The Gospel for this Sunday is Matthew 21:33-46, known variously as the parable of the wicked husbandmen, tenants, or vinedressers. According to Jesus' story, a landowner planted a vineyard, rented it out, and went to another place. When harvest time came, the owner sent representatives to collect his portion of the produce, but the tenants resisted, mistreated, and even killed the owner's employees. Finally, the owner gave the tenants a last chance and sent his son. However, the wicked tenants even killed the owner's son. The natural result of such actions will be the just destruction of such evil people.
Of course, the parable about the vineyard and the tenants has a religious meaning. It is about the people and the kingdom of God. It applies to Hebrew religious officials who have repeatedly rejected and mistreated messengers sent by the Lord God. Rather than submit to divine authority, these tenants will eventually kill God's Son, Jesus Christ. And in doing so, they will assure their own destruction.
Unfortunately, this pattern has been repeated and is still being repeated in Christian history. People to whom the care of the Church has been entrusted often start viewing it as their property rather than God's vineyard. They want to use it for their personal benefit, and they reject and abuse those who call on them to be responsible and loyal to God. Again and again, religious people have been disloyal to God and rejected His Son. Often they face worldly consequences through the decline of their organizations, and unless they repent and accept divine rule, they will face spiritual consequences as well.
As Christians, we should recognize that we are all God's tenants in this world. We all owe God all that we are and all that we have. We should gratefully offer Him loyalty and service in all areas of life. We should respect all the messengers He sends to us, most especially His Son Jesus Christ.
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