The Parable of the Tenants: A Vineyard's Fate

This parable speaks of a landowner who entrusts his vineyard to tenants, only to face rejection and violence.

The Parable of the Tenants: A Vineyard's Fate

Matthew 21:33-46/ KJV

33. Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:
34. And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.
35. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
36. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.
37. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
38. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
39. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.
40. When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?
41. They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
42. Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
43. Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
44. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
45. And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
46. But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

Sermons Related to this Bible Chapter - The Parable of the Tenants: A Vineyard's Fate

Parables #11: Too late for regrets : God emphasizes to you the urgency of abandoning yourself to Him. He gives you obvious examples of His action but you snub him. Be careful, either you could regret it but too late, or your attitude will send you into a worrying spiral against faith. Meanwhile, it's not those we think of who happily take hold of God's promises

General themes for this chapter of the Bible: Triumphal Entry; Cleansing the Temple; Fig Tree withers

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The night sky is filled with stars as a lone figure, possibly one of the landowner's messengers, cautiously approaches the vineyard. The darkness creates an atmosphere of apprehension and risk. This symbolizes the vulnerability of those sent to collect the produce. The lone figure approaching the vineyard in darkness reflects the danger faced by the landowner's messengers.

A field of ripe grapes, heavy on the vine, juxtaposed against a backdrop of barren, neglected land, showing the contrast between potential and reality. The image should be detailed enough to showcase the quality of the fruit, hinting at the abundance that was wasted. This image uses contrast to symbolize the lost potential of the vineyard, a central theme of the parable.

A vineyard in full bloom, its abundance ready for harvest, but with a clear sense of impending doom. This can be represented by dark, ominous clouds gathering in the sky or other symbolic elements representing the judgment to come. The juxtaposition of abundance and impending doom visually represents the final judgment on the tenants.

A macro close-up of a weathered, gnarled vine, its leaves bruised and torn, symbolizing the neglected vineyard. A single, perfectly ripe grape hangs precariously, representing the potential lost to violence and neglect. The background hints at a distant, imposing landowner's estate. This macro shot focuses on the physical deterioration of the vineyard, reflecting the tenants' neglect as described in Matthew 21:33-46.

A macro close-up of a farmer's calloused hands, one gripping a stone, the other a torn-up vineyard contract. The hands are stained with earth and wine, symbolizing the labor and violence associated with the parable. The background should be blurred, but show signs of a vineyard in disrepair. The worn hands and contract emphasize the labor and violence, key elements of the parable's narrative.

Bright morning sunlight bathes a lush, vibrant vineyard in golden light. However, in the foreground, a single, withered vine contrasts sharply with its surroundings, symbolizing the rejected vineyard of the parable. In the distance, a dark silhouette suggests the wrath to come. The contrast between the thriving vineyard and the single withered vine symbolizes the potential squandered by the tenants.

Orange and yellow sunlight illuminates a thriving vineyard at dawn. A single path winds through the rows of vines, leading towards a distant, ominous-looking structure representing the landowner's house. The scene symbolizes the opportunity presented to the tenants but ultimately squandered. The path leading to the landowner's house illustrates the opportunity given and the tenants’ rejection of it.

The setting sun casts long shadows across a neglected vineyard at twilight. Withered vines and untended ground are dominant, reflecting the tenant's negligence. In the distance, a storm gathers, hinting at the impending judgment. The neglected vineyard and the gathering storm visually represent the consequences of the tenants' actions.

An evening scene with a vineyard under a blood-red sunset, suggesting the violence inflicted upon the messengers. The vines themselves seem almost to writhe in pain, further emphasizing the cruelty. The silhouette of a distant town is barely visible, implying a wider context of injustice. The blood-red sunset and writhing vines emphasize the violence against the messengers, a crucial detail of the parable.

A group of farmers, faces grim and determined, discuss in hushed tones near a neglected vineyard at daybreak. Their clothing should be simple, yet sturdy. This shows the tenant's initial agreement and subsequent defiance. The morning scene depicts the tenants' initial agreement and their subsequent disobedience and violence.

A group of weary vineyard workers, their faces etched with exhaustion and despair, return home as the sun sets. Their tools are worn and broken, symbolizing the difficult labor and lack of reward. This illustrates the tenants' actions against the owner’s messengers. The weary workers represent the difficult labor and the lack of reward, highlighting the tenants' injustice.

Night falls over a desolate vineyard. The moon casts long, eerie shadows, highlighting the vineyard's neglect and the impending consequences. This evokes the somber tone and sense of impending doom associated with the story. The desolate vineyard at night creates a mood of foreboding, emphasizing the impending judgment described in the parable.

overlayed with the bible verse 33. Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:

NOTE: The images reflect the following descriptions related to the theme : The Parable of the Tenants: A Vineyard's Fate

A macro close-up of a weathered, gnarled vine, its leaves bruised and torn, symbolizing the neglected vineyard. A single, perfectly ripe grape hangs precariously, representing the potential lost to violence and neglect. The background hints at a distant, imposing landowner's estate.
A macro close-up of a farmer's calloused hands, one gripping a stone, the other a torn-up vineyard contract. The hands are stained with earth and wine, symbolizing the labor and violence associated with the parable. The background should be blurred, but show signs of a vineyard in disrepair.
Bright morning sunlight bathes a lush, vibrant vineyard in golden light. However, in the foreground, a single, withered vine contrasts sharply with its surroundings, symbolizing the rejected vineyard of the parable. In the distance, a dark silhouette suggests the wrath to come.
Orange and yellow sunlight illuminates a thriving vineyard at dawn. A single path winds through the rows of vines, leading towards a distant, ominous-looking structure representing the landowner's house. The scene symbolizes the opportunity presented to the tenants but ultimately squandered.
The setting sun casts long shadows across a neglected vineyard at twilight. Withered vines and untended ground are dominant, reflecting the tenant's negligence. In the distance, a storm gathers, hinting at the impending judgment.
An evening scene with a vineyard under a blood-red sunset, suggesting the violence inflicted upon the messengers. The vines themselves seem almost to writhe in pain, further emphasizing the cruelty. The silhouette of a distant town is barely visible, implying a wider context of injustice.
A group of farmers, faces grim and determined, discuss in hushed tones near a neglected vineyard at daybreak. Their clothing should be simple, yet sturdy. This shows the tenant's initial agreement and subsequent defiance.
A group of weary vineyard workers, their faces etched with exhaustion and despair, return home as the sun sets. Their tools are worn and broken, symbolizing the difficult labor and lack of reward. This illustrates the tenants' actions against the owner’s messengers.
Night falls over a desolate vineyard. The moon casts long, eerie shadows, highlighting the vineyard's neglect and the impending consequences. This evokes the somber tone and sense of impending doom associated with the story.
The night sky is filled with stars as a lone figure, possibly one of the landowner's messengers, cautiously approaches the vineyard. The darkness creates an atmosphere of apprehension and risk. This symbolizes the vulnerability of those sent to collect the produce.
A field of ripe grapes, heavy on the vine, juxtaposed against a backdrop of barren, neglected land, showing the contrast between potential and reality. The image should be detailed enough to showcase the quality of the fruit, hinting at the abundance that was wasted.
A vineyard in full bloom, its abundance ready for harvest, but with a clear sense of impending doom. This can be represented by dark, ominous clouds gathering in the sky or other symbolic elements representing the judgment to come.

A link to this resource is much appreciated to let others know about this free christian resource. The AB Church in LAusanne-Renens is happy to make the image collection available for free.

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The Parable of the Tenants: A Vineyard's Fate