Rejecting the Cornerstone
📖 Matthew 21:33–46
“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone…” — Matthew 21:42
In this Parable of the Wicked Tenants devotional, Jesus delivers a powerful message about rejection, responsibility, and God’s relentless pursuit of fruitfulness in His people.
Jesus tells the story of a landowner who plants a vineyard, puts everything in place for it to thrive, and rents it to tenants. When the time comes to collect the fruit, the tenants beat, stone, and kill the landowner’s servants. Finally, the landowner sends his son—surely they will respect him. But the tenants kill him too, hoping to seize the inheritance.
Jesus ends the parable with a piercing question: “What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants?”
⚖️ A Parable of Justice and Rejection
The wicked tenants represent the religious leaders of Israel. God entrusted them with spiritual leadership, expecting fruit—justice, mercy, and righteousness. But they rejected the prophets. They silenced truth-tellers. And now, they were plotting to kill God’s own Son.
Jesus was that Son. The One sent last. The One they would soon crucify.
But God’s plan would not be thwarted. The rejected stone would become the cornerstone—the foundation of a new covenant, a new people, a redeemed future.
🍷 What Does God Expect from Us?
God is the owner of the vineyard. We are the tenants. Everything we have—our lives, our time, our influence—is on loan from Him. And He expects fruit.
Just like the vineyard in the parable, God has provided all we need: His Word, His Spirit, and His grace. But are we bearing the kind of fruit that honors Him?
Fruitfulness isn’t about productivity—it’s about faithfulness. Love. Holiness. Integrity. Sacrifice. Obedience.
🚫 Are We Resisting His Voice?
The parable reminds us that God sends messengers to us again and again. Through Scripture, sermons, conviction, and community, He calls us to return to Him.
But do we listen? Or do we silence the voice that challenges our comfort?
The religious leaders knew this parable was about them. And instead of repenting, they hardened their hearts further. It’s a sobering reminder that self-righteousness can blind us from grace.
✨ Light & Spirit Reflection – Parable of the Wicked Tenants
Spend time reflecting today:
- Am I rejecting God’s voice in any area of my life?
- What kind of fruit am I producing with what God has entrusted to me?
- How do I respond when truth confronts me—do I submit or resist?
🙏 A Simple Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for Your patience and mercy, even when I’ve resisted Your call.
I don’t want to be like the tenants who rejected Your Word and Your Son.
Help me to bear good fruit that reflects Your heart.
Make Jesus the cornerstone of everything I build.
In His name I pray, Amen.
God is not looking for perfect tenants—He’s looking for faithful ones.
May we honor Him with lives that produce lasting fruit.