Lesson 22, Q9~Q10

FOURTH DAY: Read Matthew 21:33-46.

Q9. As you read this parable, think about the history of Israel up to the time of the early church.

a. Who was the landowner? God

b. Read Isaiah 5:7. What was the vineyard? The vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the nation of Israel, and the people of Judah are the vines he delighted in. And he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard cries of distress.

c. Who were the tenants? The religious leaders (The chief priests and the teachers of the law)

d. Who were the landowner’s servants? God’s messengers the prophets.

e. Who was the heir? Jesus.

f. (Challenge) Read Luke 19:41-44. When in history did this judgment happen?

41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

The judgment happened in 70 AD when the Roman army captured Jerusalem and destroyed the temple. The Romans evidently took their work seriously because when they were done, there was no temple. It was gone, destroyed, burned down, all the way to the massive foundation stones.

One day it was there. A few days later it was gone. Just as Jesus had predicted. It happened because Israel “did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

g. Who were the new tenants, and what were they to give the landlord (verse 41)?

Gentile, the new believer.

Q10.

a. What Old Testament passage did Jesus quote at the end of His parable? Only one passage.

Matthew 21:42 The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes. Psalm 118:22,23

b. Explain how the word “stone” or “block” is used in these verses:

1 Peter 2:7-8

The stone is Jesus; to the believers, this stone is precious, but to the unbelievers the stone cause them to stumble and fall.

Romans 9:32-33

They stumble over Jesus, the stumbling stone. Jesus causes people to stumble and makes them fall.

1 Corinthians 1:23

Jesus is the stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.

c. Read Ephesians 2:20. How do people reject and stumble over this Stone today?

People reject and stumble over Jesus today by building their interesting and faith on something else than focus on the cornerstone of the apostles and prophets.

d. How did Jesus describe those to whom God will give His kingdom, and how does this encourage or challenge you?

Jesus says the kingdom of God will be taken away from the people whom reject Him and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Also “For many are invited, but few are chosen.” in Matthew 22:14. So we need to be prepared for eternal life always and don’t lose faith in any circumstance.