What More Could He Do? Matthew 21:33-39, Parable of the Wicked Tenants

Text: Matthew 21:33–39; Isaiah 5:4

Have you ever given your very best to someone, only to be met with rejection? Perhaps as a parent, a friend, or a mentor, you poured out love, care, and effort, only to have it disregarded. In today's message, we see this reality not only in human relationships but also in God's dealings with His people.

I. The Vineyard of the Lord (Isaiah 5:1–4)
Isaiah describes Israel as God’s vineyard. He prepared everything for its flourishing:

• He planted it with choice vines.
• He protected it with a hedge.
• He provided all it needed to bear good fruit.

Yet, despite all this, the vineyard produced wild grapes—fruit of disobedience and injustice. In verse 4, God asks, “What more could have been done to My vineyard that I have not done in it?”

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21:33–39)
Jesus expands on this imagery in His parable. A landowner (God) plants a vineyard, leases it to tenants (Israel’s leaders), and expects fruit in due season. But when He sends His servants (prophets), they are beaten and killed. Finally, He sends His Son, thinking they will respect Him. Instead, they cast Him out and kill Him.

This parable is a striking response to Isaiah 5:4. What more could God do? He sent prophet after prophet, warning, calling, pleading. And ultimately, He sent His Son.

The Greatest Gift Rejected
This parable foreshadows Christ’s rejection. Though He came in love, He was despised and crucified. Yet, even in rejection, God’s purpose was not defeated. Christ became the chief cornerstone (Matthew 21:42), the foundation of salvation.

What more could God do? He has done it all—He has given us creation, His Word, His prophets, and ultimately, His Son. Yet, the question now turns to us: How will we respond? Will we, like the wicked tenants, reject Him? Or will we surrender our lives to the rightful Owner of the vineyard?

May we give Him the fruit of faith, love, and obedience, for He has done everything to bring us to Himself.

Amen.

More: Lesson 11 What More Could I Have Done?