Cost of Living - Day 14
Day 14 - Thursday, January 25
Read Matthew 21:33-46
Highlight
The Parable of the Tenants is unique amongst the parables we have looked at thus far because it is not very hard to understand what Jesus is talking about. The meaning is thinly veiled, so much so that at the end of this passage we are told that even the chief priests and Pharisees could tell that “he was speaking about them.” (v45) Jesus’ parable begins with a famous metaphor in Isaiah 5, where God describes Israel as a vineyard. It even uses the same structures: a fence, a winepress, and a tower. It proceeds through Israel’s history with a reference to two waves of prophets that the Israelite leaders rejected and killed. In Jewish tradition, these prophets were referred to as the ‘former’ and ‘latter’ prophets. Up until now, the parable follows the history of Israel as the Pharisees and Chief Priests would have understood it. But then, according to Jesus, the master sends his son.
For six months Jesus has been telling his followers that the religious leaders were going to kill him; now he tells the rulers themselves. They even rightly predict what will happen to them: ‘He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their season.’ (v41) Jesus confirms this, saying it more directly: ‘it will be taken from you and given to another people…’ (v43) Here Jesus references the future church, where the people of God will not be limited to those of Jewish ancestry and this will lead to the fruit that God always wanted to see produced in His Kingdom.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Matthew 21:33-46
Highlight
The Parable of the Tenants is unique amongst the parables we have looked at thus far because it is not very hard to understand what Jesus is talking about. The meaning is thinly veiled, so much so that at the end of this passage we are told that even the chief priests and Pharisees could tell that “he was speaking about them.” (v45) Jesus’ parable begins with a famous metaphor in Isaiah 5, where God describes Israel as a vineyard. It even uses the same structures: a fence, a winepress, and a tower. It proceeds through Israel’s history with a reference to two waves of prophets that the Israelite leaders rejected and killed. In Jewish tradition, these prophets were referred to as the ‘former’ and ‘latter’ prophets. Up until now, the parable follows the history of Israel as the Pharisees and Chief Priests would have understood it. But then, according to Jesus, the master sends his son.
For six months Jesus has been telling his followers that the religious leaders were going to kill him; now he tells the rulers themselves. They even rightly predict what will happen to them: ‘He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their season.’ (v41) Jesus confirms this, saying it more directly: ‘it will be taken from you and given to another people…’ (v43) Here Jesus references the future church, where the people of God will not be limited to those of Jewish ancestry and this will lead to the fruit that God always wanted to see produced in His Kingdom.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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