embrace God’s ways wholeheartedly because rejecting them can lead us away from the life He desires for us.
An additional lesson is the significance of our response to Jesus. We have a choice each day to honor Him and allow Him to be central in our lives. By praying, studying the Scriptures, and bearing fruit in our actions, we reverence His presence among us, sharing His love with others. Jesus modeled this respect and honor through His own life, encouraging us to serve others, as seen in Matthew 20:28, where He explains that He came to serve, not be served.
Finally, this verse emphasizes God’s patience and grace. We may find comfort in the knowledge that God does not turn away from us, even when we struggle or slip. He seeks to restore us continually and to demonstrate His love. By understanding God’s heart behind these actions, we find the encouragement to root our identity in His love and strive to produce good fruits that honor Him.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Matthew 21:37, let us cherish the love extended to us through Jesus Christ. This verse invites us to bear in mind the seriousness of our decisions and the weight of our responses toward God. He desires a relationship with each of us, continually reaching out through His son. Recognizing this love should inspire us to love back and seek an authentic connection with Him.
So what’s next for us? Let’s prioritize growing closer to God daily through prayer, worship, and fellowship. We can use every opportunity to share the grace we have received. If you’re interested in exploring more of Matthew’s teachings, check out Matthew 11 or learn about the beginning of creation in Genesis 1. Let’s commit to making a positive impact and producing fruits that glorify God.