Matthew 21:28-46
Today's Passage: Matthew 21:28-46
43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.
In many ways, this verse is the crux of the message Jesus is teaching in Matthew 21:28-46.
The Parable of the Tenants (verses 33-46) is all about how God sent prophet after prophet to Israel, preaching the kingdom of God and repentance of sin, but that Israel continuously chose their own way and did what was right in their own eyes (see the majority of the Old Testament).
What would have been shocking to the original audience is that the kingdom was now being expanded to more than just Israel, but to all who would bear spiritual fruit.
The Parable of the Two Sons (verses 28-32) gives context to why the exclusivity of the kingdom would be taken away from the Israelites. Instead of righteousness based on family of origin, righteousness is actually from the heart, which is proven by your actions, not just your words.
This has been a consistent teaching of Jesus:
What does the fruit in your life indicate about your heart? Not your knowledge. Not your aspirations. Your fruit—how your knowledge and desires are affecting your actual life.
Join me in praying that God would help us bear real, genuine, abundant spiritual fruit.
Written By: Graham Withers
43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.
In many ways, this verse is the crux of the message Jesus is teaching in Matthew 21:28-46.
The Parable of the Tenants (verses 33-46) is all about how God sent prophet after prophet to Israel, preaching the kingdom of God and repentance of sin, but that Israel continuously chose their own way and did what was right in their own eyes (see the majority of the Old Testament).
What would have been shocking to the original audience is that the kingdom was now being expanded to more than just Israel, but to all who would bear spiritual fruit.
The Parable of the Two Sons (verses 28-32) gives context to why the exclusivity of the kingdom would be taken away from the Israelites. Instead of righteousness based on family of origin, righteousness is actually from the heart, which is proven by your actions, not just your words.
This has been a consistent teaching of Jesus:
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. Matthew 7:15-20
What does the fruit in your life indicate about your heart? Not your knowledge. Not your aspirations. Your fruit—how your knowledge and desires are affecting your actual life.
Join me in praying that God would help us bear real, genuine, abundant spiritual fruit.
Written By: Graham Withers
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