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Matthew 21:43
Verse
Context
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants
42Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’ ?43Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. 44He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed. ”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God--God's visible Kingdom, or Church, upon earth, which up to this time stood in the seed of Abraham. shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof--that is, the great evangelical community of the faithful, which, after the extrusion of the Jewish nation, would consist chiefly of Gentiles, until "all Israel should be saved" (Rom 11:25-26). This vastly important statement is given by Matthew only.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore I say unto you,.... This is the application of the parable; and the words are directed to the chief priests, elders, scribes, and people of the Jews; and are delivered as what would be in consequence of the builders, rejecting the Messiah, the foundation and corner stone of the building, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you: by which is meant, not their political estate, their civil government, which was of God, and in a short time was to depart from them, according to ancient prophecy, and which is come to pass, as the event shows; nor their legal national church state and ordinances only, or the priesthood, and the appendages of it; all which, in a little while, were shaken and removed; but the Gospel, which had been preached among them by John the Baptist, Christ, and his apostles; so called because it treats of the kingdom of God, and things pertaining to it, and shows men both their right and meetness for it; the one as in the righteousness of Christ, and the other in the regenerating and sanctifying grace of the Spirit, which Gospel may be taken away from a people, as from the Jews, because of their contempt of it, and opposition to it, or lukewarmness and indifference about it, or unfruitfulness under it; and when God has no more souls to gather in by it in such a place, and which is a very unhappy case, whenever it is the case of any people: for when the Gospel is taken away, the riches of a people are gone; the glory of a nation is departed; the light of it is put out; the spiritual bread of a people is no more; the means of conversion and spiritual knowledge cease: all which have a melancholy aspect on posterity. Moreover, the Gospel church state, which was set up in Judea, may be here meant; which, though it continued and flourished a while, in process of time was to be removed: and which may be done elsewhere, as it has been in Judea, by God's suffering persecution to arise, as he did against the church of Jerusalem, whereby the ministers of the Gospel are driven into corners, or scattered abroad; or by ordering his ministers to preach no more unto such a people, as the apostles were ordered to turn from the Jews to the Gentiles; or by taking away ministers and members of churches by death, and not raising up others in their room; or by withholding a blessing from the word; or by permitting the growth of errors and heresies, which, in course of time, must issue in the dissolution of the church state in such a place, and which necessarily follows upon the removing of the Gospel: and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. Though God may take away the Gospel from a people, as he did from the Jews; yet he does not, nor will he, as yet, take it out of the world: he gives it to another "nation"; to the Gentiles, to all the nations of the world, whither he sent his apostles to preach and where it must be preached before the end of the world comes, in order to gather his elect out of them: for not one particular nation is meant, unless the nation of God's elect, among all nations, can be thought to be designed. It may be observed, that the Gospel, wherever it comes, it comes as a gift; it is "given": to have it only in the external ministration of it, is a favour; and more especially to understand it spiritually; this is an unmerited gift; as is also ability to preach it: and it is likewise a national mercy wherever it comes; for though it comes in power only to a few in a nation, yet it is more or less a blessing to the whole: nor is it easy to say what temporal advantages a nation enjoys through the ministration of the Gospel in it: and where it is given, and comes in power, it brings forth fruit, as it did in all the world of the Gentiles; even the fruits of grace, and righteousness, and every good work; all which come from Christ, under the influence of his Spirit, and by the word and ordinances, as means, and highly become the Gospel, and the professors of it; and for want of which it is removed sometimes from one nation to another: for this cause it was taken from the Jews, and given to the Gentiles. One of the Jewish commentators (d) on these words, in Jer 13:17 "my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride", has this note, "because of your grandeur, which shall cease; because of the excellency of "the kingdom of heaven", , "which shall be given to the profane"; i.e. the nations of the world, (d) Jarchi in Jer. xiii. 17.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:43 taken away from you: Either the privilege of being God’s chosen nation no longer belonged to the Jews, or the religious leaders had lost the privilege of being leaders of God’s people (see Rom 9–11). • The Christian community is a nation that will produce the proper fruit—that is, a life of trust and obedience that demonstrates the inauguration of the Kingdom (see Matt 3:8; 7:15-20; 12:33; 13:8, 26).
