Let's Study the Parables - 2 - The Wicked Vinedressers

[NotWorthy]

I’m doing a study on these forums of the parables. I’d like to study each parable individually looking at:

a) What is the Message behind the Parable?
b) What doctrines do we see being taught in each Parable?
c) Can a Parable be used to defend against Non-Catholic doctrines?
d) What is the context of the Parable?

If you’d like to discuss Parables in General, I’ve got a thread dedicated to that here:

If you’d like to see what other Parables are being studied, you’ll find the Table of Contents here:

With that in mind, I’d like to do a study on

The Wicked Vinedressers

Before we discuss this Parable, we need to look at the context of the Parable. Earlier in chapter 21, Jesus is confronted by the chief priests and the elders. Verse 23 tells us, “When he had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, "By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?"

With that in mind, Jesus addresses the Jewish leaders with a couple of points. Then He presents this Parable to answer their question.

Scripture: Matthew 21:33-46

***33 "Hear another parable. There was a householder who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. 34 When the season of fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, to get his fruit; 35 and the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them. 37 Afterward he sent his son to them, saying, They will respect my son.' 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ 39 And they took him and cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. ***

40 When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" 41 They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” 42 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: `The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? 43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it."

 

[NotWorthy]

This is a literal shot across the proverbial bow of the Jewish leaders. For any scribe worth his salt would have recognized the Parable’s premise. In Isaiah, chapter 5, the prophet presented this story to the Jewish leaders.

Let me now sing of my friend, my friend’s song concerning his vineyard. My friend had a vineyard on a fertile hillside; He spaded it, cleared it of stones, and planted the choicest vines; within it he built a watchtower, and hewed out a wine press.

The prophet continues by telling that the vineyard went bad and that he was going to tear down the vineyard

Then he looked for the crop of grapes, but what it yielded was wild grapes. Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard: What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done? Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes? Now, I will let you know what I mean to do to my vineyard: Take away its hedge, give it to grazing, break through its wall, let it be trampled! Yes, I will make it a ruin: it shall not be pruned or hoed, but overgrown with thorns and briers; I will command the clouds not to send rain upon it.

Isaiah then tells that the vineyard is Israel. The judgment is going to be fulfilled when Israel falls and goes into exile.

The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his cherished plant; He looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed! for justice, but hark, the outcry*!*

Now, Jesus is echoing this Parable. If the Vineyard represents Israel, then the Scribes and the High Priests recognize that THEY are the Tenants. Hence, Jesus is telling the Jewish leaders that their time as authorities is coming to an end – something people never take lightly.

With all this in mind, what are your thoughts on this Parable?

 

[ryanoneil]

Because the chief priests and the Pharisees are a barrier to God’s New Covenant, they must be eliminated to make way for the Church. (Matt 21:43)

This parable is also along the same lines of Jesus fortelling the destruction of the Temple for the same reason. (Matt 24:1-25)

Peace,

Ryan

 

[NotWorthy]

Because the chief priests and the Pharisees are a barrier to God’s New Covenant, they must be eliminated to make way for the Church. (Matt 21:43)

This parable is also along the same lines of Jesus fortelling the destruction of the Temple for the same reason. (Matt 24:1-25)

Peace,

Ryan

Yes, it would point to a new authority (new tenants, so to speak) taken over the New Israel (the Church).

It’s interesting to note that many of the prophets were killed by Israel and Judah. I think Jewish traditions holds that Isaiah was sawed in half.

Do you think the Scribes and High Priests could “smell the coffee”??? Do you think they were picking up what Jesus was putting down?

 

[Nita]

Do you think the Scribes and High Priests could “smell the coffee”??? Do you think they were picking up what Jesus was putting down?

Verse 45 tells us they knew Jesus was speaking about them:

*Mt 21:45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. *

 

[ryanoneil]

Yes, it would point to a new authority (new tenants, so to speak) taken over the New Israel (the Church).

It’s interesting to note that many of the prophets were killed by Israel and Judah. I think Jewish traditions holds that Isaiah was sawed in half.

Do you think the Scribes and High Priests could “smell the coffee”??? Do you think they were picking up what Jesus was putting down?

Jesus says somewhere that the unbelievers don’t understand His parables. They must have known He was talking about them but didn’t understand the full ramifications.

I imagine they hid behind the Temple walls believing God would deliver them, while the Christians remembered Jesus’ warning to flee.

