biblestudy: Matthew (Part 20)
Matthew 21 Parable of the wicked vinedressers/ Wedding Feast/ Rendering unto Caesar/ Resurrection
John W. Ritenbaugh
Given 11-Aug-82; Sermon #BS-MA20; 85 minutes
Description: (hide)
In this twentieth installment expounding the book of Matthew, John Ritenbaugh focuses upon the parable of the wicked vinedressers, or husbandmen (religious leaders of Jerusalem), who had the responsibility to carry out His work at cultivating and bringing forth fruit. God Almighty as owner of the vineyard gives a great deal of latitude in the way the work is done. With this free moral agency comes of responsibility of bringing forth fruit; we will reap what we sow. When the task of bearing and reaping fruit is not completed, God gives the responsibility to someone else. God always gives us adequate tools to get the job done. As He steps back to see what we do, God encourages us to exercise our minds and talents to solve problems, maturing as future kings and priests. The parable of the wedding feast illustrates the perils of rejecting God’s calling, allowing the cares of the world to crowd out the more important spiritual responsibilities, and getting our priorities backward. Without abiding in the vine and walking by faith, we can do absolutely nothing. The focus of this parable indicates a need to be prepared at all times, wearing the proper clothing (righteous behavior), and having a respect for God’s calling and other human beings. As Ambassadors of the Kingdom of God we have to be subject to the laws of the land in which we have been placed, as long as they are in sync with God’s Laws.[NB: This series of Bible Studies from 1981-82 is incomplete.]
Topics: (show)
Abiding in the vine Allegory Cares of this world Clothing symbolism Free moral agency Herodians Latitude Leverite marriage Marriage Supper of the Lamb Parable Pharisees Rejecting the Stone Responsibility Sadducees Sharecropper Taxes Temple tax Vinedressers Walk by faith Wedding customs Wedding Feast
|
(To download, right-click on the icon for the format of your choice and select "Save target as...") |
The transcript for this audio message is not available yet.
If you would like to be notified when this transcript is available, please enter your email address in the space below and click the button.