Matthew 21:37-39

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 21:37

Verse 37 37.They will reverence my son. Strictly speaking, indeed, this thought does not apply to God; for He knew what would happen, and was not deceived by the expectation of a more agreeable result; but it is customary, (47) especially in parables, to ascribe to Him human feelings. And yet this was not added without reason; for Christ intended to represent, as in a mirror, how deplorable their impiety was, of which it was too certain a proof, that they rose in diabolical rage against the Son... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:1-46

The vast multitudes who came to his baptism thereby professed faith in his teaching. Hence the general expression, "All hold John as a prophet." The defeat of Herod's army in the war with Aretas, King of Arabia, was esteemed by the Jews a judgment for the death of John (Josephus, 'Ant.,' John 18:7 ). 2 . John ' s testimony therefore should be conclusive. III. AS IT IS EVIDENT IN THE DISCOMFITURE OF HIS ENEMIES . 1 . They set up their authority against... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:23-40

The controversy in the temple. I. THE LORD 'S AUTHORITY CALLED IN QUESTION . 1 . The intervention of the chief priests. St. Luke tells us that they had resolved to destroy our Lord. He had now allowed himself to be saluted openly as the Christ, the Son of David. He had accepted the hosannas of the multitude in the city, in the temple itself. He had assumed a paramount authority in the temple. The chief priests regarded themselves as rulers there; the market in the court... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:33-41

The parable of the vineyard. The vineyard is a favourite image in the Bible, and the mention of it by Christ would call to mind in his hearers the Old Testament illustrations of Israel. But more than Israel the nation must be intended by our Lord, because the vineyard is to go on after the destruction of the Jewish state. Our thoughts are therefore directed to the kingdom of heaven, partially realized in Israel, more fully realized in the Christian Church, but always a spiritual vineyard. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:33-44

Parable of the wicked husbandmen. The priests and elders already stood convicted of having incapacitated themselves for recognizing the Divine in Jesus. But theirs was not the guilt of common unbelievers. It was not merely their personal, hut their official duty to keep themselves awake to the Divine, by righteousness of life. It was the duty for which their office existed. They are as agents whom a man has appointed to manage his business, and who use their position only to enrich... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:33-46

Parable of the vineyard let out to husbandmen . ( Mark 12:1-12 ; Luke 20:9-19 .) read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:33-46

Goodness and severity. In this parable Jesus sets forth the privileges, the sins, and the impending ruin of the Jewish people. It brings before us for our admonition— I. WHAT THE LORD DID FOR HIS PEOPLE . 1 . He became a Father to them. 2 . He gave them a rich inheritance. 3 . He made every provision for their benefit. (a) By the "law of commandments contained in ordinances" he separated his people from the idolatrous nations surrounding. (b) His... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:37

Last of all; ὑ ì στερον : afterwards, later on. The parable now allegorizes the near present, and future, in such a way as for the moment to conceal its bearing, and to lead the hearers to pronounce their own condemnation: His son. Even Jesus Christ, who was now among them, incarnate, teaching, and demanding of them fruits of righteousness. Here was the authorization which they had required ( Matthew 21:23 ). God sent his Son. They will reverence my Son. God condescends to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:38

When the husbandmen saw the Son. As soon as they recognized this new and important messenger. This is the great element in the guilt of his rejection. They might have had the same consciousness of Christ's Divine mission as Nicodemus ( John 3:2 ), having possessed the same opportunities of judging. Ancient prophecy, the signs of the times, the miracles and teaching of Christ, the testimony of the Baptist, pointed to one evident conclusion; evidence had been accumulating on all sides. A... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:39

Cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him . This is prophecy, and alludes to a particular circumstance attending the death of Christ, viz. that he suffered without the city Jerusalem, Calvary being outside the walls (see John 19:17 , and the parallel passages in the other evangelists, and especially Hebrews 13:11 , Hebrews 13:12 , where it is significantly noted that Jesus "suffered without the gate"). The words may also contain a reference to the fact that he was excommunicated and... read more

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