When redemption does not mean Redemption

Matthew 21:33-46 is an interesting passage. To fully grasp the impact of this passage we have to take this all the way back to Exodus 12.

After being held captive under Pharaoh for many years, God rescued the people of Israel from under his cruel leadership. God sent plagues, harden hearts, and made a sea part to accomplish His plan and purpose to redeem Israel. Moses (the first choir director) sang a song of rejoicing in Exodus 15. Exodus 15:13, “You have led in your steadfast love the people who you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode” (ESV).

The question is redeemed from what? They were redeemed from slavery, slavery from Pharaoh NOT sin. One cannot read this passage and draw the conclusion that Israel was spiritually redeemed (which would mean every single person in that nation had their sins forgiven and was born again).

Now, that brings me to Matthew 21:33-46. Here is a breakdown of the parable.

The master in this parable is God.

The tenants are the nation of Israel (including the chief priests and Pharisees).  

The servants are the Old Testament Prophets.

The heir is Jesus.

God redeemed (physical picture of our spiritual redemption) the nation of Israel. They had the covenants and all the special privileges. Our Messiah came from the seed of this nation. The physical redemption of Israel was and is very important.

Jesus is telling them, through this parable, the reality they are facing. In fact, in verse 41, is the answer to their own reality, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death”. Jesus reveals something that the Apostle Paul later calls a mystery. God will “let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give Him the fruits in their season.”  

The other tenants are the gentiles. This is a foreshadowing of Acts. Jesus comes to earth, and what did His people do, they killed Him. Just like they killed the other prophets. Why? They were not really God’s redeemed people. After Jesus death, resurrection and ascension the Gospel goes to the world. Here, along with believing Jews, the church is formed. The Church is the true redeemed people of God, which are mostly gentile believers.

Matthew 21:43-44 is a summary and interpretation of the parable. Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away for you and giving to a people producing its fruits”. The real people of God (the church) produce fruit. Fruit is evidence that you are part of God’s Kingdom. Without fruit (having a new heart or being born again) you will not inherit the kingdom of God. Israel, as a whole, did not produce fruit.

The physical redemption of the nation of Israel did not produce real, authentic faith. It was only a temporary picture of the true people of God, the Church. Also, the nation of Israel was not “Carnal”. There are some that would say the nation of Israel had faith to follow Moses out of Egypt but did not submit to God’s law, thus making them carnal. That is just not true and cannot be proven in Scripture.  

Why does this matter? I am a 30 something guy living in Eastern North Carolina, who like tailgates and BBQ. My family tree traces back to England. How does this impact my life?

1.       There are 39 books in our Bible about the nation of Israel in some way (Old Testament). If you include the four Gospels that is 43. All of Scripture is inspired by God, including the Old Testament.  How we read it, interpret it, is important.

2.       This should cause you to reflect on your own salvation. Believers are saved, not from Pharaoh, but from the slavery to sin. The fulfillment  is found in 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light”. Believers have their sins forgiven AND the Holy Spirit. We have new life.

3.        It should cause you to be humble. Very humble. Just as the nation of Israel had no part in their redemption, neither did we. Prideful people bring a resume to Jesus, humble people bring nothing. True Believers know they bring nothing to the game. Jesus did it all.

4.       It should cause us to sing praises. After crossing the red sea, Israel sang praises. When a redeemed heart understands what has happened in their life – it sings. It may not be out loud with music, it may be in silence. But the heart sings (Ephesians 5:19). When worship music is played at our church, sometimes I don’t sing, I reflect on the words and what Christ has done for me, allowing my heart to sing.