Matthew 21:33-46 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

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 providence was as a wall of fire for their defence (see Zechariah 2:5 ).

II. THE RETURN HE RECEIVED FOR HIS GOODNESS .

1 . The husbandmen kept from him the fruits.

2 . They maltreated his messengers.

3 . They murdered the heir.

III. THE SEVERITY OF HIS RETRIBUTION .

1 . God dooms the sinner to the judgment of his sin.

2 . He brings confusion upon his schemes.

3 . He brings judgment upon them to destruction.