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Our text tells another parable in Matthew’s “kingdom” section. It comes in response to the temple authorities’ questioning him about the auspices under which he overturned the money changers’ tables earlier in the chapter. Jesus’ opponents are now the chief priests and Pharisees (what happened to the elders?) who understand that Jesus’ story is an indictment of their stewardship of the ‘flock.’ What’s Jesus getting at? Let’s have a closer look!

  • What responsibilities do the chief priests and Pharisees have in the spiritual life of Israel? In what ways are they succeeding or failing, given Jesus’ words at the end of the parable?

  • What do you think Jesus means when he speaks of the fruits of the kingdom? What (or who) are they? In what ways are these fruits absent under the stewardship of Jesus’ opponents?

  • The vineyard scene described by Jesus is meant to sound absurd. What do you find absurd about it? What does this say about God’s way of doing things (see 1 Corinthians 1:18-20 for a hint)? What does this say about the temple authorities’ way of doing things?

Next Step: What is it you’re caring for or working toward on behalf of the kingdom? In what ways does Jesus’ words to the authorities inform the methods and motivations of your work for God?

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