Matthew 21:43
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants
42Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’ ?43Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. 44He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed. ”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Fruitbearing
By Jim Cymbala10K51:28Bearing FruitMAT 21:43COL 1:101TH 5:12HEB 13:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of bearing fruit in the Christian life. They share a story about a woman who kept a secret and was consumed by guilt. The speaker highlights the urgency of bearing fruit and encourages listeners to be loving, helpful, and kind. They explain that God wants believers to focus on being rather than just doing, and that growth is essential for bearing fruit. The sermon concludes with a reminder that bearing fruit brings glory to God, and references a verse in Matthew where Jesus warns the Jewish leaders that the kingdom of God will be given to those who produce its fruit.
(Matthew) ch.21:23-23:6
By Zac Poonen1.4K48:47MAT 6:33MAT 21:43MAT 22:15MAT 22:37In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of two commandments given by Jesus: to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. These two commandments summarize the entire law of God and the teachings of the prophets. The speaker uses the parable of the vineyard to illustrate how the Jewish nation failed to produce the fruit of obedience and repentance, instead persecuting God's servants. The speaker warns that the same mistake can be made in the church today, where people may prioritize pleasing words over true repentance and obedience.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 5:1 - Part 1
By Chuck Smith1.3K25:59ExpositionalGEN 12:1ISA 5:1MAT 6:33MAT 21:33MAT 21:43JHN 15:1ACT 13:46In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the parable of the vineyard from the Bible. He describes how God, represented as the owner of the vineyard, planted a vineyard on a fruitful hill and expected it to produce good grapes. However, the vineyard, represented by the people of Israel, failed to produce the desired fruit. The owner sent his servants, the prophets, to collect the fruit, but they were mistreated and even killed by the vine dressers, symbolizing the rejection of the prophets by the Israelites. Finally, the owner sent his own son, Jesus, believing that he would be respected, but instead, the vine dressers plotted to kill him. This parable illustrates how God's grace and truth were eventually extended to the Gentiles, as the gospel was taken to another nation.
God Calling Telling and Warning
By Robin McKeown84129:56WarningEZK 33:7EZK 33:11MAT 21:43MAT 22:1MAT 22:7MAT 22:43In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the purpose of the Gospel tent that has been set up in Ploughies Park for the past two weeks. He emphasizes that God is calling people to come and be saved, but many refuse the call. However, God is merciful and continues to send out servants to invite people to the tent and share the good news of what He has done. The preacher urges the listeners not to miss the call and highlights God's desire for the wicked to turn from their ways and live. He shares a story of a young woman who missed the call and expresses his belief that God is calling and speaking to the listeners in the tent, urging them to respond and be saved.
Refuse to Be Intimidated by the Error of Replacement Theology
By Mike Bickle401:15:20Replacement TheologyIsrael's Role in God's PlanISA 60:1JOL 3:2MAT 21:43ACT 3:19ROM 11:1ROM 11:11ROM 11:18ROM 11:22GAL 3:29REV 12:17Mike Bickle addresses the issue of replacement theology, urging pastors and believers to overcome the intimidation surrounding discussions about Israel's significance in God's plan. He emphasizes that many church leaders have been silenced by historical theological errors and encourages them to embrace the biblical narrative that affirms Israel's ongoing role in God's purposes. Bickle highlights the recent surge in prayer for Israel among Gentile believers as a pivotal moment in church history, calling for a deeper understanding and engagement with the topic. He warns against the dangers of replacement theology, which has led to anti-Semitism and a lack of preparedness in the church for the end times. Ultimately, he calls for unity and love between Gentiles and Jews as part of God's grand design.
