THE PARABLE OF THE WICKED VINEDRESSERS

                                                         Matthew 21:33-44 (722)

   Introduction

        A.  The owner is God; the vineyard is the nation of Israel; the vinedressers are the

              rulers who controlled the affairs of Israel; the servants are the O.T. prophets;

              and the son is Jesus.

        B.  Background:

              1.  God gave special care for the nation of Israel.

              2.  They rebelled.

              3.  God sent prophets to warn them to repent, and they disregarded, mistreated

                   and sometimes killed the prophets.

              4.  God sent His Son and the Jews, for the most part, rejected Him.                   

   I.  The parable emphasizes human privilege.

       A.  The owner had done everything possible for the vineyard (v33) just as God had done

             for Israel.  They were privileged people.

           

       B.  God has blessed us.  James 1:17 (892); Ephesians 1:3 (863).  Examples:

       C.  Question:  How am I using  my privileges given by God?  Illustration:                                                                             

  II.  This parable stresses human  freedom.

       A.  The owner left the vinedressers with the freedom to operate the vineyard (v33) just

             As God provided freedom to the people of Israel.

       B.  We also have free will.  Question:  Do I freely carry out my responsibilities to God?

III.  Jesus teaches us the patience of God.

       A.  The owner sent two different groups of servants and they were mistreated.  Then

             he sent his son whom they killed.

       B.  God sent many different prophets to warn Israel to repent, and they were mistreated.

             He sent His Son and the Jews rejected Him.  They still had opportunity to accept gospel.

       C.  God is patient with us.  2 Peter 3:9-15,17 (899)

IV.  Jesus teaches us the possibility of lost opportunity.  V43

       A.  The Jews should have the people to carry the gospel to the world, but God replaced

             them with the Gentiles?  Why?  God will do the same to us if we refuse.

Conclusion:  We have the choice between two responses to Christ.  V44a:  Repentance

                     V44b:  rejection which results in condemnation.

                    

                     V44b