Peace,

Ryan

 

[NotWorthy]

Verse 45 tells us they knew Jesus was speaking about them:

*Mt 21:45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. *

Ah yes. You’re right. My mistake.

Sadly, I can relate to what the Scribes were probably thinking. I mean, if someone were to come up to me and tell me that my religion is no longer the true religion and that it was going to be given to another religion, then I’d think the guy was an idiot.

What? Oh yeah, that’s right. I’m told that quite often by thoughtful Christians of other faiths.

 

[Robin_L.in_TX]

I’ve always been moved by the fact that in the very next parable (remember, the chapter divisions came much later) after this one in which the tenants kill the owner’s son, everyone is still invited to the Marriage Feast. What a beautiful example of God’s loving mercy.

I also seen hints of universal salvation in these vineyard parables, including Isaiah’s…

In Christ’s peace and joy,

Robin L. in TX

 

[NotWorthy]

I’ve always been moved by the fact that in the very next parable (remember, the chapter divisions came much later) after this one in which the tenants kill the owner’s son, everyone is still invited to the Marriage Feast. What a beautiful example of God’s loving mercy.

I also seen hints of universal salvation in these vineyard parables, including Isaiah’s…

In Christ’s peace and joy,

Robin L. in TX

Robin, that’s a very good point. When we discuss the parable of “The Wedding Feast”, we’ll need to remember the context of the “Wicked Vinedressers”, for context is everything!!!

In reading the two parables, however, it seems that they are directed to two different groups.

The “Wicked Tenants” addresses the Church Hierarchy, more specifically, why there will be a change in the leadership.

The “Wedding Feast” addresses the Church Faithful, more specifically who will be invited into the New Covenant Church. First it was strictly the Jews who were children of the Covenant, but now the new Children of the Covenant will be Jew and Gentile alike.

This, of course, is my opinion (The Gospel of Notworthy, so to speak!) and may not reflect the views of any other living person!

 

[ryanoneil]

Ah yes. You’re right. My mistake.

Sadly, I can relate to what the Scribes were probably thinking. I mean, if someone were to come up to me and tell me that my religion is no longer the true religion and that it was going to be given to another religion, then I’d think the guy was an idiot.

What? Oh yeah, that’s right. I’m told that quite often by thoughtful Christians of other faiths.

Your comment has me thinking about verse 46. And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet.

It seems they were more worried about crowds than the possibility Jesus really was a prophet. If they feared him as a prophet they probably would have considered the scripture He quoted. Specifically verse 10-16
Psalm 118:22

Peace,

Ryan

 

[NotWorthy]

Your comment has me thinking about verse 46. And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet.

It seems they were more worried about crowds than the possibility Jesus really was a prophet. If they feared him as a prophet they probably would have considered the scripture He quoted. Specifically verse 10-16
Psalm 118:22

Peace,

Ryan

I always had trouble figuring out where Jesus was going with this “cornerstone” comment. I mean, I know He is the cornerstone, but He just seems to come out of left field with this comment.

Then I stumbled across a discussion of the Psalm you referenced. I hope I relate it correctly. It seems In Ezra or Nehemiah, as the exiles came back to Jerusalem in order to rebuild the temple, some elders were discouraged as the size of the new Temple. They didn’t feel it was going to be nearly as magnificent as the original. And they were basing their judgment on the size (or lack thereof) of the foundation that had been laid.

That’s when Ezra prophesied that the new Temple would be far greater than the old one. It seems Jesus is the New Temple of Ezra’s prophecy. So just as the Jews underestimated the restored Temple, the Pharisees underestimated Jesus.

Man, I hope I’m at least close on that one.

 

[ryanoneil]

Man, I hope I’m at least close on that one.

You would know better than I would. I just discovered this connection when I got involved in the thread.

Here is two other connections I found.

1 Pet 2:7

CCC 756

Peace,

Ryan

 

[brownjt]

Ah yes. You’re right. My mistake.

Sadly, I can relate to what the Scribes were probably thinking. I mean, if someone were to come up to me and tell me that my religion is no longer the true religion and that it was going to be given to another religion, then I’d think the guy was an idiot.

What? Oh yeah, that’s right. I’m told that quite often by thoughtful Christians of other faiths.

Yes, that would be the natural human reaction on your part. Christians should be cautious in telling anyone that their brand of christianity is the true one and your is not. We must also be aware that there are a number of catholics who do this as well.