The Purpose of Companions
By T. Austin-Sparks0Companionship with ChristDivine PurposeEXO 33:11ISA 41:8MAT 21:43LUK 22:28JHN 15:14ACT 13:22EPH 1:23HEB 2:3HEB 3:1HEB 3:14T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of being 'companions' of Christ, as highlighted in Hebrews 3:1 and 3:14. He explores the biblical concept of companionship, illustrating how figures like Abraham, Moses, and David exemplified deep relationships with God, ultimately culminating in the companionship offered through Jesus Christ. Sparks stresses that this companionship is not merely an official title but a heartfelt relationship that calls for responsibility and commitment to God's purpose centered in His Son. He warns of the consequences of neglecting this calling, underscoring the importance of remaining steadfast in faith to truly experience the greatness of being a companion of Christ. The sermon invites believers to recognize their heavenly calling and the intimate relationship they are invited to share with Jesus.
The Quality of Divine Life
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 21:43LUK 6:13JHN 1:4JHN 10:10JHN 20:31JHN 21:25ACT 2:361CO 15:4COL 1:27REV 17:14T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the distinction between being a disciple as a student versus an apprentice, highlighting Jesus' practical training of His disciples for His work. He delves into the three phases of discipleship in the New Testament: the general call, being chosen, and being put into His business with the great commission. The sermon explores how Jesus chose disciples for the work of His Kingdom, symbolized by the number twelve, representing the Kingdom. It also discusses the basis of the new spiritual Kingdom, which is heavenly and divine life, focusing on the quality and characteristics of this life.
Jesus Came to Form a New Heavenly Israel
By T. Austin-Sparks0New CovenantIdentity in ChristMAT 21:43JHN 1:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that Jesus came to establish a new, heavenly Israel, marking a significant shift in God's plan as the old Israel was set aside. He explains that the teachings and works of Jesus were aimed at forming a spiritual kingdom, distinct from the earthly nation of Israel, and that this new Israel is built upon the foundation of Christ's glory and sacrifice. Sparks highlights that the new Israel consists of those who receive Christ, becoming children of God, and that this transformation is rooted in God's supernatural work. He draws parallels between the old and new Israel, illustrating how God's principles remain unchanged despite the shift in His chosen people. Ultimately, he calls believers to recognize their identity as part of this new Israel and to live in accordance with the dignity bestowed upon them.
The Great Invitation
By T. Austin-Sparks0Response to God's CallGod's InvitationPSA 42:1ISA 55:1MAT 5:6MAT 21:43LUK 13:34LUK 14:16JHN 6:35ROM 10:13EPH 1:3REV 22:17T. Austin-Sparks delivers a profound message on 'The Great Invitation' found in Luke 14, emphasizing the transition from Israel to the Church and the nature of those who will inherit the Kingdom of God. He highlights the significance of God's invitation, the human tendency to make excuses, and the importance of recognizing our need for God. Sparks illustrates that true acceptance of God's invitation requires a hunger for Him and a desire for fellowship with His people. Ultimately, he warns against indifference and the consequences of rejecting God's call, urging listeners to respond to the invitation with urgency and sincerity.
In the Gospel by Matthew
By T. Austin-Sparks0Lordship of JesusAuthority of ChristPSA 119:99MAT 1:1MAT 5:1MAT 5:21MAT 8:9MAT 10:3MAT 21:43MAT 28:16T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, focusing on His mission, meaning, and message. He highlights that the Gospel of Matthew serves as the foundation of Christianity, showcasing the authority of Jesus as the King and the importance of recognizing His Lordship in our lives. Sparks encourages believers to engage deeply with Scripture, understanding that true authority comes from a personal commitment to Jesus. He warns against the spirit of rebellion against authority prevalent in society today, urging Christians to submit to Christ's command. Ultimately, the message is a call to acknowledge and live under the Lordship of Jesus for spiritual victory.
