Matthew 21:36

Matthew 21:36 KJV is part of Jesus’ powerful Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers, found in Matthew 21:33-46. Spoken to the chief priests and elders in Jerusalem, this parable is an allegory that reveals the spiritual state of Israel's leadership and foreshadows coming judgment.

Context

In this verse, the owner of the vineyard, representing God, sends a second group of servants to collect his fruit from the tenants. This follows the initial attempt where the first group of servants was severely mistreated—beaten, killed, or stoned (Matthew 21:35). The owner's decision to send "other servants more than the first" highlights his extraordinary patience and persistent desire to receive what is due to him. The tenants, however, demonstrate an increasing hardness of heart, treating this second group "likewise," meaning with the same contempt and violence.

Key Themes

• Divine Patience and Persistence: This verse beautifully illustrates God's enduring patience and His repeated attempts to reach His chosen people. Despite the initial rejection and abuse of His messengers (the prophets), God did not immediately bring judgment but offered further opportunities for repentance. This divine characteristic is echoed in passages like 2 Peter 3:9, which speaks of God's long-suffering.
• Rejection of God's Messengers: The "servants" here represent the long line of prophets God sent to Israel throughout its history, calling the people to obedience and faith. The phrase "they did unto them likewise" underscores the tragic historical pattern of Israel's leadership rejecting, persecuting, and even killing these divine messengers. This historical pattern is also highlighted in Stephen's sermon in Acts 7:52.
• Escalation of Disobedience: The repeated mistreatment of the servants indicates a growing rebellion and defiance on the part of the tenants. Their actions move beyond simple neglect to overt hostility, setting the stage for the ultimate rejection of the owner's son in Matthew 21:37.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "servants" is douloi (δοῦλοι), which implies bondservants or slaves. This term emphasizes their complete dedication and submission to the master's will, accurately reflecting the role of God's prophets who were entirely devoted to delivering His message. The repetition of "likewise" (ὡσαύτως - hōsautōs) powerfully conveys the consistent and unchanging nature of the tenants' wicked response.

Reflection and Application

Matthew 21:36 serves as a stark reminder of humanity's tendency to reject divine authority and the messengers God sends. For us today, it highlights:

• The incredible patience and grace of God, who continually reaches out to humanity despite our rebellion.
• The serious consequences of consistently hardening our hearts against God's warnings and invitations to repentance.
• The importance of discerning and heeding the spiritual warnings and calls to obedience that God sends through His Word and His Spirit, lest we repeat the mistakes of the past.

This verse, within the broader parable, prepares the reader for the ultimate rejection of God's Son, Jesus Christ, and the subsequent turning of the kingdom to those who will produce its fruit (Matthew 21:43).