 

[brownjt]

I always had trouble figuring out where Jesus was going with this “cornerstone” comment. I mean, I know He is the cornerstone, but He just seems to come out of left field with this comment.

Then I stumbled across a discussion of the Psalm you referenced. I hope I relate it correctly. It seems In Ezra or Nehemiah, as the exiles came back to Jerusalem in order to rebuild the temple, some elders were discouraged as the size of the new Temple. They didn’t feel it was going to be nearly as magnificent as the original. And they were basing their judgment on the size (or lack thereof) of the foundation that had been laid.

That’s when Ezra prophesied that the new Temple would be far greater than the old one. It seems Jesus is the New Temple of Ezra’s prophecy. So just as the Jews underestimated the restored Temple, the Pharisees underestimated Jesus.

Man, I hope I’m at least close on that one.

I think you are the way you put it. And Jesus was rejected by them, but God made him the cornerstone for humanity. Another parable meant for the simple of heart and mind as well - not only aimed at the Pharisees, but instructive for us, too.

 

[Shai22]

33 "Hear another parable. There was a householder who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. 34 When the season of fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, to get his fruit; 35 and the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them. 37 Afterward he sent his son to them, saying, They will respect my son.' 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ 39 And they took him and cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him.

40 When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" 41 They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” 42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures: `The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? 43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it.”

Jesus is talking about himself and his disciples. The parable speaks about what is done to the faithful.

 

[NotWorthy]

Jesus is talking about himself and his disciples. The parable speaks about what is done to the faithful.

I’m not sure where you get this from. The parable is addressed to those who are “mis-managing” the Jewish faithful. Jesus is going to take away their tenant-ship and give it over to new Vinedressers - the Church.

If you look at the context of Matthew (and the other Gospels), you’ll see that this is a condemnation of the Pharisees.

 

[cheeto1]

Is there actually a way we, as the Catholic church, can turn
into those wicked vineyard keepers? After all, we are the keepers of the one true faith. How much do we “keep the produce for ourselves”? Which do we give more of to God:
rituals or the fruits of the Spirit? We are so rich in tradition
and prayers, sacraments. Why is there anybody left in the
whole city that is in need?

 

[NotWorthy]

Is there actually a way we, as the Catholic church, can turn
into those wicked vineyard keepers? After all, we are the keepers of the one true faith. How much do we “keep the produce for ourselves”? Which do we give more of to God:
rituals or the fruits of the Spirit? We are so rich in tradition
and prayers, sacraments. Why is there anybody left in the
whole city that is in need?

I think as individuals, yes.

But as a whole, which is how the Pharisees are judged in the parable, I don’t think the Church would be judged this way, for Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide the Church.

 

[scaron]

Hi NotWorthy, and Merry Christmas!

I think as individuals, yes.

But as a whole, which is how the Pharisees are judged in the parable, I don’t think the Church would be judged this way, for Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide the Church.

I dont know if I completely buy this. Yes, the Church has the promise of the Holy Spirit to guide it. And of course the eternal promise that “the gates of Hell will not prevail against it”.

I certainly do not believe the “vineyard” will be taken away and given to others - this is an article of faith.

However, certainly there have been “Wicked Vinedressers” in the history of Holy Mother Church from the beginning until now. While the promises of Christ are there for the Church as a whole, the parable remains a warning to provide fruit for the Lord.

I am always leary of reading a parable and thinking, “well, that applies to the Jews or the Pharisees, and not to me today”. Everytime I think that, I see it as a warning, and look for the deeper meaning that applies to me.

 

[NotWorthy]

Hi NotWorthy, and Merry Christmas!

I dont know if I completely buy this. Yes, the Church has the promise of the Holy Spirit to guide it. And of course the eternal promise that “the gates of Hell will not prevail against it”.

I certainly do not believe the “vineyard” will be taken away and given to others - this is an article of faith.

However, certainly there have been “Wicked Vinedressers” in the history of Holy Mother Church from the beginning until now. While the promises of Christ are there for the Church as a whole, the parable remains a warning to provide fruit for the Lord.

I am always leary of reading a parable and thinking, “well, that applies to the Jews or the Pharisees, and not to me today”. Everytime I think that, I see it as a warning, and look for the deeper meaning that applies to me.

So… what about my post do you disagree with. It seems like we agree all throughout.