The Redemptive Processes - the Church
By G. Campbell Morgan0The Church's RoleKingdom Of GodMAT 16:16MAT 18:1MAT 18:15MAT 20:24MAT 21:21MAT 21:43MAT 23:8MAT 26:29JHN 16:12ACT 1:6G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the relationship between the Church and the Kingdom of God, illustrating that the Church is not separate from the Kingdom but is its instrument on earth. He highlights Peter's confession of Christ as the foundation upon which the Church is built, asserting that the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Morgan also discusses the Church's moral authority and spiritual power, which are essential for fulfilling its Kingdom responsibilities. He stresses the importance of humility and service within the Church, contrasting it with worldly authority. Ultimately, the Church is called to manifest the Kingdom of God through its actions and teachings, as it carries the responsibility of proclaiming the Gospel to all nations.
The Transition
By T. Austin-Sparks0Salvation of the SoulTransition from Temporal to SpiritualISA 55:8MAT 21:43LUK 22:32ACT 1:6HEB 4:121PE 1:51PE 2:51PE 5:8T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significant transition represented by Peter, who serves as a link between the old Israel and the new spiritual Israel. He highlights that this transition involves moving from a temporal understanding of God's kingdom to a spiritual one, where believers must embody the truths of this new Israel. Peter's experiences and teachings illustrate the challenges of accepting this spiritual reality, especially in the face of trials that test our faith and selfhood. The sermon underscores that the ultimate goal of these trials is the salvation of our souls, which is a profound and ongoing battle within us. Sparks encourages believers to recognize the importance of this transition and to remain vigilant against the temptations of self-sufficiency.
The Significance of the Person and Ministry of the Apostle Peter
By T. Austin-Sparks0The New IsraelIdentity in ChristISA 53:1MAT 21:43JHN 4:291CO 6:20GAL 6:16EPH 1:41PE 1:11PE 2:91PE 5:8T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the Apostle Peter's ministry, highlighting how Peter transitioned from a prominent disciple to a foundational leader of the new spiritual Israel. He notes that while Peter's life is less documented compared to Paul, his letters reveal a deep understanding of Jesus' teachings and the establishment of a holy nation. Sparks points out that Peter's experiences, including his failures and restoration, shaped his insights into God's mercy and the inheritance of believers. The sermon encourages Christians to recognize their identity as part of this new Israel, inheriting the promises of God through Christ. Ultimately, it calls for a deeper internalization of the teachings of Jesus, as exemplified in Peter's life.
The Return of Grace
By T. Austin-Sparks0GraceTransformationMAT 21:43LUK 22:32EPH 1:71PE 1:21PE 2:41PE 2:191PE 3:71PE 4:101PE 5:102PE 3:18T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the transition from the old Israel to the new Israel, as declared by Jesus, highlighting how the Kingdom of God has shifted to a new nation that produces spiritual fruits. He illustrates this change through the life of Peter, who embodies the transformation necessary to embrace this new spiritual identity. The sermon focuses on the concept of grace, particularly how believers are called to reflect the grace they have received from God in their interactions with others, especially during trials and suffering. Sparks encourages the congregation to understand that true grace is demonstrated through patience and humility in the face of adversity. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding and application of grace in the lives of believers as they navigate their spiritual journey.
His Life, His Work, His Glory
By Richard E. Bieber0MAT 7:16MAT 13:21MAT 21:43JHN 14:21EPH 4:1Richard E. Bieber preaches about the importance of bearing good fruits as evidence of receiving the gift of salvation from God. He emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is within us and expects us to produce proper fruits. The new life in Christ requires diligence and obedience to God's standard, which is exemplified by Jesus. Believers are encouraged to be diligent workers in God's Vineyard, finishing what they start and enjoying God's Sabbath Rest along the way.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God--God's visible Kingdom, or Church, upon earth, which up to this time stood in the seed of Abraham. shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof--that is, the great evangelical community of the faithful, which, after the extrusion of the Jewish nation, would consist chiefly of Gentiles, until "all Israel should be saved" (Rom 11:25-26). This vastly important statement is given by Matthew only.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore I say unto you,.... This is the application of the parable; and the words are directed to the chief priests, elders, scribes, and people of the Jews; and are delivered as what would be in consequence of the builders, rejecting the Messiah, the foundation and corner stone of the building, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you: by which is meant, not their political estate, their civil government, which was of God, and in a short time was to depart from them, according to ancient prophecy, and which is come to pass, as the event shows; nor their legal national church state and ordinances only, or the priesthood, and the appendages of it; all which, in a little while, were shaken and removed; but the Gospel, which had been preached among them by John the Baptist, Christ, and his apostles; so called because it treats of the kingdom of God, and things pertaining to it, and shows men both their right and meetness for it; the one as in the righteousness of Christ, and the other in the regenerating and sanctifying grace of the Spirit, which Gospel may be taken away from a people, as from the Jews, because of their contempt of it, and opposition to it, or lukewarmness and indifference about it, or unfruitfulness under it; and when God has no more souls to gather in by it in such a place, and which is a very unhappy case, whenever it is the case of any people: for when the Gospel is taken away, the riches of a people are gone; the glory of a nation is departed; the light of it is put out; the spiritual bread of a people is no more; the means of conversion and spiritual knowledge cease: all which have a melancholy aspect on posterity. Moreover, the Gospel church state, which was set up in Judea, may be here meant; which, though it continued and flourished a while, in process of time was to be removed: and which may be done elsewhere, as it has been in Judea, by God's suffering persecution to arise, as he did against the church of Jerusalem, whereby the ministers of the Gospel are driven into corners, or scattered abroad; or by ordering his ministers to preach no more unto such a people, as the apostles were ordered to turn from the Jews to the Gentiles; or by taking away ministers and members of churches by death, and not raising up others in their room; or by withholding a blessing from the word; or by permitting the growth of errors and heresies, which, in course of time, must issue in the dissolution of the church state in such a place, and which necessarily follows upon the removing of the Gospel: and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. Though God may take away the Gospel from a people, as he did from the Jews; yet he does not, nor will he, as yet, take it out of the world: he gives it to another "nation"; to the Gentiles, to all the nations of the world, whither he sent his apostles to preach and where it must be preached before the end of the world comes, in order to gather his elect out of them: for not one particular nation is meant, unless the nation of God's elect, among all nations, can be thought to be designed. It may be observed, that the Gospel, wherever it comes, it comes as a gift; it is "given": to have it only in the external ministration of it, is a favour; and more especially to understand it spiritually; this is an unmerited gift; as is also ability to preach it: and it is likewise a national mercy wherever it comes; for though it comes in power only to a few in a nation, yet it is more or less a blessing to the whole: nor is it easy to say what temporal advantages a nation enjoys through the ministration of the Gospel in it: and where it is given, and comes in power, it brings forth fruit, as it did in all the world of the Gentiles; even the fruits of grace, and righteousness, and every good work; all which come from Christ, under the influence of his Spirit, and by the word and ordinances, as means, and highly become the Gospel, and the professors of it; and for want of which it is removed sometimes from one nation to another: for this cause it was taken from the Jews, and given to the Gentiles. One of the Jewish commentators (d) on these words, in Jer 13:17 "my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride", has this note, "because of your grandeur, which shall cease; because of the excellency of "the kingdom of heaven", , "which shall be given to the profane"; i.e. the nations of the world, (d) Jarchi in Jer. xiii. 17.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:43 taken away from you: Either the privilege of being God’s chosen nation no longer belonged to the Jews, or the religious leaders had lost the privilege of being leaders of God’s people (see Rom 9–11). • The Christian community is a nation that will produce the proper fruit—that is, a life of trust and obedience that demonstrates the inauguration of the Kingdom (see Matt 3:8; 7:15-20; 12:33; 13:8, 26).